Global Launch helps students learn English for a career in airline hospitality and tourism
Alum from J.F. Oberlin University Airline Hospitality program shares her success with current students
For English as a Second Language (ESL) students interested in learning English for an airline hospitality and tourism career, Global Launch, partnering with J.F. Oberlin University since 2013, provides a recurrent Group and Custom Program with tailored electives in airline hospitality and tourism, in addition to intensive English language classes.
Global Launch also coordinates internships at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, where students complete 25 hours of volunteer work and 20 hours of community service in Tempe and the greater Phoenix area. All of these requirements contribute not only to improving students’ language skills but also to gaining practical skills and cultural awareness. Another unique aspect of this program is that it is key to making connections for the job hunt, to find real-world positions in aviation when students leave higher education.
Meet Rena Ishiguro, from Japan
Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for a career in the airline industry in Japan. Rena Ishiguro was part of a group of students from Japan who studied English at Global Launch in 2022. In September 2023, she visited the current class of J.F.O. students and talked about her challenges, achievements and her experience as a Global Launch student.
“It was my first time abroad, so everything was new to me and I was very excited at that moment,” Rena recalls. “The memories of Global Launch were valuable because there were some local students who work to help exchange students like us, so I could make local friends there and I hung out with them a lot. Also, there were so many students of other nationalities. They studied English the same as me; we needed to respect and try to understand each other. That experience made me learn about diversity and multicultural things. Studying at ASU definitely helped and strengthened me a lot, because my English improved, and I made such amazing friends abroad. I am not afraid to talk to people of other nationalities now. I really appreciate all the people involved with me.”
At present, Rena is in her senior year at J.F. Oberlin (in Tokyo) and will graduate in March 2024. Rena shared the great news that she received a job offer from Japan Airlines when she graduates!
What are Group and Custom Programs at Global Launch?
Group and Custom Programs at Global Launch give students an opportunity to learn and improve their English language skills in specific industry settings, studying innovative topics. They all share the common aim of building language skills and knowledge to prepare for real life employment and success.
These tailored programs may operate as stand-alone programs or as programs embedded in the intensive English program. Learning English for the Semiconductor industry is another great example of an industry-specific Group and Custom Program.
Reach out to Erin McCloskey, Sr. Program Coordinator for Group and Custom Programs, for more information on ongoing and upcoming custom programs.
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