The profession of a foreign guide is very interesting, full of emotions and constant communication. To get such a job, you must not only have extensive knowledge, but also have a number of personal qualities that play a significant role in career success.
Extensive knowledge as a basis
The profession of a foreign guide has several directions, which can be divided into two conditional groups: everyday accompaniment of guests and excursions. However, in either case, you will need extensive knowledge in the area in which you intend to work.
Of course, the job of accommodating and serving guests is much easier, but be prepared for the fact that foreigners will ask you hundreds of questions on various topics. You must be impeccably oriented in everything that may interest visitors. Keep all the necessary materials, phone numbers, and other useful information close at hand.
The foreign tour guide has a much more serious responsibility. It is safe to say that this profession should be your sincere vocation. The knowledge in the illuminated area should be as deep as possible. You can only achieve success if you are truly interested in all this yourself, as well as constantly expand your horizons and look for new information.
flawless language skills
There is nothing to do in this profession without a high level of both native and foreign languages. If in other areas you can afford to just speak fluently, then in this case the language level is one of the key criteria. It will be physically difficult for foreigners to listen to you if you speak with strong accent and mistakes. Public speaking is a prerequisite for a good job. Your chances of being successful as a foreign guide will be much improved if you have had experience of long-term study or living abroad, and at the same time have mastered the intricacies of oral communication. In addition, knowledge of another foreign language will not be superfluous.
Personal qualities
The profession of a guide implies constant and very intense communication, mobility, the ability to quickly respond to unexpected requests from people and many emergency situations. If you choose such a job, be prepared for the fact that your everyday life will become saturated with emotions, but at the same time it can drain you psychologically. A foreign guide must be able to restrain himself and try to be always in a good mood. Leadership and organizational qualities will not be superfluous.
A good guide is often an actor and showman rolled into one. Modern guides sometimes arrange a real show from trips with groups, captivating not only with the story, but also with their emotionality, jokes and improvisations.
