Vocational Qualification in Tourism Industry

Tourism activities organizer or Receptionist

OSAO is offering a study programme in tourism industry delivered completely in English. After graduation you will be qualified to work in various tasks in the tourism sector in international environments.

Career and studies

After graduation you will be qualified to work in various tasks in the tourism sector, customer service tasks in sales, accommodation and implementation of tourism services in the tourism sector. You are able to service both Finnish and foreign customers in a customer-oriented manner. You can utilize good interaction skills, language proficiency and knowledge of cultures.

Employment and opportunities for further studies

The course of study provides you with vocational as well as language skills that are an advantage when working in international tourism environments.

Vocational qualification gives students eligibility for further education in universities and universities of applied sciences in Finland.

Details and application

Studies and applying

Rolling admission is aimed especially at upper secondary school graduates and those who are changing career direction and already have some previous studies or work experience. Applicants with upper secondary or higher level qualifications completed abroad are also suitable for the programme if their Finnish language skills are not sufficient for Finnish-language vocational education (matkailualan perustutkinto). The studies require both good English language skills and good study skills.

Who can apply

Basic entrance requirements for studying Vocational qualification in Toursim:

  • Completed Finnish comprehensive school or other basic education (approximately nine years, age 7-16)
  • Good written and oral command in the English language
  • Basic command of the Finnish language (A1.3 European language framework)

Applicants from outside Finland

 The education is mainly targeted at Finns, citizens of the EU and applicants possessing residence permit in the EU. If you have a residence permit in the EU, please attach it to the application.

We can yearly accept a few applicants without the Finnish national qualifications in basic education. In this case we require that the applicant has the necessary capacity to study in the programme and has a well-grounded reason to study in Oulu Vocational College. Well-grounded reason could be e.g. family reasons.

Foreign applicants under 18 years old must have a legal guardian living in the Oulu area.

We will check the eligibility and guardian’s information before inviting the applicant to a selection interview.

Application period

Application period is from 9 May to 19 August 2022. Interviews will be held on week 35.

Start and planned duration of studies
Studies start on 3 October 2022. Planned duration is approximately 1 year and 7 months, until the end of May 2024. You will have a personal competence development plan (PCDP). Duration of your studies depends on your prior competence and PCDP.

Place of study

OSAO, Kaukovainio unit, Services, Kotkantie 1, 90250 Oulu

Selection criteria

Students are selected based on an interview.

Admission points (10) are awarded for an interview as follows

  • prior competence, max 3 points
  • need for education, max 4 points
  • motivation, max 3 points

Applicants will be contacted and invited to a selection interview within a week after the application has ended.

Language proficiency assessment

Language requirements

  • basic command of the Finnish language (A1.3 European language framework)
  • good written and oral command in the English language.

Language skills are tested in a selection interview.

Form of studies

The study is carried out as full-time education in accordance with the personal competence development plan. It is not possible to complete the studies as online studies. Teaching and guidance is provided as face-to-face, online and distance learning (Teams). Studies also include independent study.

Structure of studies

Scope of qualification is 180 competence points (cp)

Compulsory vocational units, 70 cp
  • Customer service in the tourism industry, compulsory unit, 30 cp and
  • Tourism services , 40 cp OR
  • Hotel reception services, 40 cp
Optional vocational units, 75 credit points

E.g., each unit is credited between 15-30 credit points

  • Meeting services
  • Accommodation services
  • Cleaning services in an accommodation establishment
  • Use of tourism industry reservation systems
  • Marketing communications in tourism services
  • Productisation of tourism services
  • Guide services
  • Customer service and sales at a restaurant
  • Catering services for excursions and outdoor events
Common units, 35 credit points
  • Communication and interaction competence
  • Skills in mathematics and natural sciences
  • Societal and working life competence

Read more at Studyinfo

Cost of studying

Education is free. You must have an own laptop and you buy the books yourself.

Further information

Lea Perhomaa, Study Counsellor, + 358 50 5909 662, lea.perhomaa@osao.fi

Applying

Application form is here for the application period