SA field guide training an ideal fit for international students

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Field guide training, which has become a forerunner in the tourism industry job market is one such programme which exposes students to the wild and enables them to learn about guide principles, animal behaviour, biomes, climate, as well as hospitality in the game lodge industry. Bushwise Recruitment, a post-matric training academy provides students with the opportunity to explore the best that South Africa has to offer.

Academy founder, Sophie Niemann says it's their international student in-take that has remained steady since 2012 – and through its vast industry network, assists with securing employment for its graduates at some of the country’s most prestigious lodges.

"The fact that students from outside SA are coming here to further their education in this niche industry is wonderful. It bodes so well for tourism in our country and places South Africa on an international stage. Further, it demonstrates that Bushwise is recognised as leaders in this industry as well," says Niemann.

Developing SA ambassadors

Although securing employment for South African students remain the academy’s first priority, Niemann says international graduates make an equally positive contribution to the industry outside of the country, despite not being employed here. "The knowledge that international student’s gain during the programme develops them into South African ambassadors who would easily be able to articulate the beauty of our natural resources and the enriching experiences tourists can have here. It’s also the stepping stone for their careers in international conservation."

Niemann adds that many of Bushwise’s international students also go back home and engage in public discussions on their experiences in South Africa and the value of studying towards this qualification in a country well-known around the world for its wildlife.

"The fact that we have these men and women from all over the world are coming here for a purpose, achieving that and going back home and promoting not only the programme but the country as a whole is wonderful, and continues to build SA’s reputation globally, which is exactly what we need as a nation needs."