Philippine E-Journals

Lived Experiences of Students on Co-curricular Tours: A Phenomenological Study

Leah P. Mangohig

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Using the phenomenological approach to research, this study paved the way for six (6) co-researchers or students to narrate their personal stories, particularly on their unusual experiences in some of the co-curricular tours of the college. The lived experiences happened in six (6) separate tours in six (6) different regions in the Philippines; Regions X, IV-A, IV-B, VI, V and I. From the narratives of the co-researchers, the first reflection or thematic accounts was drawn, while it was in the second reflection or thematic interlace where the first reflection was derived. In the first reflection the following themes were arrived at: Environmental appeal comes in different forms; Fears of the unknown are temporary; Folk wisdom not to be taken for granted; Life lessons from tours/ immersions; Itineraries are itineraries; and Leaders appear in the horizon. For the second reflection, the following themes did surface: Tourism not to be detached from history and culture; Eco-tourism creed protects the environment; Tour/Immersion is savoir faire; Creating a sacred space strengthens people; and Support and concern command success. Towards the end, the emergent themes or the Creative synthesis/Eidetic insight evolved: Experiential learning from tours; Communication and leadership which could have significant bearing on the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) curricula; the impact to CHTM faculty and staff, the service provider/s, and to the students-tourists themselves.