The Institute of Tourism Studies launched today its new short courses, labelled collectively as Languages for the Tourism Industry. The event was held at the Institute's own Pembroke Suite Restaurant and was attended by various distinguished guests including Ambassadors, Tourism & Hospitality organisations as well as other stakeholders from the tourism industry and ITS lecturers.
This array of targeted language short courses now offered by the Institute of Tourism Studies, consolidate the list of education, technical and hands-on short courses that ITS offers as both evening classes or as tailored on-site training for businesses and industry workers. The new Languages for the Tourism Industry courses focus on linguistic needs for specific purposes and target the acquisition of the necessary terminological, interdisciplinary and intercultural skills needed for specific jobs, particularly within the tourism and hospitality industry, where language skills and the ability to communicate with customers and colleagues are a crucial part of the job in any role and, moreover, can make all the difference in delivering excellent and exceptional customer experiences.
Dr Mario Pace, language advisor to the ITS, argued that one of the main reasons why ITS decided to offer such courses is that unfortunately, the number of school leavers who have no accredited certification in foreign language skills is on the increase. This is very sad, even more so, in view of the fact that Malta's economy is dependent on human resources and foreign trade, driven by financial services and tourism. And foreign language skills are an integral component in the provision of a high standard of service in the tourism industry, with many researchers and educators highlighting the link between excellence in tourism services and excellent language skills.
Dr Pace also underlined the urgent need to diversify the local language training market with courses in foreign languages for specific purposes, such as these new courses now offered by the Institute of Tourism Studies. "The main challenge," Dr Pace said, "is to provide the learners with the necessary linguistic tools to be able to apply the concepts, interpret them, and above all communicate in the target language, not just with the particular jargon characteristic of that specific occupational context but also with the language of everyday informal talk, that allows them to communicate effectively with their clients regardless of the occupational context."
Martin Borg, the recently appointed Head of Academia at ITS, stated that the executive management team is working hard to achieve important quality standards in relation to education & training. In this context, the evaluation of demands and training needs, based on evidence-based methods, requires education & training institutions such as ITS to respond effectively. To this end, ITS deployed two targeted actions to improve the curriculum provision. Primarily foreign languages were introduced as part of full-time programmes at ITS. Additionally, short accredited courses, targeting the existing workforce were developed and are now being launched.
"Language programmes in Maltese & English for foreigners together with foreign languages (namely Italian, French, German & Spanish) have been specifically developed for workers in the tourism & hospitality sector. The programmes were developed on a competency based approach, with specific emphasis on speaking & communication skills. The modes of assessment for these customized awards will include role-play, presentations and portfolios. Ultimately this will lead to a better skilled workforce & improve the hospitality element that is fundamental for a thriving tourism sector," Mr Borg said.
Prospective candidates wishing to apply or learn more about the new Language Short Courses and/or other short courses at the Institute of Tourism Studies can contact the Institute's Registrar's Office on [email protected] or call on 2379 3233 (office hours).
The Institute is also offering courses to business and/or organisations that are tailored to their specific needs and requirements. More information on tailored short courses is available via email on [email protected]
The ITS Full-time, Part-time and Short courses' prospectus is available online at www.its.edu.mt