Hangzhou Grad Runs the Travel Agency Gauntlet: Day X (Still Standing!)

[Glenn Ryan PhD]

Hello, dear travel enthusiasts!

Tomorrow, I'll be heading to Hangzhou! This city, known for its West Lake and stunning landscapes that seem picture-perfect, is my destination. I plan on signing up for a tour guide training session with a local travel agency called "Vision."

• From the feedback I've solicited online, people's opinions about "Vision" are generally positive.
• However, let me drop a little secret here: some of my friends have whispered to me about the cons at "Vision," including:
  • They might unjustly deduct wages—unacceptable behavior!
  • There could be a manager who uses psychological manipulation (PUA) to make you feel inferior, forcing you into compliance.
  • The "Youth Wander" project there can be exhausting for the guides leading tours.
  • If you're not 'compliant,' they might not assign groups to you to lead.
  • In addition, becoming an official tour guide requires memorizing a significant amount of texts and passing an exam. A daunting task, indeed.

Hence, I'm going to visit their training facility to immerse myself in the training program, see how much stress I can shoulder, and personally experience if it suits my career vision.

Now, attention must be drawn to all those who frequent Hangzhou's tourism industry or have visited Hangzhou:

• Please comment on your experiences!
• And do share any reputable agencies that can be recommended.
• Most importantly! If you've had any negative experiences, we encourage you to share them, so others can avoid falling into similar traps, preventing untold misfortunes.

Translation Note: In this translation, idiomatic expressions are used to maintain the style and intent of the original text while ensuring readability and coherence in the target language, English.

[Tracy Hoppe]

So far, I've interviewed with Envision and Baiyuan.

[Kelvin Shanahan DVM]

Hey sis, how did the Envision interview go?

[Edith Friesen]

Envision? Red flag, avoid.

[Melody Jacobi]

Any travel agency recommendations, buddy?

[April Corwin]

Both Baiyuan and Envision are super high-pressure (for operations roles), so be mentally prepared if you're considering them.

[Jose Beahan]

I'm applying for a tour guide position.

[Daisy Hermiston]

Zhejiang Chengxin Travel Agency, now called Xiakexing – absolutely do not go there! The boss is emotionally unstable, doesn't solve problems for employees but actually creates them, and just makes employees take the blame when things go wrong.

[Bob Heller]

Thanks for the heads-up!

[Dana Sanford]

I'm currently at Envision.

[Beulah Koelpin]

Sis, how are you finding it at Envision?

[Lucille Borer]

Does any sister here know anything about the operations coordinator role at Envision?

[Jeremiah Stamm-Carroll]

I interviewed for this position today too. The work pace felt way too fast for me.

[Jo Douglas]

OP, are you a '23 or '24 graduate?

[Kelley Balistreri]

Class of '23.

[April Corwin]

Hi, what's Baiyuan like? I have an interview there in a couple of days.

[Ethel Morissette]

Memorizing the tour guide script, passing the review, and getting assigned tours – that's not the main issue. What really matters is the number of tours, how quickly expenses are reimbursed, and whether they delay payments...

[Karen Zulauf]

Looking for recommendations for travel agency operations coordinator or educational tour positions.

[Joseph Thompson]

Following this.