Tourism Studies & Careers at TRU, Canada for International Students
September 27 marks World Tourism Day, a time to celebrate how travel and hospitality connect people, cultures, and economies. For international students interested in the tourism and hospitality industry, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, British Columbia is a top destination to study, gain practical experience, and launch a global career.
🌍 Why Study Tourism in Canada?
Canada is one of the world's most diverse and welcoming countries—and it attracts millions of tourists every year. From majestic mountains to vibrant cities, tourism is a key economic driver. By studying tourism in Canada, international students gain:
Global insights into hospitality and travel
Practical, real-world experience through co-ops and part-time work
A multicultural education environment
Pathways to permanent residency and career growth
🎓 Tourism-Related Programs at Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
TRU is known for its School of Tourism Management, which offers a range of high-quality, industry-connected programs designed for students who want to lead in the global tourism sector.
1. Bachelor of Tourism Management
A 4-year degree combining business, leadership, and sustainability in tourism.
Students can specialize in areas such as Adventure Tourism, Festival and Events, Sustainable Tourism, or Hotel and Resort Management.
Includes practicum opportunities and co-op placements to gain hands-on experience.
CIP Code 52.0903: Currently, as of 2025, PGWP eligible
2. Diploma in Tourism Management
A 2-year diploma focused on the foundations of travel, tourism, and hospitality.
Ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly or continue into the bachelor’s program later.
Includes work-integrated learning options.
CIP Code 52.0903: Currently, as of 2025, PGWP eligible
3. Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas in Tourism
Designed for students who already have a degree in another field.
Specializations include Tourism Experience Management and Destination Development.
Excellent for career-changers or students seeking Canadian credentials for global careers.
CIP Code 52.0903: Currently, as of 2025, PGWP eligible
4. Adventure Studies and Outdoor Tourism Programs
TRU is one of the few universities offering Adventure Guide Diploma and Adventure Studies degrees.
Prepares students for leadership roles in eco-tourism, mountain guiding, and sustainable outdoor travel.
Adventure Studies Management Degrees are PGWP eligible as their CIP Code is 52.0903 and among those listed by IRCC as programs eligible for the Post Graduate Work Program (PGWP).
💼 How Do International Students Benefit?
Studying tourism at TRU helps students:
Gain Canadian and international industry experience
Network with professionals through guest lectures, industry nights, and co-op programs
Work part-time in local tourism businesses while studying
Develop leadership, marketing, and cultural management skills
Access pathways to Permanent Residency under British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), especially for those in tourism and hospitality roles
TRU also provides academic and immigration advising, career support, and language development, helping international students succeed in the classroom and in the workplace.
🌄 Part-Time Tourism Work Opportunities in Kamloops, BC
Kamloops is a four-season destination known for its skiing, golf, hiking, mountain biking, wineries, and cultural festivals. This creates steady part-time job opportunities in tourism-related sectors year-round.
Tourism & Hospitality Work Options for Students:
Hotels & Resorts (e.g., Sandman Signature, Delta Hotels, Coast Kamloops Hotel)
Restaurants, cafés, and catering companies
Tour operators and adventure outfitters (especially in outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, or winter sports)
Visitor services and tourism info centres
Event planning support for festivals, sports events, and conferences
Retail shops in downtown Kamloops or the Aberdeen Mall
Wineries and agri-tourism locations nearby
TRU international students can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays.
With the city’s size, natural beauty, and growing tourism sector, Kamloops offers a balanced lifestyle, ideal for students who want to learn and earn at the same time.
✈️ Final Thoughts for World Tourism Day
Tourism is more than travel—it’s about connecting cultures, promoting sustainability, and creating unforgettable experiences. Studying tourism at TRU gives international students the education, experience, and network to become future leaders in this global industry. At TRU, you are right in the heart of a large tourism industry in Kamloops.
This World Tourism Day, imagine your future in Canada—where learning and adventure go hand in hand. Contact Go 2 Canada Education Services to learn more about Tourism programs at TRU.
Photo by Nishant Vyas: