Four DUT ecotourism graduates could not hold their excitement when they were selected to work at the Ritz Carlton, Naples, a high class hotel in Florida in the United States of America, as part of an international exchange programme in December 2012.

Because the trip was made possible by Awesometravel in association with the Ubuntu Institute, the graduates only paid for their passports.

Sabelo Njoko, 24, Ayanda Skhosana, 26, Khetha Mnyandu, 26, and Lindokuhle Mkhize, 23, are spending time abroad for a period of six months.

Ecotourism Lecturer Ngcebo Nsele, who also coordinated the programme, said, ‘‘this is a wonderful opportunity for the students”. The programme will equip the graduates with skills and work experience that will help them when they return to South Africa. It will also help them in improving the tourism industry, she said.

Asked about the selection process, Nsele said students who had obtained their qualifications and had the relevant experience in hospitality had to apply for the programme. The short listed candidates were interviewed by Awesometravel before the ultimate four were selected.

Since their departure, the graduates have had positive feedback.

Speaking about her experience, Skhosana said she was overjoyed. ‘‘I work as a server assistant and bar attendant and I’m enjoying every moment because opportunities like these don’t come often. This opportunity is going to open many doors for me in terms of jobs as I have been struggling (to find employment) previously. I will also come back home with great experience that will better my country,’’she said.

The breadwinner at her home, Mnyandu said she is gaining invaluable knowledge about the treatment of clients and other hospitality related skills. She intends to apply this knowledge in South African hotels upon her return.

Nsele invited more ecotourism students to apply as the DUT Ecotourism Department will be sending more graduates abroad through this programme.

– Nkosinathi Wanda