Development Of English For Specific Purposes Program For Hospitality And Tourism Management Students

Abstract

Introduction: Candon Campus offers the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) program and the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) program. These programs are highly technical skills-based so many of the students acquire multiple TESDA National Competency certifications before graduation. Many of the graduates of the said program work abroad as international hospitality and tourism practitioners.Thus, English language competency is needed by these practitioners to be on par with the global standards.

Objectives: This study aimed to This study aimed to: a) determine the level of perception of the students at the Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management (IHTM) at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College - Candon Campus on the significance of International English Language Proficiency in the tourism sector along listening, reading, speaking, and writing; b). determine the proficiency of the students in terms of: a. English grammar; and b. pronunciation; c) develop a valid English for Specific Purposes program for hospitality and tourism students.

Methods: This study utilized descriptive-developmental research design. There were 309 respondents composed of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management students and Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management first year students. Moreover, the respondents are students of the researchers. The study utilized a total enumeration to select its respondents.

Results : Findings revealed that the the students' perception of the importance of International English Language Proficiency is high. It also shows that there are positive and negative impacts of having an average level of English pronunciation skill. On a positive note, it means that the respondents’ pronunciation can still be understood and with minor errors in pronunciation, the message will still be understood clearly. On the other hand, the negative impact of having an average level of English pronunciation is that mispronunciation can lead to misunderstanding especially words with the same sounds but with different meaning making oral communication ambiguous.

Conclusions : 1. The level of perception of the students on the significance of International English Language Proficiency is high ; 2.1. Most of the 1st year tourism and hospitality students are within the average level of English grammar proficiency ; 2.2. Most of the 1st year tourism and hospitality students are within the average level of pronunciation skills ; 3. English for Specific Purposes program for hospitality and tourism students was developed.