Challenges Encountered by English Linguistics Students at a Private University in Their Transition to International Tour Guides within the Mekong Delta Setting and Proposed Solutions

Abstract

Tourism represents a cornerstone of development in the vibrant Mekong Delta region, emphasizing the demand for proficient English-speaking tour guides. However, students often encounter challenges in transitioning to careers as international tour guides. This study, titled "Challenges Encountered by English Linguistics Students at a Private University in Their Transition to International Tour Guides within the Mekong Delta Setting and Proposed Solutions," aims to comprehensively assess factors impacting learners' performance and propose effective solutions to enhance English majors' tour guiding capabilities. The research employed a survey questionnaire and interviews as primary data collection instruments, involving 81 respondents for the speaking difficulty questionnaire and 10 randomly selected participants for interviews. Factors influencing speech difficulties were categorized into internal and external factors. The findings underscored internal challenges such as pronunciation hindrances, vocabulary acquisition, natural expression, fluency, confidence, as well as external factors like religious differences, navigating humor, and environmental awareness. The study advocates for targeted interventions to address these challenges and optimize the preparation of English majors for successful careers in international tourism contexts.