The Award in Spanish Language for Tour Guiding program at the Institute of Tourism Studies equips students with advanced Spanish language skills, intercultural competencies, and knowledge of Maltese history and culture. Graduates are prepared for careers as tour guides, language instructors, or tourism industry professionals, with the ability to effectively communicate with tourists and present historical and cultural information in Spanish.

Award in Spanish Language for Tour Guiding

Degree Overview:

Main Aims:

• Develop advanced skills in the target language (Spanish).
• Enhance intercultural competencies.
• Equip students to deliver historical and cultural information about specific sites in Malta and other aspects of Maltese life.
• Enable students to have advanced conversations in Spanish with tourists.
• Provide training in using proper tenses, suitable vocabulary, grammatical structures, and pronunciation when discussing Maltese sites.

Objectives:

• Prepare students for the role of tour guide in Malta.
• Equip students with the necessary language skills and knowledge to effectively communicate with tourists in Spanish.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of Maltese history, culture, and tourist attractions.

Program Description:

This program focuses on developing advanced Spanish language skills and cultural understanding. Students will gain expertise in Spanish grammar, technical vocabulary related to tourism, language functions, and Spanish culture. Pronunciation training is also included. Students will have the opportunity to deliver short presentations in Spanish on various sites.

Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Present historical and cultural information about specific sites in Malta and other aspects of Maltese life.
• Have advanced conversations in Spanish with tourists.
• Discuss the main sites in Malta using proper tenses, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
• Obtain the target language flag from the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).

Outline:

Course Content:

• Spanish grammar
• Technical vocabulary related to tourism
• Language functions
• Spanish culture
• Pronunciation training
• Presentations on various sites in Malta

Course Structure:

• Online learning format
• 12 ECTS credits

Course Schedule:

• Starts in the academic year 2023/24, commencing on October 2nd, 2023.

Individual Modules:

• HND5057S Spanish B2: This module focuses on developing advanced Spanish language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
• HND5071S FIELD VISITS - SPANISH: This module involves practical field visits to various tourist sites in Malta, allowing students to apply their language skills in real-world scenarios.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Continuous assessment throughout the course.
• Final exam.

Assessment Criteria:

• Accuracy and fluency in Spanish language skills.
• Knowledge of Spanish culture and tourist attractions in Malta.
• Ability to effectively communicate with tourists.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Online lectures and tutorials.
• Interactive exercises and activities.
• Guest lectures from industry professionals.
• Field visits to tourist sites in Malta.

Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified Spanish language instructors.
• Tourism industry professionals with expertise in Maltese history and culture.

Teaching Approach:

• Student-centered learning approach.
• Emphasis on active participation and practical application.
• Use of technology to enhance learning experience.

Careers:

Potential Career Opportunities:

• Tour guide in Malta
• Spanish language instructor
• Translator or interpreter
• Tourism industry professional

Career Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to pursue a career in the tourism industry. They will possess the necessary language skills and cultural knowledge to excel in roles such as tour guide, language instructor, or tourism industry professional.

Other:

Additional Information:

• Prior knowledge of Spanish is required.
• Minimum age requirement: 16 years.
• This course is currently offered free of charge.
For further information, contact ITS by email: info@its.edu.mt.
• The program is accredited by the MFHEA (Malta Further and Higher Education Authority).

Conclusion:

The Award in Spanish Language for Tour Guiding program at the Institute of Tourism Studies provides students with a comprehensive and practical education in Spanish language skills and Maltese culture. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about languages, tourism, and Maltese culture and who want to pursue a career as a tour guide or in the tourism industry.

Institute of Tourism Studies

Overview:

The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) is Malta's primary educational institution for hospitality and tourism. Established in 1987, ITS offers a comprehensive range of study programs from Foundation to Master's Degree level, providing students with both theoretical and practical education in specialized labs and kitchens.

Services Offered:

ITS offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Academic Programs:

Foundation to Master's Degree level programs in hospitality and tourism.

Practical Education:

Specialized labs and kitchens for hands-on learning.

Industry Partnerships:

Collaborations with top international universities, including the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

Further Training and Specializations:

Opportunities for students to pursue additional training and specialization.

Hands-on Experience:

Smaller class sizes for individual attention and practical learning.

Strong Industry Relationships:

Connections with industry leaders for internships and job opportunities.

Internationally Recognized Qualifications:

Programs leading to globally recognized qualifications.

Training Restaurants:

Practical experience in real-world settings.

Internships:

Opportunities to gain practical experience in the industry.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Key Reasons to Study There:

Hands-on Experience:

ITS emphasizes practical learning through specialized labs, kitchens, and training restaurants.

Individual Attention:

Smaller class sizes allow for personalized instruction and support.

High Employment Rates:

ITS graduates have high employment rates, even before graduation.

Strong Industry Relationships:

ITS has strong connections with industry leaders, providing students with internship and job opportunities.

Internationally Recognized Qualifications:

ITS offers programs leading to globally recognized qualifications, enhancing career prospects.

Education Beyond the Classroom:

ITS provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and training restaurants.

Academic Programs:

ITS offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Foundation Programs:

Provide a solid foundation in hospitality and tourism.

Bachelor's Degree Programs:

Offer specialized knowledge and skills in various areas of hospitality and tourism.

Master's Degree Programs:

Provide advanced knowledge and research skills in hospitality and tourism.

Other:

ITS also offers a Training School that provides industry-focused training programs for professionals already working in the tourism and hospitality sector. These programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of companies, ensuring that industry professionals can stay updated and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry. The Training School also offers a wide range of Scheduled Courses throughout the year, covering various fields within the tourism and hospitality industry.