The Academy of Tourism is a private higher educational institution focused on training personnel for the tourism, hospitality, and service sectors. The educational model of the university has been developed with consideration of labor market needs and emphasizes practical training for students, their early involvement in professional activities, and active collaboration with employers. The Academy offers programs in various fields, including tourism, management, hospitality, international relations, and linguistics, which helps to form a comprehensive understanding of the industry. The rector of the Academy, Melis Chormonov, discussed key aspects of education, the importance of practice, and the prospects for the development of the educational institution in an interview with the publication VB.KG.
- What is the official name of your educational institution?
- Yes, that's correct, we are called the Academy of Tourism. This name emphasizes both the status of our educational institution and our specialization. We were established with a focus on training specialists for the tourism and related fields.
- Is the Academy a private university?
- Yes, we are a private higher educational institution. This format allows us to flexibly update educational programs and respond quickly to changes in the tourism sector, while adhering to all state educational standards.
- How many fields of study are offered at the Academy?
- Currently, we offer training in five fields: tourism, management, hospitality, international relations, and linguistics. These fields are interconnected, as tourism cannot be viewed separately from management, service, international interaction, and language training, which defines our comprehensive educational system.
- What have you focused on in the university's work in recent years?
- We have concentrated our efforts on developing and continuously improving educational programs. It is important that they meet the expectations of employers in the tourism sector. Since the tourism industry is constantly changing, programs require regular updates and adaptations to current market needs.
- What do you think is most important for employers when selecting graduates?
- Employers focus not only on knowledge but also on the graduate's ability to quickly adapt to real working conditions. Therefore, we emphasize a combination of theoretical training with practical experience, as much as possible according to state standards. Our goal is to bring education as close as possible to real professional activity.
- How is the practical training of students organized?
- We have established partnerships with various tourism organizations for which we prepare specialists. We also have a sports and tourism campus outside the city, where the necessary infrastructure has been created: cafes, recreation areas, and sports facilities, including golf courses. One day a week, students undergo practical training at the campus, while on another day they work in cafes, restaurants, travel agencies, and other relevant organizations. Thus, education is integrated into a real professional environment.
- What role does the combination of study and work play?
- We advise students on building their career paths and gaining practical experience. After their internships, students discuss the results of their work in classrooms, analyze their experiences, and share observations. This is an important part of the educational process.
- What direction do you plan to develop in the near future?
- The main direction of our work is related to the employment of students. We strive for as many students as possible to undergo internships and find jobs in quality and in-demand tourism establishments. The number and level of such internships and jobs are the main indicators of our effectiveness.
- Who do you collaborate with?
- We interact with various organizations, including educational institutions and enterprises in the tourism sector. Collaboration is carried out based on emerging needs. If new partnerships are required, we are always open to expanding cooperation.
- Is there an opportunity for students to intern abroad?
- Yes, such an opportunity exists, but we do not aim to send students exclusively to certain countries or abroad. We focus on market conditions, and the student chooses their own path; our task is to provide the tools and knowledge for realization anywhere.
- What difficulties do students face?
- These are the same challenges faced by everyone entering the labor market. Sometimes a student may not be accepted, and at other times, several offers come in at once. It all depends on the individual, their preparation, motivation, and personal qualities.
- Does the Academy engage in the employment of graduates?
- We do not engage in direct employment. Our goal is to prepare students so that they can find work independently. We provide consultations and guidance, but the responsibility for choice and career lies with the graduate themselves.
- What is necessary to improve the quality of higher education in general?
- Legislation in the field of education is constantly being updated, and this is correct. The world has already accumulated significant experience in training specialists and in the interaction of education with production. It is important for the domestic educational system to integrate into these global approaches.
- What would you like to wish for the Academy and the students?
- The best wishes are for students to successfully find employment, feel confident in their profession, and be satisfied with their chosen life path.
