ASSESSING INTERNSHIP PRACTICES FOR TRAVEL AND TOURISM STUDENTS – CASE STUDY OF A TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN BOTSWANA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the relevance of internship for travel and tourism students at a technical college in Botswana. There is inadequate research assessing the relevance of internship, essentially for students enrolled in travel and tourism programmes. A qualitative approach was employed in this study in 2017. Kolb’s experiential learning theoretical framework was used to achieve the aims of this study. Participants in the study included nine travel and tourism students, ten internship host organizations, two internship coordinators and two curriculum development officers from the Department of Teacher Training and Technical Education. Participants were purposively selected. Thematic content analysis was employed. The results suggest that the internship programme undertaken by travel and tourism students at the technical college is irrelevant. The knowledge that the students acquire during classroom instruction does not match the expectation in travel and tourism industry. This research recommends that the curricula for travel and tourism programmes offered in institutions of higher learning be reviewed to ensure that students are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills for the travel and tourism industry and develop creative self-efficacy.