Australia’s leading Asia travel specialist, Travel Indochina, is giving 12 Vietnamese university students from Ho Chi Minh city a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to learn vocational skills and receive practical training to become local tour guides, the ‘Travel Indochina way’.

Travel Indochina’s local guide coordinator in Vietnam, Mr Thai Hong Duc, has designed and implemented an intensive six month training program to provide the next generation of local guides in Vietnam the skills to be able to work across small group journeys and independent tours.

Completely sponsored by Travel Indochina, with no cost to the students or school, 12 students were selected to participate from a shortlist of 50 who demonstrated an interest in travel and tourism and were an appropriate fit with the company’s style of travel.

The three young men and nine young women selected have been spending every Sunday morning since December taking part in both theoretical and practical lessons, including understanding the role of a local guide, delivery techniques and communication skills.

The program coordinator, Mr Thai Hong Duc, says students have no prior training or experience as local guides, so the program provides them a useful understanding of what  being a tour guide with Travel Indochina is like, prior to undertaking the six month guide training required for government licensing.

“The most rewarding thing is being able to share our knowledge with future local guides,” says Mr Thai.

“Our classes are taught in English, and students learn to become not only professional and knowledgeable, but develop skills in problem solving and lateral thinking. They will experience real life situations with some of Travel Indochina’s top local guides, during practical lessons outside of the office.”
According to Travel Indochina Managing Director, Paul Hole, supporting the program is another small tenet in the company’s responsible tourism philosophy.

“We’re proud to be able to play a role in helping these students achieve their goals,” says Paul.

“While we would like to employ some of these students once they are fully licensed, our goal is primarily to help their personal development. We know the time they spend with our professional guides is exceptionally beneficial, and expands their understanding of the travel industry, guiding them in their career choices.”