Awakening the Passion for Tour Guiding: A Field Trip that Helps Students Truly “Live” Their Career Choice
Central Vietnam – July 2025
More than 200 students majoring in Tourism and Travel Management recently embarked on an 11-day, 10-night practical field trip across Central Vietnam—a transformative journey designed not only to teach professional skills but also to ignite a genuine passion for the career of tour guiding.
First Time Holding the Mic – First Time Feeling the Pulse of the Profession
Throughout their route from Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Binh and back, passing through culturally rich destinations such as Hoi An, Hue, Phong Nha, and Da Lat, students took turns leading tours, delivering commentaries, and managing itineraries.
“When I spoke on the bus, my hands trembled, but I was incredibly proud. I had spent days preparing, and seeing my friends listen so attentively made me feel like a true professional tour guide,” shared Pham Vi Dai, a Tourism student.
Their thorough preparation, natural communication style, and strong sense of responsibility impressed both lecturers and peers. Many exhibited qualities of a true tour guide from their very first steps “in the field.”
The Job Is More Than Talking — It’s About Feeling and Loving
Contrary to the common assumption that “a tour guide only needs to speak well,” students gradually understood that this profession demands knowledge, emotional connection, skills, and ethics. At landmarks like Phong Nha Cave, La Vang Sanctuary, Hai Van Pass, and Langbiang Mountain, they observed how experienced guides handled real-life challenges, learning not just to narrate, but to care for guests, adapt swiftly, ensure safety, and maintain professionalism
Students gain expertise and insights by learning from highly experienced tour guides.
“I realized that without a genuine love for our country and its culture, it’s nearly impossible to inspire visitors. You must feel it deeply to tell truly captivating stories” reflected Nguyen Ly Minh Thu.
When Love for the Profession Transcends Theory
Before the trip, many students believed being a tour guide meant “talking a lot, traveling extensively, and enduring fatigue.” However, by journey’s end, they had discovered the true nobility and excitement embedded in this career.
“Tour guiding can be exhausting, but it also brings immense joy—it makes you live every moment fully. I’ve never felt so confident before an audience, and I’ve never loved this profession more than I do now,” Nguyen Cong Son confessed.
Their passion has moved beyond classroom slogans; it has been genuinely awakened with every route, every narration, and every act of care along the way.
Closing the Journey — Opening New Dreams
Upon completing the internship, many students reaffirmed their career paths. Some have resolved to pursue international tour guiding, while others plan to collaborate with travel agencies. Though the trip has concluded, the flame of passion continues to burn bright—warm and hopeful—as a new generation of tour guides emerges, ready to embrace the sunlit, heritage-rich landscapes of Central Vietnam.
The Faculty of Tourism remains committed to supporting students and providing more hands-on professional opportunities in the coming semester.
Faculty of Tourism