Student profile
Yasmine Fofana, MSc International Tourism Development student at the University of Surrey

Yasmine Fofana

"I have learned so much more about the tourism industry in the world. Learning more about it has definitely shaped my views about my long term career plans and my view on the world."

"The excellent reputation of Surrey's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management motivated me to apply to the MSc International Tourism Development course (now called MSc International Tourism Management). Moreover, at the time of my application the School was ranked number one in the UK by both the Guardian University Guide 2017 and the Complete University Guide 2017. In addition, the University had been the first to have received the prestigious Tourism Society Award as a recognition of its sustained commitment to excellence in the tourism industry. I am a Chevening Scholar and I wanted to study at the very best University in my field and here I am!

The MSc International Tourism Development course was designed for students with a keen interest in developing tourist destinations which is exactly part of my long-term career and entrepreneurial goals. My ultimate goal is to promote tourism in Cote d’Ivoire and the West Africa region. As an international business undergraduate with over nine years of experience and a professional background in marketing and communications, I needed to gain additional knowledge of the tourism industry.



I am passionate about tourism because it’s a field that has proven to be able to positively shape the image of a country/region. I believe that by promoting Cote d’Ivoire and sharing with the world its cultural heritage and tourism potential, it could change the way the country has been perceived for the past decades due to political turmoil.

"I enjoy learning from my lecturers, as well as the interaction and interesting discussions that take place in the classrooms."

 

Some of my lecturers are top researchers and experts in their fields. They are helpful and always available for further guidance.



I am currently living in Millennium House. I really enjoy the fact that I am living on campus so close to my classes, the Library, the train station and the town centre. It couldn’t be more convenient.

 

I like the fact that we have our very own market on Thursday’s right here on campus; perfect and convenient for fresh fruits and vegetables.



I personally love living in Guildford. It’s a small and quiet town perfect to focus on my studies. It’s also very close to London. I have to attend a lot of events in London and it is very convenient to only be 40 minutes away by train. The University has a green & beautiful campus with a lake.



I have enjoyed being part of the Food and Wine Society in addition to working as an International Student Ambassador.



I have learned so much more about the tourism industry in the world. It’s a field that constantly evolving and learning more about it has definitely shaped my views about my long term career plans and my view on the world."

 

Explore our courses in hospitality, events, tourism and transport, including our MSc International Tourism Management.