Importance of Foreign Languages for a Career in Tourism as Perceived by Students in Different Years of Study

The proficiency in multiple foreign languages is a basic prerequisite for successful communication in the tourism industry, as well as for mutual understanding among students involved in the exchange programs with different universities, especially in foreign countries. In this regard, tourism and mobility play a significant role, while intercultural contacts contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue. Raising awareness of the importance of foreign language proficiency as well as fostering the development of intercultural competence in the area of tourism and hospitality industry is extremely important. This survey has attempted to explore the differences among the third and fourth year American College of Management and Technology (ACMT) students’ perceptions of the importance of the knowledge of various foreign languages for tourism industry. A key finding of this survey about the differences in the perception of students in different years of study of the importance of foreign language knowledge is that, as compared to younger students, fourth year students consistently attach greater importance to the knowledge of foreign languages. Since in most variables we have not found statistically significant differences, this conclusion cannot be accepted as an absolute rule.