Hospitality & Tourism COIL Initiative Between Universidad Latina de Costa Rica and Humber College Students – A Collaborative Success!
In the Winter semester, Hospitality & Tourism Operations Management (HTOM) Graduate Certificate students embarked on a COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) initiative with Hospitality and Tourism students from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, fondly known as ULatina.
The two groups of five students worked virtually together across borders to unite their passion and drive for a sustainable tourism future. The students became closer and more interculturally connected during their weekly virtual chats. Friendships were built while thorough sustainable tourism research was completed. To complement and support the project, Rebecca Trautwein, Manager, Global Learning & Engagement, hosted two interactive and engaging Virtual Collaboration & Intercultural Awareness workshops as well as a Career & Professional Development session.
With excitement and trepidation that the technology would work, on the evening of April 21, the group successfully presented their chosen initiative, “Intercultural Initiatives for Sustainable Tourism between Canada and Costa Rica.” With the triple bottom line effect and the UNWTO’s Sustainable Development Goals at the forefront, students explored the challenges and current strategic plans shared between both countries including Indigenous tourism, environmental conservation and preservation, and economic goals and outlooks.
Beyond the sustainable tourism research, students learned about one another. Their shared “a-ha” moments were ULatina students found the Humber students to be incredibly time-management focused, and the Humber students found the ULatina students to be superbly positive and happy!
Sincere thanks are extended to the many members who supported, guided, and assisted in the success of this unique project. Humber College: Kristy Adams, Ron Caughlin, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Michelle Krivacic, Rebecca Trautwein, Emily Riche, Ryan Snider. ULatina: Ana Maria Vega Chavarria, Priscilla Isabel Picado Zuñiga, Dr. Juan Diego Sánchez Sánchez, PhD.
Pictured here: Humber Students from left to right: Janelle Sy, Ramdial Lutawan, Tania Medrano Flores, Laíra Yume Takinami Rigueira, and Harmeet Singh. In back: Ron Caughlin, Kristy Adams. ULatina Students from front left to right: Pilar, Gabriel, Academic Director Ana María Vega Chavarría; Back left to right: Jorge, Valeria, and Jasson.