South African travel management company Travel with Confidence (TWC) has renewed its Cultural and Educational Exchange MOU with North-West University (NWU). The programme is intended to provide students with more employment opportunities.

TWC Founder Percy Morapedi Koji is sending 11 NWU students to Germany later this year in an exchange programme with the Fulda University of Applied Sciences, for them to learn soft skills to encourage employment and entrepreneurship in the South African tourism industry.

In addition to having the fourth-largest economy in the world, Germany has a solid education system, an unemployment rate of less than 5%, and the right level of knowledge to provide a launchpad for students exploring a career in tourism. Koji believes that countries with well-established economies better understand the importance of creating opportunities for young graduates so that they can find employment in tourism.

“Our economy can only grow using a collective approach that seeks to address the issue of unemployment and create new opportunities. It’s not only an opportunity to work with the best but an opportunity to build a network with the best. This will allow the students to be inspired, to grow and to receive more opportunities back home,” said Koji.

Students will depart in July and return in August. The programme comprises activities and courses that will equip the students with soft skills such as intercultural communication and integration so they can better understand the art of collaboration across borders.

The activities and courses include:

• Social activities: Students will participate in walking tours, hikes and river rafting. 
• Language studies: Exchange students will attend German lessons to enhance their communication skills and learn about local culture.
• Industry visits: They will visit tourist hotspots such as hotels and restaurants to familiarise themselves with the local tourism industry.
• Intercultural integration: They will learn how to adapt to different cultures by collaborating with local people and businesses.

“These skills and values will play an important role when these students return to become entrepreneurs and start their businesses in South Africa,” said Koji.