Pathways and Credit Transfer

Michael Crich, professor, School of Tourism, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts.

The Hotel Management program was divided into two semesters. The first semester was in-class at the institute, whereas the second semester was a mix between a full-time manager trainee placement and two work-based learning online modules.

A combination of my Fanshawe credentials provided me with 120 credits (the first two years) of the 180 credit program.

I completed my Concierge placement (summer 2016) prior to studying abroad. I finished on Labour Day and went directly overseas.

I first learned about the opportunity to travel abroad from the past Concierge program coordinator, Rob McGregor, thereafter I attended a post-secondary education fair at Fanshawe in the FSU building. I met with a representative from an agency in Hamilton that assisted students with applying to schools in Ireland and Australia. The agency made the application process very user-friendly with direct support.

The opportunity to travel and study abroad in Ireland for one academic year has opened up many personal and professional opportunities to me. Upon graduating in April 2017, I returned to Canada and became a supervisor at a four-star hotel in Muskoka. Since returning to London in 2018, I am now Director of Events at Bellamere Winery and Event Centre, while training to become Director of Operations. In addition, I have returned to Fanshawe College as a professor in the School of Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Traveling for education provides the opportunity to enhance one's potential to learn and grow, but to create a diverse and open mindset. I thank Fanshawe College for the opportunity to study and work abroad.

Travelling was very convenient while I studied in Ireland. I had the opportunity to travel across Ireland and England, while visiting Scotland, Italy and Poland extensively as well. My favourite trip moment was meeting with an Italian colleague (whom I met in Ireland), while I was travelling in Italy in May 2017. She invited me to her parents' home in Pompeii and we all enjoyed an authentic Italian lunch prepared by her mother.

Culinary Management diploma, class of 2014.

Concierge Services - Guest Relations Specialist graduate certificate, class of 2016.

Institute of Technology - Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
Bachelor of Arts in Hotel Management - year 3 entry (graduating year), class of 2017.

Pathway Spotlight: Katrina Padyk, Griffith University

Katrina graduated from the Business Administration - Marketing advanced diploma from Fanshawe College in 2007. After graduating she worked in the direct marketing industry for a few years before deciding to go back to school to pursue her degree. While attending Fanshawe College, our valued partner Griffith University held an information session on the possibilities of completing a degree abroad, in as little as one year. This information session always stuck in her mind and the idea of obtaining a degree in one year in Australia, was something she had always wanted to pursue.

Katrina attended Griffith University in Queensland Australia in 2010 and graduated with a Bachelor of Business, major in Marketing degree. Her credits from her advanced diploma at Fanshawe College transferred to Griffith, so she only had to study one year to earn a degree! This agreement still is in place today. Upon graduating, she received the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence for her grade point average at Griffith University.

Katrina says her experience studying abroad really provided her with a global outlook and an experience she wouldn't trade for the world. She feels that this experience and her educational background has really been a selling point with employers and has helped her obtain the role she is currently in at Fanshawe College as the Pathways and Special Events Consultant in the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business.

While studying, Katrina was also able to do some great travelling and met life long friends.

Katrina's advice for those considering this opportunity: Do it - The experience is priceless!