As
you wander round the ski shows over the next few weeks,
you may notice The
International Academy on your travels.
Going back to school may not sound
that great, but this particular institution has helped many
people fulfil a dream - becoming a ski or snowboard instructor.
The International Academy helps people,
whether in a 'gap year' or taking a career break, to achieve
that goal by training them for professional qualifications
with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)
or the equivalent Canadian (CSIA) and New Zealand (NZIA)
awards.
Lillian Nolan, 36, from Co. Kerry,
recently told Natives about how she solved her burning desire
to become a qualified ski instructor.
'I first learned to ski while au pairing
in Valloire in France,' Lillian told Natives. 'A few years
later I came across The International Academy at the Daily
Mail Ski Show and made my mind up that day to make my dreams
come true'.
Her course was in Mammoth, California
and thanks to 'endless sunshine and fantastic snow conditions'
plus a 'very high standard of training and instruction'
Lillian was very impressed with the detailed information
and the high level of support throughout.
This is the fourth season of the
Academy, which also offers other sports. It is linked with
the American, Canadian and New Zealand ski and snowboard
governing bodies, which means that delegates are offered
some of the most up to date teaching philosophies and technical
skills available.
This winter there are courses in Stowe,
Mammoth and Aspen in the States and Whistler and Lake Louise
in Canada.
Courses begin in Jan 2001 and you
can get more details by visiting their website.
