The beginning of the whole journey
My name is Tran Quynh Trang, and this is the story about my three-year journey with the Lapland University of Applied Science in Finland. I had many stories to tell about my friends, my lifestyle and my experience at Lapland UAS; however, today, the story will focus on my academic path with the Degree Program in Tourism and Hospitality Management and my expectation at the end of the journey.
My academic path in Finland
The first year journey
In my first year at Lapland UAS, I had experienced many new and exciting pieces of knowledge that I never had in Vietnam. We had learned from the very basic skills to the professional knowledge about tourism. The very first knowledge that I had received when I came to Finland was the Finnish course. Finnish itself is an exciting but challenging language, and I had difficulty chewing and digesting this language. We were also trained with essential skills like teamwork, group meeting and group work or class about living in Rovaniemi. Last but not least is the professional knowledge in tourism. We had learned about the Arctic region as a destination, Finnish law and basic accounting knowledge.
Journey in Augsburg, Germany
In the second year, I did not spend my time in Rovaniemi; instead, I was chosen to study exchange in Augsburg UAS, Germany. My time in Augsburg did not give me knowledge about tourism rather expertise in business and management. I had more deep experience in Cross-cultural management and marketing. I also earnt knowledge in a new aspects like Bitcoin, Lean Management or Intercultural Sale.
Back to Rovaniemi
The third year of my study is in Lapland UAS; however, this year is entirely online and a distance study due to the Corona Pandemic. This year, we had earned a Deeper understanding of Human Resources Management, Finnish Legislation and Experience Design. We also organized the first online Gala in the DPT program’s history. My teachers had also developed the thesis prepared for the 2021 spring semester.
The beginning of the end
When I finally entered my last year of study, I had the chance to look back through my journey in Lapland UAS and realize my development through the years. I had the opportunity to finalize and organize my three years of knowledge in the last two courses, Developing Destination Experience and International Destination Experience Project. The Kuhmo trip is the highlight spot in the International Destination Experience Project. I am going to participate in the Kuhmo trip from 5th October to 8th October 2021.
My expectation in the last journey
I have my expectation for the International Destination Experience Project. When I heard about the “International Destination”, I would expect a study trip abroad; however, traveling abroad is extremely complicated now due to the Corona Pandemic. I am excited about the Kuhmo trip and the whole studying process. My expectation toward the course is I can gain the ability to identify and evaluate a region as a tourism destination. I want a deep understanding of a destination’s strengths, weaknesses, as well as its opportunities and challenges. I hope to learn how to have networking and close collaboration with entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Therefore, I could apply my previous knowledge to use the proper marketing methods, management strategy and experiences design strategy.
The academic path that I have in the Lapland University of Applied Science will end in three months. The International Destination Experience Project will be the last course in my journey with Lapland UAS; therefore, I hope it will be a memorable course with the Kuhmo project as the peak.
How about you? Can you share your story with LaplandAMK or Finland with us.