Tamara

I had been itching for a while to be able to do something with travel. After hearing my colleague’s enthusiastic stories about this course, I decided to take the plunge. And what a good decision it was!

In August, I had my intake interview with Emile. After my intake, I went home full of energy awaiting word. I was soon told that I had been admitted to the programme. I would start in October, in Zwolle. I was really looking forward to it. And now, in retrospect, I can say, I was looking forward to going to school every time!

The teachers who provide the lessons are expertly very strong. They treat the subject matter with enthusiasm and incorporate their own experiences. They are passionate teachers who share their knowledge with you. This makes the lessons very instructive, but above all very enjoyable. The teaching days flew by.

What also made the lessons so fun was that the assignments you had prepared at home were covered in class. We practised the assignments in practice and practice involves guests. So, the teacher then took on the role of a guest and we students did the same. Sometimes we sat in an imaginary bus presenting our welcome talk, sometimes we went on a field trip. This was incredibly instructive, but occasionally hilarious. We were with a group of 7 trainees, all with the same dream. Because you are always practising on and with each other, providing each other with feedback, you become a close-knit group in a short time.

During the two training days you prepare with the group, you are introduced to all facets of the profession. This time, we did have guests joining us on excursions, so you are really the tour guide yourself. These have been two instructive and enjoyable days.

On 15 January, I successfully passed my exam. I can now call myself an ANVR-certified tour guide! With my diploma in my pocket, I started writing and within a month I already had a job for next summer! IVOR shares a lot of vacancies with course participants, even during the training. You get tips on writing your CV and cover letter, and if you want, you can also have them both checked.

I am extremely happy that I chose to do this training at IVOR. I feel well-prepared for the profession, I have learned a lot, I have made nice contacts from the course and I also got a job very quickly!

Tamara

IVOR comment: Tamara is an ANVR certified tour manager