TMGT 1110 INTRODUCTION TO TOURISM (FALL 2021)
This course was my first class at Thompson Rivers University, making it a full-circle moment to reflect on it during my final semester. TMGT 1110 introduced me to tourism as both a global industry and a social phenomenon. We explored the economic, environmental, political, and cultural impacts at local and international levels. Through this course, I learned how interconnected the global tourism industry is and how tourism is experienced and practiced differently around the world. Understanding these differences reinforced the importance of global awareness and learning from diverse perspectives to strengthen tourism industries all over the world.
EVNT 1100: THE WORLD OF EVENTS (FALL 2021)
In this course, I was introduced to the global events industry and was provided a broad understanding of how events operate across different cultural, social, and international contexts. By exploring various event types, trends, and management challenges, I gained insight into how cultural awareness and adaptability are essential when planning inclusive events. As my first events course at TRU, EVNT 1100 sparked my interest in the events world and helped me recognize the importance of considering diverse audiences and global perspectives.
TMGT 2060: PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THE TOURED LANDSCAPE (FALL 2022)
This course encouraged me to think more critically about how place, culture, and worldview shape tourism experiences for both visitors and local communities. I explored ideas such as authenticity, cultural perspectives, and the impacts of tourism of host destinations, including issues like over-tourism and cultural representation. TMGT 2060 helped me understand that tourism is not experienced the same way by everyone and that being globally competent requires awareness and a willingness to see places through perspectives different from my own.
TMGT 4090: THE CULTURE OF EVENTS (FALL 2024)
With my strong interest in events, this course allowed me to view events through a broader cultural and global perspective. Examining events such as Hajj highlighted how a single hallmark event can shape the identity, economy, and infrastructure of a destination like Mecca. Learning about the cultural, social, and organizational significance of global events helped me better understand how deeply interconnected the world is. As well, TMGT 4090 has grown my appreciation for the role events play beyond entertainment, as it brings a sense of togetherness and community to the world.
TMGT 4160: TOURISM IN A GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT (FALL 2024)
This course challenged me to think more critically about my role within the global tourism system and the responsibility that comes with it. Through researching heritage preservation and over-tourism in Fort Langley, I began to understand how global tourism trends directly affect local communities, identities, and everyday life. This course strengthened my global competency by helping me recognize the importance of balancing tourism development with respect for local communities and cultural heritage.
TESL 3030: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION STUDIES (FALL 2025)
In Fall 2025, I took a break from tourism and jumped over to education, specifically, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This course deepened my understanding of culture, values, and how they influence communication and learning. I was able to apply intercultural communication concepts I had previously learned in tourism to a teaching environment, such as theorists like Hofstede and Trompenaars. Examining these frameworks through both educational and tourism perspectives helped me better understand how individuals cultural background and place influence communication styles, learning needs, and expectations. This course encouraged me to approach intercultural interactions with greater awareness, empathy, and adaptability.