Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the processes and challenges in developing two recent International Mobility Projects that involve several educational institutions with a common goal to integrate sustainable tourism knowledge into their curriculums. In this paper, these Mobility Projects are described, which includes discussion about the intent of the student exchange programs and projected outcomes. Also discussed are the processes of designing and delivering an International Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management to be offered by six educational institutions in Canada and Europe and using Distance Education technology, as a platform for both faculty to interact during the planning stages and for students to access course information and materials. A dedicated web site has been designed for each of the two projects to allow for the dissemination of important curriculum, best practices in the industry, student content and to ensure longevity of the projects. The two new Mobility Projects outlined in this paper were made possible by funding from the Government of Canada: Canada-European Union Programme for Co-operation in Higher Education, Training and Youth and the Program for North American Mobility in Higher Education, under the International Academic Mobility Initiative (2008). Mobility Projects and student exchange opportunities are explored and discussed to help us understand and explain the impacts that such exchange projects might have on a student’s comprehension of the important concept of sustainable tourism management. Recommendations are provided to help ensure the success of similar Mobility Projects.