I arrived in Perth in 2002 from Zimbabwe on an adventure to study and be independent. Like every other international student I was a bit apprehensive about what it would like to live and study in another country and new environment. In a few weeks all fears were gone because of the friendly welcome and assistance I got from the schools staff, lecturers and the many new friends I made. The past three years at the Australian School of Tourism and Hotel Management (ASTHM) have been an advantageous start to my career in the hospitality and tourism industry.
I have gained a lot of experience academically and professionally to enable me to further my studies and career. The most beneficial part of studying at ASTHM was the exposure to practical experience within hotels in Perth. Without the assistance of the school’s connections with industry management in various hotels, I would have found it difficult to get the jobs I did. In the past three years I have worked at Joondalup Resort Hotel, Hotel Grand Chancellor and the Rendezvous Observation City Hotel, which are all four and five star hotels.
I enjoyed studying at ASTHM especially because of the small classes we had. This gave me access to all the facilities and made it easier to seek advice, and get help with difficult areas of study from the lecturers. I was able to understand the theories and concepts in class due to the group discussions, which would have been difficult to have within a larger institution.
ASTHM provided an environment that was favourable for committed study. The school also inspired me to reach for higher levels of study, which were only a dream but are now reality. I am now studying for my honours degree with Southern Cross University at the Coffs Harbour campus. ASTHM has all the ingredients that I believe have aided me in furthering my career development and those are: the committed lecturers, access to facilities needed for studying and, an opportunity for internship to gain experience. Studying at ASTHM most importantly brought exposure to people from different backgrounds and cultures and therefore opened up my knowledge of the world and the opportunities available to me. I am a more confident individual: personally, academically and professionally.
Nyasha Dzinamarira
Completed studies in 2004:
Bachelor of Business in Hotel and Catering Management
Bachelor of Business in Hotel and Resort Management (Honours)
