Graduates

Graduates: Updated 16 March 2024

More than just Alumni, we proudly call them our “Family”  While their friends call them “Tour Directors and Tour Guides“, their hiring companies call them their  “Best Assets“.

Our Family of Graduates is a testament to the excellence that defines IGA. Delve into the inspiring stories and achievements of our Graduates, offering hundreds of reasons to choose IGA, with countless more waiting to be uncovered. Spanning over 52 years, our programs have attracted students from over 85 countries across six continents. Beyond classroom borders, IGA has conducted classes on 4 continents and in numerous countries, contributing to the global success of our Family of Graduates.

 Join a community that transcends boundaries and sets the standard in the travel and tourism industry.

Graduates
Connie DineenConnie Dineen
18:17 30 Dec 23
To travel is to live! To travel and get paid for it is even better. The International Guide Academy made this possible for me. One of the best days of my life was the day I graduated at IGA as a tour manager/guide. My dreams became a reality as I traveled to many parts of the world seeing new places and sharing these experiences with my groups. Thank you IGA!
Lisa CillessenLisa Cillessen
03:14 26 Dec 23
IGA gave me the knowledge and confidence to start a new career as a Tour Director. With their instruction, support, and post-graduation connections, I was able to get a job quickly. I recommend IGA wholeheartedly!
Joe BordonaroJoe Bordonaro
13:24 18 Dec 23
I couldn't figure out how to enter the tour director business until I found IGA. Getting started in something new is often the most difficult part. IGA provided great tour director training and opened a lot of doors in the travel industry and has been helpful to me for years since.
Jay ClaninJay Clanin
17:55 14 Dec 23
Over the summer of 2023 I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a program offered by the International Guide Association, and I can't express enough how enriching and enlightening the experience was to me. I am currently a public school teacher who has done extensive student travel and I hope to transition into Tour Directing after I retire.From the moment I joined, I was warmly welcomed by Daniel and Frank Slater, the instructors. They were knowledgeable and passionate and went above and beyond to make the learning process engaging and enjoyable. The diversity of topics covered was impressive, providing a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to be a Tour Director. They provided a multitude of scenarios to work through that directors will have to face. Everyone got a chance to practice these skills and get feedback. The provided method books are well written and packed with information on how to do the job, but also how to get a job. Daniel and Frank were not just instructors but mentors, sharing their wealth of knowledge with genuine enthusiasm.Another highlight was the emphasis on fostering a global perspective. The Association's commitment to promoting cultural awareness and understanding was evident in every aspect of the program. I not only gained valuable insights into the destinations covered but also developed a deeper appreciation for the diversity that makes our world so fascinating.In addition to the educational aspect, the networking opportunities within the Association were invaluable. I have contacted Daniel on a few occasions to go over my resume and bounce questions off of him. He always made time for me above and beyond what was required. In November of 2023 attended the IATDG (International Association for Tour Directors and Guides) annual conference and job fair. The knowledge I gained from my IGA certification really helped me get my foot in the door of many tour companies. I have been hired by two of the companies to conduct tours this upcoming summer.I wholeheartedly recommend the International Guide Association to anyone seeking a transformative and educational experience. The knowledge I gained not only prepared me for the profession but also helped me be a better and more comfortable traveler in general.Thank you, International Guide Association, for a truly remarkable and positive learning adventure! I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills gained in my future travels and endeavors.
Kurt WagarKurt Wagar
16:36 12 Dec 23
If you want to travel and work with the best companies out there, you need to attend IGA! So many doors have opened for me because of attending and it equipped me to be a great Tour Director. I love to travel and being paid to do it, Wow, who would of thought that was possible.
Brigid HoulihanBrigid Houlihan
16:22 12 Dec 23
IGA gave me the training and confidence to start a new career in Tour Management. I’ve been working in travel for the past 10yrs, sailing Europes many rivers and hopefully will continue for many more. Photos of just a few of the wonderful places I’ve been to in the past year, all thanks to my IGA diploma!
Janice LoveJanice Love
14:57 08 Dec 23
Daniel any Frank are fantastic teachers. After finishing the course I was able to land a wonderful position with a top shelf company. I have evolved into a hiking guide in our National Parks and do lead some large group tours also. Who knew I could make a living doing something I truly love. Thanks IGA.
Daniel GuertinDaniel Guertin
00:18 06 Dec 23
My dream job was to become a tour manager. When the opportunity came to my hometown Ottawa in Canada, I had to take the course because I knew this is what I wanted and needed to do. When I graduated, I was not only proud of myself but found 2 amazing guys, son and father team Daniel and Frank who became my inspiration to succeed. They had given me the tools to succeed and understand what being a tour manager was all about and I will forever be grateful to them both. I highly recommend taking this course if your dream is the same as mine. Thorough, easy to understand, complete package. Thanks for helping me change my life. Hope to do this for many more years now that retirement is here. When you do what you love, it's passion!
Terri RossTerri Ross
23:20 05 Dec 23
The training I received at the International Guide Academy has allowed me to have a career spanning more than 8 years as a tour director. I've lead tours around the United States and in foreign countries. My latest tours are in my own home state of New Mexico and I love them! As group travel is returning, more group leaders are needed to take passengers on wonderful adventures. I'm glad IGA taught me how I can be paid to travel!
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What International Guide Academy Graduates Say:

“For almost 50 adult years of my life, I have always considered education an important part of my growth. As such I have investigated, enrolled, taken courses, etc. since 1970. In all my years, I have never received as much support and respect for me as an individual than I had from the International Guide Academy. What amazed me most was how much time they spent with me on the telephone, and promptly answering e-mails, prior to my deciding to go to their school. I have got to say that the course itself was fantastic and now, as a graduate, I continue to receive personal attention from IGA to all my needs. Thank you.”

Andreas Nielson |

Berlin, Germany

“I am writing this six years after taking the tour manager program with the International Guide Academy. If you asked me would I do it again, the answer is yes. If you asked me if I would do anything different, the answer is another yes. I should have taken the program 10 years before I did. Thank you for allowing me to have my dreams come true and live a life my friends envy. Traveling the world and getting income to do so.”

Sandra Thornton |

Conway, Wales

“After my husband’s death I literally stayed in my condo for over one year. My friends insisted I go with them on an escorted tour. Reluctantly I did. The Tour Director was excellent and very caring of me. I asked her about her job and she told me about the International Guide Academy and how they opened a new career for her. It took me another two years before I even went to their web site and asked for their catalog and almost another year before I took the course in Denver. My experience was wonderful. I came out of my cave and now I have new friends all over the world”.

Barbara E. |

Newark, New Jersey

“I wanted more than a job change, I wanted more than a career change, what I really desired was a meaningful life change and then I found the International Guide Academy. The program was intense and you had to earn your certification not just “show up” in class. I can truly say that I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. I am traveling, meeting people, seeing and experiencing different parts of the USA and getting paid to travel. If you want the most rewarding and exciting job in the world maybe it’s time you thought about changing your life and do what I did. Join the family of International Guide Academy graduates.”

Juana Vero Ramon |

San Juan, Puerto Rico

“If I had to pick a highlight of this school I couldn’t. I’d pick three. The instructors were simply the best as well as the curriculum. I say this based on attending educational programs for over thirty years. Then the international choices given to attend the program were excellent (I chose the program location in Mexico.) I comparison shopped with other programs being offered throughout the world and the IGA overall price could not be beat. Finally, the support I received after completing the certification program is outstanding. hmmm…I guess that is more than three highlights. Oh by the way, I received 2 full season job offers from different Tour Operators, both within about 90 days after graduation.”

David Edwards |

Kona, Hawaii

“I earned my certification with IGA a few years ago and just had to write. The program was a great learning experience and I could not have been successful in this career without this training. My passenger comments continue to record my performance as a Tour Director as over 95% excellent. It is no wonder that I continue to get job offers from the Tour Operators. Thank you IGA for your training and continued support to me even years after my graduation.”

Paula Watkins |

Chicago, IL

“Losing my bank job was devastating to my ego and financial position. My state’s Workforce Program paid for me to attend the certification program at IGA. Not only did I learn the skills required of a Tour Director but my self-worth improved 1000% during the course. Now I am working as a Tour Director. It was my first season and my assignments were not full time but now I received offers that kept me full all season of work throughout.”

Mary Beth Orton |

“My certification from the Tour Manager program at IGA provided numerous employment opportunities to me. The certification course gave me the skills and confidence in all aspects of the escorted tour sector of the Travel and Tourism industry, and has allowed me to create an active and well paid lifestyle with the best office … the world and being paid to travel.”

Charles Cancro |

Vancouver and Berlin

“I have been able to travel all over Europe and Asia, sharing my love of travel with my passengers as a Tour Manager. My attending IGA was the best decision of my life, because I now get to travel and get paid for it. No other job in the world could possibly be better in my mind.”

Donna Tofoya |

Sacramento, CA

“IGA prepared me with more than I could have ever imagined. It gave me not only the ability to be “tour ready” but confidence that I could do this job. I knew I loved to travel, I gained a solid knowledge of the escorted tour industry and I finished the certification program and experienced countless opportunities for work. The instructors were outstanding, enthusiastic and helpful.”

Lara Hartmann |

Miami, FL

“Within two months after graduation, I started work with a cruise line as a shore excursion supervisor and after gaining a lot experience on the cruise ship, I decided I wanted to work as a Tour Director. I immediately gained employment as a Tour Director with a European Tour Operator. The education I received from IGA allowed me to enter this position with confidence and I love my job.”

Constance Butler |

Dallas, TX

“Your catalog and personal contact far exceed all others I have looked at. Thank you. My enrollment form is in the mail to you.”

Agatha Fisher |

London, Great Britain

“In your program, I found the instruction and advice both hand-on and practical. Instead of preaching a lot of untested theories and strategies, you and your instructors gave solid information that is current and taught by people actually doing the job. It is obviously well thought out and presented, and is very easy to understand.”

Martha Dennison |

Toronto, Canada

“In summary, I strongly recommend your program to all those wanting to obtain the best training program that leads to a certification as an International Tour Manager or Tour Guide. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Aldo S. Weintz |

New York City

“Every phase of my experience was outstanding beginning with the answering of questions I had before I registered, I had multiple instructors throughout the program and all of them were fabulous. I learned the material not just through classroom work, but through role playing, group assignments and my favorite the actual motorcoach tour. It was truly an experience of a lifetime and I am now working in the industry as a Certified Tour Manager and as IGA stated, being paid to travel.”

Jeff Writenour |

Kentucky

“I have learned so much from this class! Because I had organized and managed tours for Ladies Clubs, family and friends, I pompously thought I knew a great deal about managing a tour. I was so wrong! Much to my pleasant surprise, I learned ten times more than I expected. The instructors know their stuff and are very approachable. Thank you for giving me the tools I need for my professional improvement.”

Elizabeth Quin |

Alabama

“My Irish eyes are smiling. I took and completed my certification at the International Guide Academy and talk about the luck of the Irish. I was considering another school but soon found out that this school is the best. I asked other Europeans for their input and they all pointed me to the IGA. After completing the course and getting hired, I join their ranks in praise for this truly international school and their program.”

Margaret Mary Fay |

Ireland

“This experience has been great! IGA delivered everything they promised! I loved the outings and people. The instructors were endearing and professional. I loved hearing from instructors whose experiences and stories were invaluable. Thanks to all of you at IGA for being an important step in making my dreams a reality.”

Toni Doriot |

Florida

“Thank goodness I was surfing the NET and found IGA. The experience and tricks of the trade secrets will last a lifetime. I felt like the entire class was here for all the right reasons. Thank you so much for your professional and personable leadership.”

Crissy Swartz |

Czech Republic

“I was traveling through the USA on an escorted tour. The Tour Manager was the best I ever encountered and I have been on 17 escorted tours on 5 continents. This person was simply the best I have ever seen. She was professional, knowledgeable, energetic, and had a strong sense of ethics. I had the pleasure of speaking with her and learned she received her training with the International Guide Academy. She highly recommended them. I did my own research and chose to enroll. Now I am on the road earning a wonderful income and all thanks to the International Guide Academy.”

Susan Manfred |

England

“Everything I learned through my IGA course has led me to a success…and a great addition to my resume!”

Dorotha Cicchinelli |

Colorado

“I cannot tell you how happy I am that I was able to take and finish this program. I learned so much and really had no idea how involved it was to be a memorable, professional Tour Guide. I hope to make not only myself, but all of you, proud. I know everything you taught me will be put to good use in my profession as a Tour Guide.”

Rosalie Shaefer |

Colorado

“You know being 25 isn’t always easy. I have spent quite a few years wondering how I could make my college education worth all the money my parents funneled into it. Let me tell you one thing, it isn’t serving coffee. IGA came along during the peak of my quarter-life crisis. I was very hesitant at first to take such a big leap but I knew within 30 minutes of the start of the class I had made the right decision. I never imagined I would feel so well equipped to charge head-on into the travel industry. Thank you for the passion with which you teach and the inspiration you bestow as we the newest batch of grads leave the fold. I hope (I know) we will meet again.”

Ty Hallmark

“Thank you so very much for an outstanding course and a wonderful experience! I came into this class knowing almost nothing about being a Tour Manager. Now, I know I can do this job! I do not know that I have ever learned as much in such a short time as I have these past 10 days. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the training and will recommend your courses to everyone I can”

Marsha Adelson

“It was my lucky day when I Googled Tour Guide Schools and up popped the International Guide Academy. I appreciate your level of integrity in running a very professional and practical Tour Guide course. I was truly excited to come to classes. I am that much more excited to give my first paid tour! You have touched the lives of many in such a positive manner. I also admire your compassion, understanding, and humanitarian efforts to make such a fabulous school. Thanks again!”

Cella Roberts |

Colorado

“Thank you for the exciting journey! Your course was everything I wanted and more.”

Karyn McCaffrey |

New York

“I just returned home from an interview with Village Tours & Travel. I am happy to report that I am their newest Tour Escort. I will be taking my training tour over New Year’s and then going solo. They will be able to keep me very active starting in the spring… They were very impressed that I received formal training, so this is another testament to the fact that your school and training can make a difference when applying for a job. I am so excited to begin my new career and cannot thank you enough for all you have done.”

Rhonda Davis

“I want to thank you all for the great experience in getting my certification. You guys are great!!! I am very thankful that you put us through the hard work; they always say that things worth getting usually involve pain and sacrifice, but result in growth and knowledge, hopefully this will pay off in near future. Thanks again.”

Maria Moya

“I have always felt that I was very glad I took your wonderful course. I not only learned a lot about the industry, but about myself and whether or not I could do it.”

Debbie Thompson

“Thank you so much for the vast amount of information. Terrific teaching style. Wonderful perspectives on a complicated and demanding profession. Time well spent.”

Spencer Friedman |

Colorado

“Your course material states I’d be ‘tour-ready’ after just 9 days. To be honest I was skeptical. You’ve made me a believer. Your material is comprehensive and reality based. All the instructors are professional, gracious and compassionate. Thanks for everything.”

Sharon Ellis |

Florida

“I really enjoyed the course and just today it dawned on me how this course did and will change my life!…I will go out there and be ready. Thanks so much.”

Doreen Bauch |

Germany

“Through your class, I found myself able to do more than I thought I could. I’m so thankful for this wonderful and self-enriching experience.”

Sherin Sanders |

Washington

“Fantastic class. Exceeded expectations. Thanks so much!”

Carol Souk |

Illinois

“Thanks to a terrific program, enthusiastically presented and carefully managed, I feel prepared to pursue a new career that a very short time ago, I had no idea about. Just as importantly, my level of self-esteem has received a wonderful boost.”

E.L. Butterworth |

Virginia

“Well, what can I say? It was great! Thank you, I have enjoyed the program…thanks again.”

Defne Yunes |

Turkey