Before You Start Your Journey
Transitioning into eco-tourism and sustainable travel isn't just about learning new skills. It's about shifting how you think about work, impact, and what actually matters in your career. We've been doing this since 2019, and honestly? The people who do best aren't always the ones with the most impressive backgrounds.
They're the ones who come in with realistic expectations and genuine curiosity. So before you dive in, let's talk about what this path really looks like — and whether it's the right fit for you right now.
What You Actually Need
Forget the usual checklist of requirements. Here's what really helps people succeed in sustainable travel careers.
Comfort with Uncertainty
Sustainable travel is still evolving. Standards change. Best practices get updated. New research shifts how we approach things.
If you need everything mapped out perfectly before you start, this field might frustrate you. But if you're okay with learning as things develop — that's actually an advantage.
Realistic Time Commitment
Our programs run six to nine months because that's how long it takes to build real competence. Not just surface knowledge — actual skills you can use.
Most participants spend 8-12 hours weekly on coursework, projects, and community engagement. Some weeks are lighter. Some are heavier, especially during project phases.
Self-Direction Matters
You'll get support, mentorship, and structure. But you need to show up and do the work without someone constantly checking on you.
The people who struggle most are those waiting to be told exactly what to do next. Initiative matters more than prior experience here.
Setting Honest Expectations
Let's be clear about something: we can't guarantee you'll land a specific job or salary after finishing. What we can do is give you the knowledge, skills, and network that make opportunities more accessible.
The sustainable travel industry is growing, but it's competitive. Jobs exist — we see openings regularly from eco-lodges, conservation organizations, sustainable tour operators, and impact-focused travel companies.
But getting hired depends on factors beyond just completing coursework. Your location, timing, how you present your work, your network, and sometimes just luck all play roles.
What our graduates tell us is that the program gave them clarity on what roles actually exist, confidence to apply for positions they wouldn't have considered before, and practical skills that made them credible candidates.
Your First Month: What to Expect
Week 1: Orientation & Foundation
You'll meet your cohort, get familiar with the platform, and start the fundamentals module. It's mostly about understanding the landscape of sustainable travel and where different career paths lead.
Expect to feel a bit overwhelmed. That's normal. There's a lot of terminology and context to absorb initially.
Week 2-3: Core Concepts & First Projects
You'll work through sustainability frameworks, impact measurement basics, and start your first small project — usually an analysis of an existing eco-tourism operation.
This is where theory meets application. You'll likely have questions. Use the community forums and office hours.
Week 4: Assessment & Adjustment
Your first project is due. You'll get feedback from mentors and peers. Some people find this challenging — getting constructive criticism on work you've put effort into.
This feedback process is valuable, though. It's how you actually improve rather than just completing assignments.
Looking Ahead
By the end of month one, you'll know if this is right for you. Some people realize it's not what they expected — and that's okay. Better to figure that out early.
Most participants, though, find they're genuinely engaged and ready to go deeper into specialized topics in the months ahead.
What Previous Participants Wish They'd Known
Linnea Valtonen
2024 GraduateI came in thinking I'd focus on conservation tourism, but the program helped me realize my skills were better suited for sustainable travel policy work. That redirection was more valuable than any specific technique I learned. I wish I'd been more open to exploring different paths from the start rather than being so fixed on one outcome.
Aisling Donoghue
Completed March 2024The workload was manageable but consistent. I made the mistake of trying to binge modules when I fell behind, and it didn't work well. The people who seemed to get the most out of it were the ones who treated it like a regular commitment — a few hours every week rather than cramming. Also, engage with your cohort. Those connections matter way more than I expected.
Ready to Learn More?
If what you've read here resonates with you — the realistic timeline, the self-directed approach, the focus on building real skills rather than just credentials — then exploring our programs makes sense.
Our next cohort starts in late September 2025, with applications opening in June. Before then, we recommend:
- Browse our learning program details to see specific modules and project types
- Check out the types of roles our graduates have moved into
- Attend one of our open information sessions (next one is April 18, 2025)
- Read through our approach to sustainable travel education
Questions about whether this path fits your situation? Reach out. We'd rather have an honest conversation now than have you realize mid-program that expectations didn't match reality.
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