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The Organization of Tourism Education and Training (O.T.E.K.)
Xenia
Ilios – Kokkini Hani This
educational institution started in 1972 as a school for the various tourism
professions, and was housed originally in the Candia Hotel, which is now the
Creta Sun in Kato Gouves. Then, it was moved to the Arina Sand Hotel,
until it acquired its own space, the Xenia Ilios in Kokkini Hani.
Between the morning hours and until 3
p.m., about 230 people attend the Technical Vocational School (T.E.E.) of
O.T.E.K., and workshops, and the Cretan School for Tour Guides.
In the afternoon, from 3-8 p.m.,
approximately another 230 students attend the Institute for Vocational
Training (I.E.K.) of O.T.E.K. and departments offering continuing vocational
training, including on the job experience, for hotel workers.
Founded in 1937, O.T.E.K. is Greece's
first specialized, government-owned institution for tourism education, and
provides professional education and training of the highest level,
exclusively for the hotel, provisional and tourism professions.
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In its contemporary educational units,
the O.T.E.K. provides pioneering educational programs on different levels
which combine theory, technical and workshop for a future successful career.
The facilities are open to all and, by
appointment, welcome visits from other schools.
A large percentage of the managers in
the Pancretan Association of Hotel Managers have passed through this school,
as well as many of the chefs.
The O.T.E.K. offers:
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Free education.
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Boarding facilities – in the
summer the boarding facilities turn into a 3½ star hotel where a portion
of the students do their practical training.
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Contemporary workshops for
practical applications.
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A lending library with more
that 2000 titles. A pilot digital library is in the works, where the
possibility of accessing electronic information on all professions studied
at the school will be offered.
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Laboratories of information technology.
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Paid on-the -job training in choice hotels and tourism
enterprises.
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A career office offering introductions to with the tourism
market.
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Participation in educational trips, exhibits and contests
here and abroad.
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Scholarships to graduates of tourism education to further
their studies in European universities and tourism schools.
(My personal thanks to Mr. Ioanni Karra, director of
O.T.E.K., for all the information.)
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