315. Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ.

These are our most frequently asked questions.

Why should I join PROTS?

· Progressive: The Professional Tour Guide School is a progressive college. It has been a pioneer in producing professional tour guides. Since 1995 it has participated actively in developing the National Curriculum for Tour Guides. We are never tired of updating our Curriculum and acquiring new training aids. See page 164.

· Experience: Being established in 1995 does not only makes us the oldest and full time tour guiding college in Tanzania, but it is the only college specializing in the Professional Tour Guiding and leadership. Our principal trainers, Vedasto Izoba and Victor Izoba are experienced professional guides in this field, with Diplomas from The National Outdoor Leadership School, (NOLS) Wyoming, USA. Vedasto and Angel graduated in the Teacher's Training Program by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. (see page 195) Victor has attended the American Wilderness First Responder course. (see page ...)

· Specialists: Whilst other colleges have several different courses, PROTS has put all its resources, efforts and attention in the tour guiding profession. This is the secret behind its success.

Will you get me a job after graduation?

· Standards & Skills: No. We are honest in this. We equip you with the Standards and Skills for Tour Guiding and Leadership. Lately, we have adopted the Competence-based approach that requires a student to perform Related Tasks in all the skills provided by our extensive curriculum. This is all the prospective employer need.

• Individual Blog Pages: We have established individual blog pages for each student that will publish all his/her documents for Job Search. The prospective employer can be directed to the page to read all the necessary info in order to reach a favourable consideration.

· Good Prospects: Tour Guiding is an upcoming profession. Tourism is growing at a fast rate and needs trained guides. The government has geared it up by putting National Curriculum for Tour Guide in place. This will fasten the process towards the accreditation of our Professional Guides. PROTS is the first college to put the National Curriculum on trial as we have participated in the entire its development process.

Are there female guides?

· Yes and at PROTS we have produced very good female guides who are working with different reputable companies, like Tumaini at And Beyond (CCAfrica), Maggie at Dorobo Safaris, Joyce at Africa Green Footprints and many others (. (see page ...).

· Photo: Tumaini Hope Soyala at Grumeti Camp - CCAfrica.

• Moreover Female guides are at high demand. Many tourists prefer female guides. We give priority to female applicants in helping them with payment of school fees and we are currently seeking funds to train more females guides. (see page ...). Try your luck.

What is the next term to join PROTS.

· We have a Modular Rolling Program that enables you to join as soon as you pay.

· You mark your entry point (module) and go around the circle until when you reach at the same point you started – then you are done. We monitor your progress until you reach graduation standards.

Can I terminate my classes and still re-join at a later time?

• Yes, with our Modular Rolling System you can. You need to go through one module and finish it. After every module there is an exam and you can have your records filed.

Aren’t your fees a little bit high?

· Hours: Not really. We give you more hours in class. There are lectures from from 8.00 to 6.00pm in the evening. Other colleges give you 1.30 to 2 hours per day!

· Facilities: With our facilities - State of the Art it is worth it.

• A High Definition TV Screen.
  
• A Sony DVD Camera for self recording.
  
• DVD & VHS Decks.
  
• A rich Laminated Library (More than 7,000 pages);
  
• A rich Video Library with more than 100 titles on Wildlife and ….
• A Satelite Dish (DStv) with the most popular programs like Animal Planet, Nat Geographic, Discovery and the most entertaining ones like SuperSports, ESPN, Movies, and much more...
  

What are the modes of payment?

• You may pay the whole amount, 50% or any amount you consider appropriate.
  
• The minimum payable amount is the monthly instalments. $85 for day scholars and $170 for boarders.

Are you registered? Is your certificate recognized?

• We are currently under the Vocational Education and Training Authority - VETA, but after the National Curriculum for Tour Guides is in place we will aspire to be registered with NACTE as a high learning insitution.
  
• More importantly, our Certificates are recognized and widely respected by many prospective employers. This is due to the fact that we have produced remarkable graduates who are knowledgeable, competent and with the right attitude. These people are employed and holding responsible positions. Much as that Tanzania is still in the process of putting an accreditation system in place, this has never stopped us doing research and finding what is right for our students. We provide you with what the job market is looking for.

You are Welcome!