Adventure Tourism Diploma

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Adventure Tourism Diploma

The Adventure Tourism Diploma prepares students for careers in Adventure Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism sectors. The Adventure Tourism Program at Canadian Tourism College is 17 weeks in length and comprised of 535 hours of training time. Adventure tourism students can expect 4 hours of homework per week. Courses in the Adventure Tourism Diploma Program include:

• Starting and Operating Tourism Businesses
• Leading Wilderness Trips
• Ocean Kayaking
• Avalanche Awareness
• River Rafting
• Natural History & Wilderness Environments
• Heritage Interpreter
• Advanced Wilderness First Aid
• Marine Radio Operator License

The following sections describe the academic, equipment and course requirements for the Adventure Tourism Diploma at Canadian Tourism College.

Required Textbooks

All required textbooks and written materials are included in this program. Students may be required to purchase extra logbooks at approximately $6 CDN each, although the first logbook is provided.

Equipment

The Adventure Tourism Diploma Program is designed to allow students to acquire the necessary equipment during different stages of the courses. It is not necessary to possess all of the equipment at the onset of the program, however, students must have the means to make acquisitions as the program progresses.

The following equipment is required for the beginning of the Adventure Tourism Diploma program. It can be acquired during the first 3 weeks of the program.

• A 1-litre, wide mouth, well sealing, water bottle
• 1 Pocket-knife
• Headlamp and spare batteries (flashlight acceptable)
• Compass (sighting mirror optional)
• Sunglasses with good UV protection
• Watch
• 2 quick dry underwear (tops and bottoms)
• A logbook
• 2 heavy fleece (not sweatshirts)
• 2 pairs long pants - 1 nylon and 1 fleece (no cotton or denim)
• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Sunhat with visor
• Fleece gloves or mittens, hat and neck tube (scarf)
• Hiking boots (sturdy, with ankle support)
• Lightweight shoes, runners
• 2 pair synthetic socks (no cotton)
• Down jacket

Required - optional ownership - Equipment

This equipment is needed for certain sections of the program and can be alternatively rented or borrowed as needed.

• Backpack - 60 to 80 litres
• Sleeping bag - mummy style - good to -15c
• Sleeping pad - closed foam or ThermoRest
• Single burner gas stove - white gas is best
• Fuel bottles - 1x1 litres
• Lightweight, backpack style cookware
• Winter camp booties (down or synthetic)
• Wet suit - farmer john/jane style
• Rain hat (wide brim style recommended)

Admission Requirements

1. Grade 12 diploma from a Canadian High School or an equivalent level institution worldwide
2. Successful completion of the Government Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D)
3. Or application as a mature student (over 19 years of age) and successful completion of the Canadian Tourism College Entrance Exam (with a passing grade of 65%)

Depending on the program, applicants must also achieve:

• TOEFL score computer based - 163
• TOEFL Internet based - 57
• IBT TOEIC Test - 720
• Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
• Successful completion of grade 12 English from a Canadian High School or Community College
• Successful completion of the CTC English Assessment with a passing grade of 65%
• Successful completion of ESL from a recognized English Language School

Additional Materials

Students will require regular scholastic materials including a calculator, pens, pencils, and notebooks. An email address is required for this program.

Delivery Methods

The Adventure Program is delivered on site at the Canadian Tourism College Campus. This course frequently participate in one day field trips and includes one 8 day field trip.

Instructional Methods

The following instructional methods are used in varying proportions during the course:

• Group work
• Lecture
• Presentations
• Homework
• Self-directed research
• Workshops
• Role Playing

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the Adventure Tourism Diploma students will be able to:

• Plan, organize and facilitate ocean kayaking expeditions and trips
• Interpret wilderness and historical information and features in an educational and interesting manner
• Understand, identify and relate wilderness environments to outdoor activities and use
• Assess and implement strategies to reduce and examine inherent physical risks
• Create and examine new business opportunities
• Manage and evaluate business operations as they pertain to tourism operations
• Identify and categorize flora and fauna for the purposes of relating information
• Understand, examine and assess river-based activities in terms of guest experiences and difficulties
• Indentify, and interpret avalanche information as it pertains to back country travel
• Assume the role of first aid attendant in a wilderness setting
• Indentify and evaluate new trends and products in the Adventure Tourism industry

Student Progress / Assessment

Assessment and progress is measured using the following:

• Presentations
• Practical Exams
• Written Exams
• Projects

An overall average of 70% must be maintained to successfully complete the program.

Attendance

Students are expected to maintain regular and full time attendance.

Dress Expectations

Students are encouraged to maintain casual business attire suitable for the adventure tourism industry. During field trips, students are expected to maintain appropriate attire for the outdoor environments.