Work-integrated learning process in tourism training programs in Vietnam: Voices of education and industry

This paper addresses the work-integrated learning (WIL) initiative embedded in selected tourism training programs in Vietnam. The research was grounded on the framework of stakeholder ethos. Drawing on tourism training curriculum analysis and interviews with lecturers, institutional leaders, industry managers and internship supervisors, this study shows that WIL initiatives exist in the tourism training programs under examinations with various levels of industry engagement at both on-campus and off-campus stages. However, the links between the triad of WIL stakeholders -institutions, companies and students - under the impact of the Vietnamese Government policies in the context of higher education and vocational education and training are appraised as lacking, superficial and unsustainable. Consequently, this WIL process barely equips the graduates with the required knowledge and skills to satisfy the demands of the industry.