COTR student completes university degree down under

Debbie and Roger Signer joined daughter and College of the Rockies’ transfer student, Michelle, at her graduation ceremony from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia.

Michelle Signer, a former College of the Rockies student, has now completed her post-secondary studies at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia. This was made possible by a partnership transfer agreement between the two institutions. She has now finished a bachelor of business degree in tourism management.

Signer started at College of the Rockies (COTR) in September of 2006, enrolling in the recreation management (event management major) diploma program. After completing her recreation diploma in April of 2008, she decided to return to COTR for a third year and finish both her tourism management diploma and business administration certificate.

Signer always knew she would continue through to university after her time at College of the Rockies. Following a discussion with the tourism and recreation program co-ordinator, Grant Unger, about the possibility of studying in Australia, she decided to seek additional information.

“I received full transfer credit from Griffith for all of my previous courses. After my time at COTR, I studied for a year and a half (three semesters) and completed my degree,” Signer said. "The foundation I gained at COTR has helped me immensely with my studies at Griffith. Small class sizes and one-on-one time with instructors helped me to gain the skills necessary to succeed. I learned how to learn, while learning about the best and biggest industry in the world—tourism! When I got to university I knew what type of learner I was and how best to study and complete my assignments to their fullest potential."

While the Australian school offers a different style and environment, Griffith has not forgotten the benefits of her prior education in Canada.

"The atmosphere is much different at Griffith. One might expect that though, considering COTR is a small college that has about 2,500 students and Griffith has over 15,000 students studying everything from medicine to oceanography. But I loved COTR," she said. "I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone; such a great place with an amazing atmosphere, lovely people and fun times. Looking back at college I know I did everything I wanted to while I was there—and still got a quality education at the same time. I am so glad I attended COTR. I wouldn't have wanted to go to college anywhere else. My advice to anyone that is contemplating doing the COTR-Griffith transfer is to get as much information as you can, and go for it! There are also scholarships available, depending on your chosen field of study.”

When asked how her experience has affected her Signer replied: “I have changed for the better, immensely, since moving to the Gold Coast. It is Australia’s number one tourism destination and for that reason students from all parts of the world come here to study. There are so many fun things to do here, including beach-related activities, hikes in the hinterlands (the rainforest  behind the beach), theme parks, bars, shopping, road trips, music festivals, the list just goes on. As a result of studying at Griffith I have friends from all over. For example, last week I went out on the town with four friends; from Germany, Mexico, Argentina, and the Philippines. The next day I went to the beach with friends from Poland and Brazil.”

Now that she has finished her degree Signer still plans on doing a lot of travelling, but at present she’s decided to remain in Australia, live near the beach and further her surfing skills.

She wanted to add a specific mention and special thank-you to three of her past instructors; Grant Unger, Ken Rintoul and Steve Kamps.

If you would like further information on how she transferred from COTR to Griffith please feel free to email Signer

For more information about the College of the Rockies' Tourism and Recreation Management program go to: www.cotr.bc.ca/tourism