The Travel Academy Waste of time, money and not at all what they advertise Ripoff Bloomington Minnesota

As of June 8th 2012, I am a graduate of The Travel Academy. I would advise anyone to attend the school. I was hired by an airline on June 12th. The school focuses on teaching you all the ins and outs of how to become an outstanding flight attendant. They cover all different subjects from FAR's to how to stand out in the crowd. The instructors work with you step by step to make sure you are successful.

They have worked in the industry and they know what they are talking about. The staff and instructors stand next to you every step of the way. They are amazing people and want you to be the best that you can be. They also cover the Cruise Industry and how to become a Travel Agent. I would recommend taking the 300 hour course because there is so much more material to cover.

Before coming here I had no direction, and now I can say, I did the best thing I could have done with my life. I am in an industry that I have always loved, and I am around people that are positive and want the best for me. Take the next step and sign up, worth every penny. If money is an issue, they offer payment plans and finical aid. Trust me on this one, the knowledge that you will gain will last you a life time.

They will also work with you until you are hired. If your out of state, they offer housing, great location and nice apartments. I can't stress this enough, the staff, the instructors, the placement director, are the greatest people I have come across in my life, I have gained a world of knowledge by attending the school, I now know what I am capable of doing and I will be successful at any job I hold.

The 19 year old daughter of my close friend of over 20 years went here right after high school, she is a 2011 year graduate of The Travel Academy. Right after her graduation, they helped her obtain a job with Norwegian Cruise Lines, she's been stationed in Hawaii for the past five months. Kaylyn regularly posts pics on Facebook of herself in gorgeous tropical surroundings, swimming with dolphins, etc. Yesterday she flew to New York, and now she'll be going up to Alaska on a different cruise ship. I've heard nothing but positive things about the school, and the training, support provided there. In my opinion, just like most things in life, it's what you make it, and how much you put into it is what you get out of it. I've never heard of a school that so diligently works with their students like The Travel Academy after they graduate to help them find a job, even coaching them how to successfully interview with prospective employers. She has what could be considered a humble position, she's a waitress on the ship, and works hard, with little time off and not much pay, but she is meeting interesting people each and every day, and is traveling to exciting places most of us are lucky to see only a few times in their lives. My own daughter just graduated from high school, and doesn't have a clear direction of where she wants to go - to me, this sounds like a wonderful opportunity that she won't be able to do later in life.

 I have absolutely no hesitation in enrolling her, she knows it's up to her to EARN any opportunities she could be offered, just paying tuition doesn't entitle anyone to a job anywhere, or to the school to "owe" you good grades just for showing up, without having to buckle down, study or apply yourself. Sounds like the people that filed the previous complaints thought they were entitled to a free ride, and are disappointed this wasn't the launch of a free long extended luxury vacation with instant big bucks pay? Maybe this person should ask them self if their employer/prospective employers don't want someone with a negative attitude in front of the vacationing guests or other employees, and THAT'S why she can't find "anything that's better" either.

Dear Tim, October 2011 Graduate,

Thank you for submitting your concerns and complaints. We would like to address these items you have stated. For the housing complaints, we have a resident assistant that currently lives on site to patrol the students and maintain security. To view the current student housing please visit this site http://www.royaloaksapt.com/templates/template_pinnacle02_blue/default.asp?w=pinnacleroyaloaks .  According to our rules, alcohol consumption is legal for those 21 and older and all illegal drugs are prohibited. Students participating in illegal acts are removed immediately. While we try to maintain a safe and secure environment for our students certain students may choose to participate in these illegal acts under their own discretion. When we are made aware of these acts, students are removed from the program and apartments.

Students who are not participating in these acts, but are sexually harassing, stalking, or disturbing fellow roommates and students are also removed for safety reasons and rule violations. In your complaint, you mentioned that The Travel Academy charges $500 per month for a one bedroom apartment. The Travel Academy only has 2 bedroom apartments and are fully
furnished and rent includes all utilities, including cable and internet, which may reflect a higher price than you would find in an unfurnished apartment without utilities included. These furnished apartments are courtesy to the students and students can rent them on a weekly basis without a credit check required to help them while they are pursuing a job in the travel industry, just as you did. http://www.thetravelacademy.com/potential-students/housing

We are sorry to hear that the class time was cheap and that you didnt learn anything during your time at The Travel Academy. Each instructor brings a minimum of 10 years of experience and knowledge in their industry. While its up to each individual student to put the time and effort into learning the material, The Travel Academy cannot guarantee each student will put forth the time and commitment.  In our Accelerated 120 hour program you are trained in flight attendant operations and emergency equipment, travel agent training including Worldspan Reservation training, cruise line industry, airline terminology, career development, airport codes, first aid, CPR, hands on flight attendant training, professional dress preparation, hotel and resort, resume, background check, cover letter, mock open house interview, one on one interviews, applying for jobs, and we work with each student until they are hired.

And you were hired with Compass Airlines after flight attendant recruiters visited The Travel Academy to recruit students. In addition, you also informed us that you were offered interviews with Continental Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. As we know after you left the military, finding employment was a struggle for several years and we were able to provide you with an opportunity with three airlines to choose from for a flight attendant position. Perhaps you would like to reapply with the other two airlines that offered you interviews originally.

Wendy and Jackie were really upset to hear of your recent statements of your experience at The Travel Academy. After all of the helpful gifts you have given and appreciative thank you cards for their assistance and expertise they were surprised to read your lack of satisfaction of the program.

Perhaps you would like to read the testimonials of all the satisfied and successful graduates of The Travel Academy. http://www.thetravelacademy.com/about-us/testimonials . Please feel free to contact us directly to further address and satisfy your
concerns.

Sincerely,

The Travel Academy