FAQ
Do you have housing available for travel school students?
The Travel Academy is located 4 to 5 blocks from the Mall of America. We rent 2 bedroom apartments located about one block from the Mall and 5 blocks from our facility. These apartments are completely furnished, including full kitchens with dishes, dining rooms and living rooms with basic cable TV. The 2 bedrooms are furnished with 2 single beds in each bedroom, including pillows and linens. The bathroom has a separate dressing area.
Apartments rent by the week with all utilities included; $150 with 1 or 2 students, $100 for 3 students and $75 for 4 students in the apartment (prices subject to change if student numbers change in your apartment at any time). We also require a $250 security deposit, due one month before classes. The deposit will be refunded to you if you leave the apartment in good/clean condition. If you would like to prepay all of your housing before class begins we only charge $100 per week (if you end up with 3 roommates we refund you $25/week). The Travel Academy will do all we can to meet your accommodation requests but cannot guarantee the number of students in each apartment at any time. All roommates will be of the same sex if requested. Our students have found that having a roommate has been enjoyable and helpful.
You can view a model of the apartments we rent by going to www.villagegreen.com. Be sure to view the Photo Slide Show and the Virtual Tours.
The Mall of America has a Light Rail Train (Metro Transit); the 2nd stop “Bloomington” is a ½ block from The Travel Academy. It also goes to the Airport and Downtown Minneapolis. Minneapolis/St. Paul also has an excellent bus system. In addition, many times students have cars and share rides with shared expenses. Transportation is usually not a problem.
If you have a car at any time YOU MUST HAVE A PARKING PERMIT, which you will receive from The Travel Academy upon notification. No cars are allowed between 6pm and 9am daily with our parking permit except in specially designated areas.
What is the future of the travel industry?
In addition to the major airlines, such as Delta, American, United, US Airways, etc., there are many regional airlines in the US that either work with or are owned by the major airlines. These regional airlines are almost always hiring flight attendants, customer service agents, reservationists, and many other positions, and are a great way to get into the industry and work up to the major airlines if you wish. Major travel agency organizations such as American Express, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, AAA Travel, Travel Leaders, and many other successful brick and mortar travel agencies are also continuing to thrive and adapt to new technologies in the industry. There are also numerous Internet travel websites, all needing quality travel industry trained employees. Your training at The Travel Academy will prepare you for these positions as well as a career in other areas of the travel industry, including tour providers, cruise lines, car rental companies, hotels, and resorts.
Are there jobs while in school?
The Travel Academy is located 5 blocks from the Mall of America and our apartments are 3/4 of a block from the Mall. The Mall of America has over 500 retail stores, a 13 acre amusement park, and an aquarium. There are usually jobs available at the mall or one of the many restauants in or around the mall. You apply as you would with any regular employment opportunity. Do not inform the potential employer that you are attending The Travel Academy; they realize your employment time will be limited. Be sure to have your apartment address so you can complete your application. However, request to pick up any items that would have been mailed because you will not be listed with the Post Office at that address. Have all other mail and packages sent in your name to The Travel Academy. When you are 3/4 of the way through your training, The Travel Academy will be working with you to start your new travel career!
Is it true that travel agents are still in high demand even though people can book their own travel online?
Although the Internet has allowed people to book their own basic travel arrangements, travel agents are still in demand for vacation packages, honeymoon trips, tours, and cruises. Furthermore, the advent of online booking has created a need for a new kind of travel agent...one who backs up the website. Each Internet booking site has live agents available to help customers with any challenges and assist in travel reservations. These sites use the Worldspan Computer Reservation system (which is taught at the Travel Academy) for making all travel arrangements. And remember, if you become a travel agent, there are a variety of opportunities in the travel industry besides travel agencies.
