The document summarizes a study that compares perceptions of foreign language skills between tourism students in the UK and continental Europe. It finds that most continental European programs require foreign language study, unlike the UK where it is often optional. Students in continental Europe saw foreign languages as more important for employment and were more likely to use language skills outside class. Both UK and continental students saw English as the most useful career-wise, but non-UK students placed greater value on learning additional languages. The study implies UK students may be disadvantaged in the global tourism sector due to less foreign language commitment and training.

1. The importance of foreign language skills in the tourism sector: A Comparative Study of Student Perceptions in the UK and Continental Europe Presenter: Clement Lo Instructor: Dr. Pi-Ying Hsu Date: May 4, 2011

2. Leslie, D., & Russell, H. (2006). The importance of foreign language skills in the tourism sector: A Comparative Study of Student perceptions in the UK and Continental Europe. Tourism Management, 27 , 1397-1407. Citation

3. Contents Introduction Reflections Literature Review Methodology Findings Conclusion

4. Introduction

5. Introduction Tourism businesses need to do everything possible to ensure their international competitiveness and maximize market .

6. Introduction The development of foreign languages (FL) skills amongst the potential workforce would be a matter for intercultural services between visitors and the host.

12. Literature Review

19. Research Questions What are the courses and FLs provision in UK and Continental Europe? Should the study of FL be compulsory? Where do students apply FL skills? What are the reasons for studying FLs? Which FL is perceived most useful to career prospects?

20. Methodology

22. Findings

24. Findings 1. The courses and FLs provisions 31% 13% UK: 31% study FL is optional Non-UK: 13% study FL is optional

25. Findings 1. The courses and FLs provisions 30% 84% UK: 30% opportunity to study more than one FL NON-UK: 84% opportunity to study more than one FL

26. Findings 2. Should the study of FLs be compulsory? 39% 17% UK: 39% - FL shall be optional Non-UK: 17% - FL shall be optional European Continental Ss are more willing to learning FLs

27. Findings 2. Should the study of FLs be compulsory? 27% 27% UK: 27% one compulsory study of FL and one optional Non-UK: 27% one compulsory study of FL and one optional Both UK and Non-UK Ss are in agreement with this format.

30. Conclusion

36. Reflection