Two Capilano University students join the team for March training!

The CBT Viet Nam project is happy to announce that two Capilano University students have been chosen to deliver the March training modules in Viet Nam. These students will travel with Capilano instructors to gain experience in the CBT project.

Introducing: Kyla Derkach

Kyla's interest in tourism is a result of extensive solo travels throughout the South Pacific, which propelled her into the Destination Resort Management Diploma with Capilano University. Classes such as Cross-Cultural Tourism, Human Resources, Sales and Promotions and Entrepreneurship have given context to Kyla's work and travel history. Kyla has significant experiences as a Visitor Information Counselor in Squamish BC, an Ambassador for Tourism BC in San Francisco and an Administrative Assistant at the Penticton Economic Development Office. In these positions she has helped to measure regional economic impacts of tourism, worked in events and initiated social media marketing campaigns. Kyla has a solid understanding of the many layers and intricacies of this field. Her keen enthusiasm and determination makes Kyla a valuable asset to any team and she looks forward to continuing her studies at Capilano University and attaining a Bachelors Degree in Tourism Management.

And: Jase Wilson

Jase is a hands-on jack of all trades with over eight years experience in various positions including: food and beverage, commercial tourism, sales, event management, leadership, public speaking and outdoor recreation. Jase has just finished Capilano University’s Destination Resort Management Diploma and feels that the diploma has added structure his personal experiences. In September 2011 he will pursue Capilano University's Bachelor of Tourism Management Degree.

Having successfully navigated an overland expedition from South Africa to Ethiopia and from India to Singapore, Jase is capable of taking on big tasks and overcoming barriers to see a project come to fruition. With a love of problem solving, travel and a passion for cultural exchange Jase looks forward to applying new skills in challenging environments. A list of his favorite classes thus far: Geography for Destination Resorts, Cross Cultural Tourism, Accounting and Environmental Stewardship. Topics he looks forward to studying: Advanced Topics in Cross Cultural Tourism, Human Geography and a second language. Jase is excited for all of the upcoming opportunities that are available to Capilano University students.

Team Viet Nam introductions: Hong Ahn & Trang

Introducing: NGUYEN THI THU TRANG

Trang is a third year Hanoi Open University student studying business management with a major focus on tour guiding. She is finding an arena for her skills while working as a tour guide for the Viet Nam Charming Travel Company. In the past Trang has participated in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize National Contest on “Improving the use and protection of water resources” receiving a consolation prize for her efforts. Upon graduating from high school Trang’s father rewarded her with her first visit to the Sapa region, since that time it has been a favorite memory for her. Trang is very passionate about the Sapa region of Viet Nam and feels a deep personal reward for being able to participate in the CBT project.

All of the team members in Viet Nam and in Canada feel very fortunate to have Hong Ahn and Trang on board.

Now a Bio for: VUONG THI HONG ANH

Hong Ahn is a full time university student studying at Hanoi Open University (HOU). Hong Ahn is pursuing a Bachelor of Administration within the Faculty of Tourism with a Major in Hospitality. She has previous work experience within the tourism industry as a banquet server for the Melia Hotel in Ha Noi. Hong Ahn volunteered at the Thang Long 1000 Year Anniversary. She has worked part time as a translator for thesis projects and has also volunteered her expertise for previous CBT projects acting as a translator for lesson materials and in class for Capilano University instructors during 2010. She looks forward to future challenges that arise from the CBT projects and continued involvement with her peers at HOU and Capilano University.

Introducing our talented Viet Nam team leader: Ms Ngoc Ahn

With her highly valuable expertise in tourism, Tran Nu Ngoc Anh has taken on a leadership role in the PATA / Capilano University CBT project. Ms. Ngoc Anh has significant experience working in the Sa Pa region of Viet Nam as the project coordinator for a previous CBT project from 2002-2008 (a Capilano U and Hanoi Open University (HOU) initiative funded by the Canadian International Development Agency), and in 2008 was awarded the Leadership Certificate for Outstanding Performance by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). She has authored and published two training manuals for hospitality training at HOU and in 2009 was granted a scholarship from the Ministry of Education to pursue a PHD in the United States. She has traveled and worked extensively in Asia including Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia and continues to expand her experiences exponentially.

In the new year, Ms. Ngoc Ahn was promoted to Vice Dean of Tourism at Hanoi Open University. She holds numerous memberships to professional bodies such as the Viet Nam Community Based Tourism Network, Viet Nam Hostelling International and the British Council in Viet Nam. Ms. Ngoc Ahn holds a Bachelor of Administration in Hospitality from HOU, a Bachelor of English from Vietnam’s National Foreign Language University, and an MBA from the Hanoi National Economic University.