Understanding the Internship Learnings and Experiences of ITHM Students of FEU during the 2nd Semester of SY 2021-2022

Abstract

This paper looked into the virtual internship of students at the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management at Far Eastern University during the second semester of the school year 2021-2022. Many aspects of student education have changed because of the pandemic, including the need for practical experiences, such as student internship programs. Participation and competence development are now needed for students to fulfill future employment expectations. Best practices that encourage lifelong learning may aid in the achievement of future goals. This research utilized a descriptive quantitative design. It involved one hundred respondents who had enrolled in a student internship program for the 2nd semester of the school year 2021-2022. All essential data, including demographics, attitudes, learning, experiences, evaluation, and assessment, were gathered through a survey questionnaire via Google Forms. The findings revealed that students currently have a heightened awareness of how government organizations sell and popularize local tourism destinations. Students' most valuable experience includes having the opportunity to discuss and network with other guests and professionals and to interact with actual industry leaders and learn from their expertise. Overall, most interns taking virtual internships claimed that they learned many skills, abilities, traits, and knowledge that are relevant and important to their studies. However, some interns had difficulties understanding the materials on their own and encountered internet interruptions and technical problems. Most students recommended a face-to-face type of modality in the internship program for future semesters. Keywords: Virtual internship; Student internship; Experiential learning; Bloom’s taxonomy; Anderson’s Online Learning Model.