He has worked in the hospitality industry in South Africa and abroad and in hospitality education. His work experience includes that of The International Hotel School Sandton Campus as lecturer in 2005 until 2008; senior lecturer from 2008 until 2010; vice principal from 2010 to 2013; and now in 2014, his position as managing principal of the Online Campus.

Oosthuizen says that the management of the online learning has been a very interesting journey thus far. “I am very fortunate in that I get to be part of the future of education. I get to do many things which I enjoy which ranges from managing the campus, developing learning programmes, administering the online system and interacting with students. I am supported by a fantastic team of people who share this vision for education.”

The International Hotel School Online Campus, ‘IHS Online’ is an online platform that offers a modern mix of relevant courses that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they require to be successful hospitality industry professionals and aimed at those already working in the hospitality industry as a way of improving and updating their knowledge or for those interested in studying in an environment that they are in control of, without the commitment of attending a course full time.

With the flexible learning pathways, students can tailor their studies to suit their needs with a wide range of single subjects ranging from Higher Certificate in Hospitality Management (NQF Level 5) and Higher Certificate in Food and Beverage Management (NQF Level 5) to AHLEI Specialisation Certificates and Diplomas.

The courses offered online are based on materials developed by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) with the subjects on offer, covering the full range of hospitality management disciplines and operational areas as a full time course and the material being identical to that utilised by over 1500 universities, colleges, vocational technical schools and government agencies in 54 countries worldwide – students are able to achieve certification to international standards.

“Thus far, with around 500 registered users, the feedback from students has been incredible with some students feeling slightly overwhelmed at first. Online learning requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation. It’s especially this aspect I believe to be one of the greatest benefits in producing self-directed students, who take responsibility for their learning,” adds Oosthuizen.

Sarah-Jane Varkevisser, a current student shares her experience about the traineeship programme. “I just have to say that the hands on work and experiences made it for me. It was extremely challenging at times with having to juggle a full time job and studying part time. Before I knew it, students from my group were leaving as the pressure was either too intense, but other students who were focused and knew what they wanted, stayed and fought hard to finish the programme.”

Another student, Lidas Thulani Ncube is studying for a Hospitality Management programme. He is the assistant food and beverage manager at Sun International’s Wild Coast Sun Hotel. “I am doing a 12 Course Hospitality Management programme Online, under the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. Due to the interest I had and a quest to have formal qualifications, I did research on institutions which could suit my demanding work schedule and I found The International Hotel School Online studies a perfect choice.”

If one wants to study online, visit www.hotelschool.co.za, phone 0861 44 33 00 or email [email protected]. Please note that the next closing date for applications is Friday, 27 June.