Basic Seminar

The Basic Seminar comprises six full work days.

Its focus is on the following topics:

• self-assessment as tour guides in a developing country, newly industrializing country or transition country
• expectations and behaviour of tourists
• contents and methods of cultural mediation
• development and global interrelatedness
• tourism and development
• exercises

During the first four days the seminar focuses on self-awareness, factual information, analysis, and discussion. The contents of the seminar are taught with a view to the practical needs of tour guides. Realistic situations are discussed, experiences exchanged, helpful pointers provided - in preparation for the last two days of the seminar.

On days five and six the newly acquired knowledge and methodology are implemented, trained, and put to the test in simulations of realistic conditions. For this aim the participants go on an excursion on which each of them has to present a specific topic.

These presentations are filmed and subsequently analysed and evaluated by the whole group. Tour guides receive realistic feedback concerning the content, methods, and manner of their work with tourists. They have the chance to critically examine their own position and to improve their work by this "outside perspective" and helpful suggestions from the trainers and their colleagues.

Successful participation in the seminar earns participants the certificate "Intercultural Teacher. Basic".

Seminar requirements

• Registration of at least 12 German or English speaking tour guides (at most 15). The registration has to be undertaken by a tour operator, a tourist agency, a tourism ministry, a tourist board, a tour guide association etc. (Seminars are held either in German or in English.)

• Participants have to work in developing countries, newly industrializing countries, or transition countries and must have experiences with tourist groups.

• Participants have to work with German- or English-speaking tourists and be fluent in the respective language.

• Permanent presence of all participants during the whole duration of the seminar.

Information/Registration

Tour operators, tourist agencies, tourist boards, tourism ministries, tour guide associations etc. that are interested in Basic Seminars for their tour guides will receive further information on inquiry (concerning, for instance, costs, registration procedures etc.). Contact us