CHALLENGES IN TEACHING GERMAN AS L3 TO TOURISM STUDENTS

Purpose - The aim of this paper was to present the results of the primary research regarding problems and difficulties found in teaching German as a second language (L3) to students attending the study programs Hotel and Tourism Management and Gastronomy at the University College Aspira in Split, Croatia. The aim of the research was to find out the students reasons for choosing the beginner level of learning German, although the majority of them have previously learned German. The influence of students' knowledge of English language (L2) on their German study was also taken into consideration. Methodology - The questionnaire, designed by the author of this paper, and qualitative interviews were used to collect students' answers, opinions and feelings about the subject of learning (again) German from the beginning. The attitude towards German language was also subject of inquiry as well as their outlook on English language. A total of 51 students attending the undergraduate professional study program of International Management in Hotel and Tourism at the University College Aspira in Split, Croatia, participated in the research. A few Erasmus students attending German lessons were also included in the research. Findings - The majority of students felt that their knowledge of German acquired mostly during their secondary education was not sufficient for their future career in tourism and therefore chose to start learning from the beginning again. The research revealed that students their difficulties in learning attributed mostly to German language being allegedly difficult to learn, in contrast to their positive attitude towards English language. More often than not they refuse to accept their own responsibility for their learning progress. Contribution - Strategy for discovering the false beginners from the start is discussed in the paper which concludes that there is a real need for more guidance in strategies of foreign languages acquisition both in secondary and tertiary education with the aim to give students more prospects and a greater practical understanding of their competencies. It is particularly important in a country like Croatia, where tourism is growing steadily and is expected to continue so.