Going away to college is a huge milestone in a teenager’s life.

The decision is of course, about academics and finances, but there are many other important factors and considerations. Schools, like students, have personalities and hopefully these personalities will match.

One of the biggest considerations is whether to go to school close to home. It is certainly more convenient to go to a school close to home because it will be easier to move in and out of the dorms and to come home for weekends and holidays. On the other hand being close to home means being close to mom and dad, which might not be right for the teen looking for a lot of independence. Going to a school further away from home also means higher travel and moving expenses.

One geographic region may be more appealing than another depending upon the teenager. There are schools that are near the beach, in the mountains or the deserts. The activities that happen on and off campus will vary depending upon the where the school is located. A school located in a city will have a very different feel than one located in a remote, rural location.

What size school is best? A larger school will offer a wider variety of academic programs which might make it a good choice for a student who has not yet decided what to study. But the smaller school will be more low-keyed and might have the education focused on a more specialized area of study.

Also think about specific activity that happen on campus.

A lot of schools will have something special that they are known for, such as a particular team sport or music and theatre. This activity will probably create a lot of the buzz and excitement on campus.

Of course, academics and finances are very important considerations in choosing a college. But there are many other things to consider too. Finding the right combination of environment and activities will make the college experience so much more fulfilling.

Angela Reese is a graduate of an online college who writes about dozens of higher education topics, including the value of online degrees for working adults.

BTEC/EDEXCEL HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA
LEADING TO THE BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONOURS)
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Three years to a BA(Hons) Degree and Higher National Diploma in Travel Tourism Management

Aimed at those planning to work in, or are already working in the thriving travel tourism management industry.  The course incorporates travel industry principles, hands-on training and the general business skills required in the management of travel tourism management operations. Individuals will also acquire and develop transferable skills such as communication and problem solving that will enable them to meet changing circumstances that they will encounter in the travel and tourism business environment.

The Higher National Diploma Travel and Tourism Management programme covers a period of two years, each year consisting of six months of study at Alpine followed by a period of industry experience at an approved travel or travel related company. Upon successful completion of the first two years of study including the industry placements students are awarded the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Travel & Tourism which provides direct entry into the BA(Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management degree course.

CORE UNITS

• Travel & Tourism Environment
• Law and Ethics in the Travel & Tourism Industry
• Finance and Funding
• Marketing in Travel and Tourism
• Contemporary Issues I Travel & Tourism
• Tourism Development Planning
• Management Perspectives in Travel & Tourism
• Research Project

SPECIALIST UNITS

• World-wide Tourism Destinations
• Airline Operations
• Travel Services
• Tour Operation
• Business Travel Operations
• Travel & Tourism Entrepreneurs
• Special Interest Tourism
• Paid Industry Experience

GENERAL UNITS

• Business Communication English
• Study Skills & ICT
• Applied Travel & Tourism Operations
• Professional Development

THE SWISS BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR HOTEL & TOURISM MANAGEMENT STUDIES IN GREECE

Admissions Office & Campus:
Palmyra Beach Hotel,
70 Poseidonos Avenue, 166 75 Glyfada, Greece

Tel: +30 210 89 83 022
Fax: +30 210 89 81 189
Email: admissions@alpine.edu.gr
Skype address: Services Alpine Center

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 70235,
166 10 Glyfada
Greece