Although the participants in the Academy represent various sectors and professions, they all displayed similar motivation when their employees offered them the opportunity to participate in the training. They decided to raise their qualifications and get ready for EURO 2012 so that they are able to provide professional services to the tourists coming to Poland. Those skills will also prove useful after the Tournament."The main reason for participating in the training offered by the Academy was the fact that since I am a driver, I decided it was worth learning about client services. My decision was strongly motivated by the possibility of learning English. I don't want to yet again be in a situation in which I don't understand what the tourists are saying to me", explains Mieczysław. And he adds: "I recently had the opportunity to speak English. It was a typical situation: how to get there, where to get off, how much to pay".
The skills related to professional client services acquired during the training have also played an important psychological role so that the participants could get better self-assured. Many stress that in being able to communicate in a foreign language or to understand the behaviour of others they will be more willing to open to contacts with other people.
"I feel more secure in contacts with clients after interpersonal training. The lecturers drew special attention to the fact that people are different, each person should be approached individually and stereotypes should be avoided", says Barbara.
Such high appraisal of the Academy training is due to the fact that the program was developed to satisfy the participants' needs. Foreign language expressions and the scenes staged during training reflect the situations that students come across in their daily work. Classes are held in small groups, with modern methods that help in memorising the material. The selection of the relevant teachers and coaches is also of importance.
"Excellently prepared, fantastic people", Wojciech praises the lecturers. He is also convinced that the knowledge acquired during the course will be very useful to him: "I have refreshed my knowledge of English. The other courses expanded my knowledge, especially with reference to knowledge of regional attractions. Thanks to the Academy, I will feel more self-assured in contacts with tourists".
At the end of the full training cycle, the participants are given the "Organisation of mass sports events – the example of UEFA EURO 2012™" handbook. It will contain a summary of the training modules, basic practical information, guidelines concerning the organisation of mass sport events with the organisation of EURO 2012 used as an example, maps of the Host Cities, and a glossary and popular phrases in foreign languages.
SOURCE: PL.2012
