Graduates
Graduates: Updated 4 March 2026
Our Family of Graduates
More than alumni—we proudly call them our Family.
While their friends know them as Tour Directors and Tour Guides, the companies that hire them know them as their best assets.
Our Family of Graduates represents the standards, professionalism, and real-world readiness that define IGA.
WHY “FAMILY” MATTERS
Graduates of IGA are connected by more than a certificate. They share a common foundation of training, expectations, and responsibility—one built around how the job is actually performed in the field.
This sense of connection continues long after certification. Graduates regularly support one another with insights, referrals, and shared experience, strengthening not only individual careers but the reputation of IGA worldwide.
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY, BUILT OVER 50+ YEARS
For more than 50 years, IGA has trained and Certified Tour Directors and Tour Guides whose careers span the globe.
Students from 85+ countries
Representation across six continents
Classes conducted on four continents and in numerous countries
This global reach reflects both the demand for qualified professionals and the consistency of the IGA training model—one that adapts to destinations while maintaining professional standards.
REAL CAREERS. REAL OUTCOMES.
Graduates of IGA work with Tour Operators, cruise lines, Destination Management Companies, sightseeing companies, and event planners worldwide. Their success is measured not by likes or followers, but by trust, reliability, and repeat hiring.
Their stories—some just beginning, others decades in the making—demonstrate what happens when training focuses on responsibility, preparation, and professionalism.
EXPLORE OUR FAMILY OF GRADUATES
Each Graduate story below represents a unique path, shaped by personality, experience, and opportunity—yet grounded in the same core training provided by IGA.
If you’re considering a future as a Tour Director or Tour Guide, the stories below offer a clear picture of what’s possible when certification is earned and expectations are real.
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
