FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Transcription

1 FREQUENTLY ASKED Q FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

2 INTRODUCTION We get asked hundreds of questions from prospective interns, training course participants, their friends and family about what it's all about. This document serves to help answer a few of the most common questions. Please feel free to print this out and talk it over with friends/family. If you have any further questions please chat to your course advisor and they have wealth of knowledge of our courses, and of our worldwide resorts. Have a look through and please get in touch if you have any further questions. All the best! Eryn Cutler EA Ski and Snowboard Training E: sstraining@educatingadventures.com W: Educating Adventures - A World of Opportunity United Kingdom +44 (0) United States +1 (530) New Zealand +64 (0) Australia +61 (0)

3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. Why is EA the only company in the World guaranteeing a job offer as part of the instructor course? A. Operating since 2005 we were the first company to create and arrange instructor internship programs which include a job placement immediately after the training and exam. We now have employment positions at the World s top ski schools which are exclusive to EA participants. This allows us to guarantee a job offer to participants before they have left home. Q. How can EA offer courses in more locations than any other company? A. Through fostering positive and longstanding relationships with international resorts we have established an industry wide reputation for being a reliable provider of high quality training programs and internships. This reputation has allowed us to engage with more snow sports schools, in more locations around the world than any other company. This means we can offer a more extensive range of programs for you to choose from. Q. Why do I read so many comments from people after their instructor course with other companies - saying they wish they had done an EA program? A. We often hear from those who have been through a different course with a competitor who say this because they are struggling to find work. Even after finishing an instructor course with a level 2 certification, if you have no real experience teaching it is almost impossible to get a job as an instructor. This is why our Instructor Internship Program is so popular. We do run some 11 week training programs without work, however we also set these up so our participants can arrange instructing work for their following season if they wish. Q. How does EA take someone from an intermediate level, to a working instructor getting paid within 4 weeks? A. On arrival an intensive development program including training and an examination sets you up for success. It is put together and delivered by the best in the World and focuses on the key things you need to both pass the level 1 exam, and confidently teach a beginner lesson. The technical level of skiing or riding required to pass a level 1 exam is competently linking parallel (for skiers) turns on blue (intermediate) terrain. Our trainers will get you up to speed and show you the essential ingredients for success. Q. How does EA provide courses cheaper than other competitors? A. Our team have spent over a decade establishing relationships with the World s top ski schools. This means that on an instructor internship program with us you have the added advantage of becoming a fully-fledged member of

4 staff with all the benefits; often including staff accommodation, discounts on food, equipment and transport. This means that while our program prices reflect the work required to set up these programs we do not have to charge as much as other companies offering training programs. Our courses include all the necessary ingredients for success and are the best value programs available. Q. Why do I see there are limited places for the course I want to do when it s so far away? A. Each year we sell out and have to tell people they have missed out (which we don t enjoy). Places are so limited because we have a set number of employment positions to fill at each of the ski schools we work with. We don t take more than this as it would affect the amount of work people might get. Q. How long has EA Ski and Snowboard been running instructor courses? A. EA has been operating instructor courses around the world for over 10 years. The number of new instructors that come through has increased every year. We started with eight in our first year in the USA, with hundreds now getting certified and teaching every year in countries including USA, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and New Zealand. Q2. What is a Ski or Snowboard Instructor Internship? A. In a nutshell an Internship with EA is a full winter season program including training, qualifications and a guaranteed job offer. The Internship is unique in the fact that it includes a job offer. The job offer is one of the most valuable and appealing aspects of the Internship Program. In general it s very hard for someone to get a foot in the door as a first year instructor. Ski and snowboard schools are generally looking for qualified instructors with practical on the job experience - our Internship Programs offer someone who has no qualifications or instructing experience the opportunity to step into a ski or snowboard school and start living the dream. At EA we put a significant amount of time and resource in behind the scenes in bringing the job offers to you. Each year we are stoked when we hear stories about and see trainees in uniform and in action - it s awesome! Q. If I am interested in an EA Internship Program how do I find out more and apply? A. When you initially enquire, one of our training consultants will give you a call to talk through your goals and objectives, your experience and abilities and course options. From here they will help you with any questions and narrow down program and course options best suited to you. Prior to offering you a placement you will be required to have an informal phone interview with a training consultant. Q. Can you tell me more about the pre-screening or program acceptance process for an Internship? A. Topics that will be covered include ski or snowboard ability, relevant teaching experience and/or experience working with children, previous employment, availability and commitment for the duration of the winter season. For most resorts it s not essential

5 that you are an amazing or expert skier or snowboarder but we do require you to be able to comfortably link turns on at least intermediate level terrain. As a first season instructor you will initially teach beginners which requires you to be a good instructor rather than an expert skier or snowboarder. The training program will cover the progressions required to teach with ease. And as you gain experience and confidence you will work with higher level classes! Q. What sort of support does EA Ski & Snowboard provide prior to and during the program? A. Your training consultant will be your main point of contact prior to the start of your program. You will receive a Candidate Checklist detailing all the steps that need to be actioned prior to arriving into resort. Once you arrive at your destination country you will meet your EA On Ground Representative who will take over as your main point of contact and mentor for the duration of the program. Our On Ground Representatives are typically in resort trainers and/or examiners with a wealth of knowledge and experience, something that will really benefit you throughout the winter season. We also have other means of support available to you pre, post and during your program. EA will also set up a specific Facebook group page to enable you to meet and chat with others on the same program. Head office will check-in with you throughout the season with general updates and competition news. We find this is a great opportunity to provide us with some feedback on your experience. Q. What happens when I first arrive to my destination country? A. If you are taking part in the Arrival Orientation, your EA On Ground Representative will meet you at the airport on arrival. Our Arrival Orientations typically include: Airport welcome and hotel transfer Accommodation including breakfast An evening meal at a local restaurant with other program participants City sightseeing A day to organize any required tax ID numbers, bank accounts, mobile phones (if required) Ground transfer to your training resort If you are not taking part in the Arrival Orientation, we will ensure you have contact with the EA On Ground Representative to ensure you get the right travel plans sorted to meet the rest of the group in Resort. Q. What if my School/University exams don't finish until after the course has started, can I join late? A. Providing it's not too late and we know the situation up front you are able to join the program at a later date. Q. Will I be guaranteed a job through the EA Instructor Internship Program? A. The Instructor Internship guarantees a job offer. EA works with top resorts around the world to secure employment positions for a limited number of newly qualified instructors. We pre-screen all participants prior to offering a position on the program. EA

6 and the resorts limit the number of participants going to a particular resort, so everyone has a job position waiting for them and will receive work during the season. There are conditions associated with the job offers which include passing the level 1 exam and abiding by the applicable terms of employment (just like all other staff). So this means the job is there waiting for you, so long as you put in the effort required on your side also. Q. How do I know that my payments will be financially secure? A. Educating Adventures holds an ATOL licence issued by the CAA in the UK. You can see this is in place and current by visiting the CAA website and putting in our ATOL number, As part of holding an ATOL we are required to annually reapply to the CAA for a licence renewal which involves financial checks and an audit. Q. Where can I find out more about EA Ski & Snowboard? You can read more about us here and here. You can also review evidence such as comments and videos from the ski school which we work with. There are plenty of independent reviews and articles online with comments from our previous participants. We are happy to put you in touch with previous participants and other contacts where possible. Our Facebook page is also a good place to check out photos and posts from past clients. Many of our partner resorts also have information about our program on their websites. Q. How much can I expect to earn on an EA Instructor Internship Program? A. At many resorts participants should be able to support themselves i.e. cover basic living costs such as food and accommodation during the season. As a first year instructor hours during the season can vary a lot and are subject to factors such as snow conditions, client demand and holiday times. Over the busy holiday periods e.g. Christmas-New Year, President holiday, spring break weeks, Easter, school breaks and other long weekends there is typically lots of work and participants may be required to work 5-6 or even 7 days a week. Participants can (although most don t) obtain another job outside of the ski resort if they would like and are able to do so under the conditions of their visa. During other times of the season it can be a lot quieter so this is a chance to have more time off, visit other resorts and complete Ultimate Plus Program course components. If you are on an Internship Program then to apply for a Working Holiday Visa applicants are typically required to have proof of funds e.g. CAN$2,500, AUD$2,500, GBP 1,500, NZ$2,500. Whether you are a citizen or on a working holiday visa, we suggest that this amount is set aside and available for use where there is a lack of work or unforeseen circumstances. Q. What are pass rates like for the instructor exam and what happens if I don't pass the exam on the first attempt? A. Historically we have had pass rates of 98% in the level 1 exams. As long as you study hard and have the right attitude you should have no trouble with this part of the course. If for some reason you didn t pass the exam first time around, you ll be able to re-sit at the next available exam (you would need to pay for this yourself). If you are on an Internship Program you may be offered the opportunity to work in a non-instructing role until you passed.

7 Q. What are the hourly pay rates on an EA Instructor Internship Program? A. Below is an idea of the hourly rates by country. During the season you may also receive bonuses and incentives based on factors such as group numbers, working with younger children, private lesson requests, seeing the season through until completion. The exact rate of pay will depend on the resort you are going to. United States: US$11-15 per hour Canada: CA$11-16 per hour Japan: JPY per hour New Zealand: NZ$16-20 per hour Switzerland: CHF per hour Keep in mind that you will get paid for the hours you work. Lessons are typically morning, afternoon or full day, i.e. 6 hours. Ski school managers and supervisors spread work around evenly but the more you put your hand up, and show a positive can do attitude the more you will succeed and be successful during the season. If you complete your level II exam during the season your pay rate will also increase. Q. Is accommodation included in the program fee? A. For those on a 3 to 11 Week or Full Season Training Program accommodation is included in your program fee. If you are on an Internship Program accommodation costs are included in the program fee for the duration of the level 1 training and exam part of the program which is usually the first 3 to 4 weeks. After this time participants start work and they take over paying for their own accommodation. Below is an idea of monthly accommodation prices by country. Prices will depend on factors such as the type of accommodation, location and the number of others you live with. United States: US$ per month Canada: CA$ per month Japan: JPY20,000-50,000 per month New Zealand: NZ$ per month Switzerland: CHF per month. Keep in mind that some accommodation options require a bond/damage deposit and or payments in advance. Q. If I am on an Internship Program do you provide assistance with finding accommodation for the season? A. Yes. At most of our locations the accommodation where you stay during the level 1 training and exam part of the program is available for you to stay on in for the remainder of the season. At some locations staff housing is available. At other locations we will put you in touch with other course participants and provide you with resources and assistance for finding accommodation. Q. On an Internship Program how do the Ultimate Plus Program components fit in with my work and time off? A. Extra course components such as dedicated level 2 training, first aid courses and avalanche course etc are scheduled at quieter times throughout the remainder of the season so as not to interfere with work. The timing of these events will vary from season to season and the schedule will be set by us and your resort. If you want extra time off during the season you will be able to request this through the ski school. You should where possible avoid asking for time off during busy work periods. Make hay while the sun shines!

8 Q. What happens if I get injured before or during the season? A. Unfortunately accidents do happen. It is important that you have comprehensive travel insurance in place to cover your medical costs and any course components you are unable to attend. Travel insurance should be bought through our nominated agent, unless the cover through that agent is not adequate for your personal requirements. Q. Where can I get a detailed list of program inclusions and exclusions? A. On our website you will be able to see a table detailing program inclusions and exclusions. If you are unsure where to look please one of our training consultants will be able to point you in the right direction. Because we have participants coming from all over the world flights and travel insurance are not included in our program prices. We have a global partnership with STA Travel that enables you to receive preferential service and great deals. STA will ensure you are grouped to travel with others on the program from your home country and connections for your arrival orientation and onwards to your placement resort are in place. Q. Will I require a travel or work visa? A. Our training consultants will advise you on any visa requirements. Generally speaking those on a 3 to 11 Week or Full Season Training Program will be able to enter their destination country on a Visa Waiver. For an EA Internship Program a work visa, or Citizenship is generally required. If you require a work visa it is important that you get this underway, processed and confirmed as soon as possible. We will provide you with visa application instructions as outlined by the issuing consulate, embassy or agencies. Q. Do I need my own ski or snowboard equipment? A. Yes. If you have gear already - even if it s old then bring it with you. This saves the pressure of having to get new gear when you arrive. If you don t have gear already then it is super important (especially for skiers) that you have correct boot fitting from someone close to where you are working - which means waiting until you arrive. Our On Ground Representative, your trainers and shop assistants will be able to offer guidance and advice when you arrive on the best skis or snowboard to buy also. At most locations our EA On Ground Representative will arrange a group gear session at a local sports shop and as a trainee instructor you should get a store discount too. Q. Can I pay for the course in instalments? A. Our payment schedule typically requires a deposit payment (normally $2000 USD/NZD) to secure your place, followed by a second deposit and a final payment. Your training consultant will discuss amounts, options and timing with you. All payments must be received prior to the commencement of the program. Q. How much money should I take with me? A. If you are on an Internship Program then to apply for a Working Holiday Visa applicants are typically required to have proof of funds e.g. CAN$2,500, AUD$2,500, GBP 1,500, NZ$2,500. Whether you are a citizen or on a working holiday visa, we suggest that this amount is set aside and available for use where there is a lack of work or unforeseen circumstances. Also bear in mind that you will not earn money for the first month or more depending on the pay cycle of your employing resort. If you are on a 3 to 11 Week or Full Season Training Program take enough money to cover your food and

9 extra entertainment. The price of food will be similar to home but bear in mind that eating at ski resorts is more expensive that the supermarket. Q. Can I hear what others have said about their course with EA? A. Yes we always encourage people to get feedback from others who have come with EA and are proud of the great feedback we receive. For specific testimonies from participants and/or parents please visit our website or contact us, and we've included a couple on the next page for quick reference.

10 TESTIMONIES FROM EA PARTICIPANTS & FAMILIES I had always wanted to work in the ski industry for my GAP year but all of the programmes I had searched only offered training but no work experience. EA provided me with the answer. The programme was awesome, I developed my personal skiing, met some great friends and passed my level one exam - and now I am putting all this to use with a job as an instructor in Canada!" Guy Martin, United Kingdom I participated in the snowboard training and examination program in Lake Tahoe and it was the best time of my life. I learnt so much and met some great people along the way. It s been a great experience and I am looking forward to getting further involved in the industry. I would recommend the course to anyone as it gives you great confidence and self esteem, and it is a lot of fun! Peadar Maloney - Ireland "The internship in Japan was just epic. I learnt so much during my course and met heaps of awesome people. Firstly Japan was just such an amazing experience. The snow... UNREAL. I was a bit freaked out about going to a new culture but we had our little EA team bubble and our clients were all english speaking. Now I am a level one certified snowboard instructor! I am so glad I took this opportunity; it has been amazing and an experience I would recommend to anyone with a passion for the snow!" Olivia Munro, New Zealand I just wanted to say on behalf of 2 parents thank you very much EA, the experience you have given Robert has been amazing and is exactly what you state on your publicity. The guaranteed work after qualification is an incredible package. Our son has a friend who foolishly used another organisation for a similar experience in Canada, to date he has obtained his Level 1 but couldn t get any work, his parents forked out more money so he could obtain his level 2 and still he couldn t find any work and they are now having to send him money to cover the rent on an apartment he had to find himself, he is currently stacking shelves in a supermarket to make ends meet and is thinking of coming home. All I want to say is EA have been a thoroughly professional organisation and have done everything they said they would and for this we thank you. This has been the experience of a life time for our son and he has made so many new friends from all over the world that I m sure he will never loose contact with. Ian Chitty - England The three week training course was a great experience. I learnt so much and improved my own riding in such a short time; which is no coincidence considering the teachers and instructors are world class. A great life experience! Neil Richards USA