Particular emphasis is placed on developing entertainment and recreation for tourists based on local characteristics and opportunities such as horsetrekking, hiking, geographical features, historical sites and so forth. Numerous study visits are made to businesses and institutions in tourism to provide students with direct access to the experience of those involved in the industry. The college has formal agreements with a number of sister institutions locally and internationally. Credits from the program are recognized both by the University of Akureyri and Unversity of Iceland. Hólar College also participates in various projects under the Leonardo program of the EU for student and staff exchange. Hólar College and the University of Akureyri Faculty of Business have an agreement whereby the program at Hólar is recognized as a specialization. Graduates who also meet general entrance requirements of the University of Akureyri can enroll in the Faculty of Business and have 30 credits from Hólar recognized, enabling them graduate with a B.Sc. in two years. Similarly students in Business Management at the UA can come to Hólar for this specialization. Hólar College and the University of Iceland Department of Geography have agreed on reciprocal recognition of credits, thus enabling graduates from Hólar to use their 30 credits toward their B.Sc. degree or diploma in Tourism Studies from the University of Iceland. Courses at Hólar are open to students in Toursism Studies at the University of Iceland. Hólar participates in student exchange schemes under the auspices of Leonardo, as well as in research and development. Current projects involve; Routes a 4 nation project of rural tourism crafts; and student exchange between Italy and Iceland for work placement. Aims of the program:
Fields of study: Business management and economy: Economics, marketing and management, book keeping, tax issues and legal requirements. The use of computers for word processing and financial management. Icelandic history and culture with an emphasis on rural areas: Rural history, agriculture, literature, art and crafts, traditions and traditional food. Representation of Icelandic culture in the tourism industry. Hospitality and catering: Public relations, service and quality management. Regulations regarding facilities and services. Nutrition, health and safety of guests and hosts. Environmental studies, natural and human environment: Icelandic natural history, Icelandic flora and fauna, the geology of Iceland, nature conservation, environmental ethics, aesthetic and technical aspects of the human environment. Supervised practical work experience: Students are required to complete a twelve week practical term at a selected business in the tourist industry. Entrance requirements: Applicants must have completed 65 credits at secondary college level or equivalent. Credits: The program totals 45 credits. Students graduate with a diploma of Agriculture specializing in Rural Tourism. Contact information: Guðrún Þóra Gunnarsdóttir,
Department Head |
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The
aim of the Rural Tourism Program is to provide vocational education for
people in the rural tourism industry. The program is based on principles
of sustainable development and the aim is for graduates of the program
to be able to manage small tourism enterprises. The program emphasizes
entrepreneurship and active participation in development and policy-making
in rural tourism.