Students’ Experiences of the Tourism and Hospitality Industrial Attachment Programmes: Lessons from the University of Botswana

Abstract

Industrial Attachment Programmes have been perceived to be valuable in well-established business faculties in developed countries. However, this value has not been fully researched in developing countries. This study therefore aims to explore the benefits and enhancement features of the Tourism and Hospitality Industrial Attachment Programme at the University of Botswana, as perceived by students, from a developing country perspective. A qualitative case study approach was adopted to analyse 131 student reports that were purposefully selected. Content analysis, based on the researchers’ language and interpretive abilities was employed to draw insights from various sections of the reports.  Overall students perceived to have benefited from an accumulation of operational skills and knowledge in food preparation, food service and housekeeping. Key enhancement features as recommended by students were with the administration and organization of the Industrial Attachment Programme, especially the introduction of an internship plan.

Keywords: Industrial Attachment Programme, Benefits, Enhancement features, Tourism and Hospitality, University of Botswana