International Tourism Management

Jooan chose Linnaeus University mainly because she wanted to pursue tourism studies.

“I chose Linnaeus University for several reasons, mainly because it’s one of the best schools that offer tourism. When I checked the syllabus for International Tourism Management, I realized it is more than just a tourism and hospitality programme. It is more focused on the business side of tourism. I also reached out to them to ask my questions before applying and they were super responsive and friendly which I think is a plus. I wanted to move from Iran to Sweden, so the communication made me feel like I can get the support I need during my studies.” says Jooan.

The chance to experience the Swedish nature in a small city was enticing for Jooan.

“Besides having a strong Tourism Management programme, I also did my research and fell in love with Kalmar. It’s a cute sea side town with all its swedish glory. The weather is not harsh and you can get anywhere you want by bike. Being from a big city myself, I wanted to experience the small city life, and be able to get to places by bike, which is impossible to do in Tehran. The campus is also located by the sea in the heart of old town, even if you are in a bad mood or the weather is not at its best, a stroll towards school will cheer you up!” says Jooan. 

The programme challenges Jooan to perform better and participate in group projects.

“I love how each course is structured different than the next. I also love how we have to participate in group projects for each course, it’s a good push to be able to perform better in different settings and with different people, it’s also a great way to meet people and make friends.” Jooan continues. 

Jooan has always dreamed of running her own hotel as her dream job.

“I would like to land a job in tourism, but eventually my ultimate goal is to establish a little hotel somewhere off the grid, a hotel that is designed in minimal Scandinavian aesthetic, and I want to make the operation as sustainable as possible!” says Jooan.

Student life at Linnaeus University is a great experience for everyone.

“I am an older student in my mid 30’s so my experience is a little different than younger people. But I can say with utmost certainty that it has been very fulfilling. I have handled all the courses successfully. I have made friends from people who are 18 to 40 years old. I never for one second felt excluded or out of place. Linnaeus University is a place for everybody!” says Jooan. 

If you are interested in tourism management, this programme is for you.

“If you are interested in tourism, managing a property, designing a restaurant, managing events, or working on cruise ships, international tourism management is going to give you the skillset you need. International tourism management at Linnaeus University is much more than just hotels and managing spas. It’s a combination of business management and tourism.” Jooan concludes.

- What made me choose the International Tourism Programme were the many career opportunities you get and the fact that there is such breadth on the programme. We take courses in everything from tourism and business to brand management.

She likes the design of the programme as it provides an insight into a broad range of subjects that are important when you want to work with people. Especially within tourism.

- You acquire a lot of knowledge that I think will prove useful in the future.

Studies abroad, internship and eligible areas of specialization
In the future, Carla is thinking about studying one semester abroad, at one of Linnaeus University’s many partner universities, but she is also interested in applying for an internship.

- I would very much like to go to the UK for my final semester. However, I have also been thinking about applying for an internship abroad, instead of exchange studies. Linnaeus University has partner universities all over the world, which means that you can basically choose to go wherever you want.

Since the programme offers two different areas of specialization, tourism and cruise management, it is possible to obtain a double degree, which Carla is interested in doing.

- My goal is to obtain a double degree, since I’m interested in both subjects and would find it difficult to have to choose one.

Cozy streets, coffee shops, and the island of Öland just around the corner
Before Carla moved to Kalmar, she didn’t really know much about the city and her expectations were not that high, but she has grown fond of it.

- Kalmar is the coziest city I’ve ever lived in. There are so many nice streets and coffee shops. In summer, it’s incredibly beautiful and there are always fun things to do. The best part is that it’s so close to the sea and that you can go for a swim almost anywhere. An extra bonus is that the island of Öland is nearby if you are looking for more of an adventure.

Sebastian, where do you work?
I work at KILROY Sweden AB as Team Leader Individual Sales in Stockholm, with responsibility for our travel agency and study abroad department.

What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing, besides all wonderful colleagues in this line of business, is that I get the opportunity to lead driven people towards goals, increased knowledge, confidence and also guide them through work life and into the travel industry. I get to work freely and carry out my own projects, hold meetings, arrange sales courses, and coach sales associates at the individual level. The great areas of responsibility that I have make me feel that my job is an important and fun part of my life.

Being able to work in the travel industry was one of the major reasons that I chose to study the programme International Tourism Management in Kalmar, and now I feel convinced that I want to stay in and advance within this industry.

In what way has the tourism programme helped you in your career?
The programme I studied at Linnaeus University prepared me both mentally and practically for getting into the labour market and then, once inside, how to advance. I acquired the tools you need in order to be given greater responsibility, like demonstrating criticism of the sources, analysing skills, communication skills and, above all, being able to work in group.

I think I’ve always had the ‘leadership gene’ but it did become more evident during my studies as I acquired skills that I did not have before. One clear example is talking in front of larger groups of people. Before I started studying, I had given talks to a maximum of 30 people with whom I had gone to school with for several years. Now I give presentations to hundreds of potential customers, arrange training courses for 20–100 colleagues and feel great confidence when I talk to customers, regardless of whether they are happy or upset. In short, I would say that my three years as a student at Linnaeus University were the most fun I’ve had in my life so far, and I got the opportunity to mature and grow as a person.

You are currently doing an internship at Visit Sweden, can you tell us a bit more about that?
I saw the ad and sent an email to the country manager for Visit Sweden UK, told them a little bit about myself and attached my CV and a personal letter. After two Skype interviews and two phone calls I was informed that I had gotten the position!

I’ve always been very curious about working and living in London and I saw this as a great opportunity to gain more international experience and widen my circle of contacts. London is a fantastic city to live in; the list of things to do is endless, new restaurants to try, and new areas to discover. I really like it here in London and I recommend everyone to take the opportunity to spend a longer period of time in this city. My internship position is for six months; I came in August and will be here until mid-February.

So far in my internship, I’ve worked with the planning of a two-day workshop to increase collaboration between Swedish and British travel agencies. I’ve been responsible for the planning and implementation of the event and for meetings relating to the event, and been contact person for all participants and partners. I’ve taken part in several other projects as well, both PR, B2B, and marketing-related projects. It’s both fun and rewarding to get to be involved in all these different areas.

How come you chose the tourism programme? 
I’ve always been very interested in travelling, languages, and other cultures. And I figured that the tourism programme would give me the opportunity to get an education that makes it possible for me to work with this.

What do you think makes the programme stand out?
I’m most pleased about having had the opportunity to put together my own education, with a mix of tourism-related courses, business administration, and international business. This is also what I think makes the tourism programme stand out in relation to other programmes.

What I will bring with me from the tourism programme are all the experiences and opportunities that my studies have provided me with. Among other things, the opportunity to spend one semester in South Korea and then six months in London for the internship that I’m now doing. I’ve gotten to know so many lovely and inspiring people thanks to my studies at the School of Business and Economics at Linnaeus University, and this too, of course, is something that I bring with me and for which I’m very grateful.

When Matilda started looking for a programme to study, she had her mind set on finding a programme that would lead to a job with focus on people, where she would be able to work internationally and have good development opportunities.
“The programme is unique because it’s the only bachelor’s degree in tourism with so much focus on business. You also get the opportunity to study a number of courses that you can’t study on any other tourism programme in Sweden. The fact that the programme is of a high standard, which will give you good job opportunities after completing your degree, is, of course, also a big plus”.

Matilda was familiar with Kalmar even before she moved here, and she knew that she liked the city.
“One of the reasons for me ending up at Linnaeus University was the fact that I think Kalmar is a fantastic city. I love living in Kalmar, especially the closeness to the sea. It’s a small city, but it has everything; shopping, nightclubs, restaurants, and a wonderful sense of community among the students”.

So how do you like it now that you have started studying on the programme?
“I absolutely love it. I’m very happy with my teachers and with the syllabus, which is both interesting and varied. I learn so much. But above all, I love the fact that I can become engaged in all aspects of student life”.

Her passion for student life has resulted in her becoming engaged in both the academic world and in leisure activities.
“I’m a member of the programme council that deals with questions relating to the programme, which means that I can influence my programme. I’m also vice-chair of the student association Kalmar Ess where I get to do everything from having meetings with the dean and meeting chairmen from other student associations in Kalmar to organising lectures and dinner parties, visiting conferences, and organising coffee and tea for members. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know not only people from my own programme but from all programmes at the School of Business and Economics. What is more, next spring I’m going to Japan for a semester of exchange studies – looking forward to it incredibly much!”

The aim is to become managing director for a large hotel chain. She dreams of travelling, visiting inaugurations, and developing existing hotels.
“The main reason for me wanting to work with a large hotel chain is that I want to be able to influence an industry that does not slow down. The tourism industry is growing continuously, something that will not be sustainable if we continue like we do today. That’s why the large companies must step in and take responsibility. I want to work with social sustainability, economic sustainability, and ecological sustainability in all aspects of my future professional life”.