Beyond Cultural Horizons: A Study On Work and Travel Program Among Tourism and HRM Students

The Work and Travel Program is a wonderful way to get connected with the tourism and hospitality field since traveling is central to a lot of hospitality sectors. One of the best features of cultural exchange is the opportunity to expand their cultural horizons and experience its workplace and environment. The researchers used the quantitative research with quota sampling by distributing survey questionnaires through social media platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, and Email. Based on the results gathered, the researchers conclude that majority of the participants were females and mostly BS Tourism Management students. Majority were single and the population was between 19 to 22 years old. Majority of them were financed by their parents. To learn culture and expand their cultural horizon was the factor that mostly affected the decision in availing the program. The impacts of Work and Travel Program revealed that the program made the participants gained satisfaction and become a better person. The perceived benefits of the program for the participants was gaining new knowledge and skill that cannot be learned in the four corners of the room and also being able to meet new friends and helped them in their credentials for future employment. The researchers made recommendation that will help increase the number of participants for the program relevant to the results of the study. The CTHRM and partner agency should offer assistance by having series of orientation, seminars, briefing with the participants, and fulfilling their responsibilities in cross- cultural supervision.