Opportunities For Professional Growth Research Articles

A Phenominological Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing the Migration of South African Anaesthetists

The anaesthetic workforce is a scarce resource in South Africa (SA), and the media frequently reports that anaesthetists are leaving the country in search of better opportunities in well-resourced countries. The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing the migration intentions of South African anaesthetists. This study utilised a qualitative methodology in the form of virtual interviews. A total of 23 interviews were conducted on purposefully selected participants using a snowball approach. The interviews were transcribed and coded into emerging themes using MAXQDA version 2022. Thematic content analysis was subsequently performed. The study found that all SA-based participants were considering emigrating, while those who had already emigrated had no plans to return to SA in the near future. Push factors prompted the consideration of emigration, and these were related to unsatisfactory living and working conditions in South Africa, such as a high level of crime and corruption, and the country's overall poor resources and infrastructure. Destination countries were chosen based on their pull factors such as better working conditions and opportunities for professional growth. These pull factors frequently outweighed South Africa's push factors and are therefore critical in the decision to emigrate. The main recommendations from the participants include facilitating collaboration between the public and private sectors, expanding the available sub-specialties in SA, and recognising fellowships in South African hospitals. The study participants were of the view that South African anaesthesiologists would be motivated to stay by a combination of patriotism and hope for the future. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations: The Anaesthetic workforce in South Africa is at critical risk and is unlikely to stabilise soon. Concerted efforts should be made by all concerned to explore ways of retaining the staff, considering the recommendations of the participants. Relevant key stakeholders in training and regulation of anaesthetics practice such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa, South African Society of Anaesthesiologists, and the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa should collaborate and prioritise mechanisms of monitoring emigration and intervening on modifiable professional and socio-political factors.

One-Person Library as an Object of Study

There are many different types of libraries and librarians. In smaller libraries, often there is only one employee, solo librarian, in charge of all aspects of library work, from cataloging to reference-bibliographic service and from budgeting and planning to personnel management. In international practice, the term One-Person Library (OPL) is used to designate such libraries with one employee. Working alone places special demands on library professionals. Therefore, in the late 1970s, the solo librarianship movement arose in support of OPL employees abroad, which practically was almost unknown in Russia. According to some estimates, OPLs are about a third of all libraries in the world. The relevance of this topic is unquestionable, since the number of OPLs worldwide will only grow. It is the overall trend. The purpose of the work is to give general information about OPLs and show their specific features. The article is a review of foreign publications devoted to the problems of librarians and information professionals who work alone or solo. Not intended to be exhaustive, this review can serve as an introduction to the topic and outlines the main problems faced by this segment of the profession. Among the specific problems the author considers multitasking and lack of time, professional isolation and perceived lack of opportunity for professional growth, the threat of reduction and, as a result, the need to constantly demonstrate their value to management. Despite the difficulties, working alone has its advantages. The most obvious of them are independence in decision-making, diversity, an opportunity to prove themselves and develop new skill sets (managerial, leadership, communication). The author expresses the hope that this work will attract interest in the problem of OPL functioning and will serve as an incentive for further discussions of this topic in the professional library community.

International nurse education research collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic: Researchers' perspectives

BackgroundInternational research collaborations in nurse are increasing. However, collaborations in international nurse education research are limited compared to clinical nurse studies. This paper presents the experiences of seven investigators of a multi-country study while conducting collaborative research among nurse students across five continents. ObjectiveThis paper aims to describe the experiences and challenges of conducting an international nurse education research and to propose recommendations to enhance these collaborative research experiences. MethodsNarrative perspectives from nurse educators on the international nurse collaborative experience were described in this discussion paper. ResultsInternational collaboration in nurse education research was a positive and enriching experience. While several challenges were experienced by the collaborators, the presence of facilitating factors, benefits of collaboration, and opportunities for personal and professional growth and development outweighed the challenges. Team leader attributes, active engagement, commitment, genuine interest, and cultural sensitivity are essential in creating a successful international nurse research project. ConclusionInternational collaborative nurse research fosters expansion of nurse knowledge through sharing of expertise and development of culturally diverse perspectives.

Enjoyment in language teaching: a study into EFL teachers’ subjectivities

Abstract Although teacher enjoyment has been positively related to teacher well-being and performance, little is known about the combination of perspectives and experiences that contribute to it. This study uses Q methodology to identify, characterise and compare divergent viewpoints of tertiary-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers regarding enjoyment within their professional context. A Q sort of 44 statements reflecting enjoyment in foreign language teachers was administered to 40 participants. By-person factor analysis was conducted to identify common patterns across the Q sorts. Three viewpoints emerged, namely classroom engagement, career value and social interaction. The narratives show that the unique composites of experiences within these viewpoints characterise enjoyment for each group of EFL teachers. To boost or recover their enjoyment, EFL teachers are advised to clearly communicate their expectations for student behaviour, use positive reinforcement when teaching, seek opportunities for professional growth, establish career goals and embrace opportunities for collaboration.

1964-1985 жж. ОРТАЛЫҚ ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫАУЫЛ ШАРУАШЫЛЫҒЫ ЕҢБЕККЕРЛЕРІНІҢ КҮНДЕЛІКТІ ӨМІРІ:КОМСОМОЛ-ЖАСТАР БРИГАДАЛАРЫНЫҢЕҢБЕГІ МЕН ҚЫЗМЕТІНІҢМАТЕРИАЛДАРЫ БОЙЫНША

This article examines the rural daily life of Central Kazakhstan during the period of stagnation. The analysis of the problem of labor resources and the shortage of rural workers and qualified specialists in the Kazakh agricultural sector in 1964-1985 was carried out. The study was carried out on the basis of archival documents and materials of anoral interview conducted by the author among the rural population living in the region during the study period. The outflow of young people from rural areas began in Soviet times, has been preserved and even expanded, becoming the main trend when the country gained independence. Considering that the origins of difficulties in providing youth labor resources come from the Soviet era of the 60s -80s, the main task is to identify the cause-and-effect relationships of these problems, to determine the impact, results and consequences of reforms on job security in the agricultural sector. According to the authors, the low level of intensification and working conditions in agriculture (lack/low level of mechanization, lack of material interest, opportunities for professional and career growth, etc.) led to an outflow of young people and, as a consequence, a shortage of specialists and workers. Although the demographic growth of the population in rural areas was high during the study period, the shortage of specialists and workers due to shortcomings in the industry has always remained an urgent and unresolved problem.

Philosophical-Psychological, Pedagogical-Managerial Aspects of "Qualitative" Formation of Future Specialists of All Levels of Training and Specialties in the Conditions of Technical University

The study is devoted to such topical issues in the theory and methodology of education and pedagogy of higher education as the training of future leaders, namely the formation and development of leadership qualities of students in technical universities. On the topic of the study, the authors analyzed the literature of leading scientists in the field of philosophy, psychology and pedagogy, identified features of the formation of leadership in the student environment. The study reveals the seven most important criteria that form the core of the personality of the future specialist leader. The use of these seven criteria of personality development of the future specialist in technical universities requires a combination and adaptation of traditional approaches to education and the latest pedagogical technologies. This is aimed not just at introducing certain forms and methods of work into the educational process, but at creating a specially organized professional environment in which future professionals have opportunities for professional and personal growth through conscious change and transformation of both the environment and themselves. In the process of personal change, the student's historical "I" is as close as possible to his logical "I" and is held by the latter with the help of Onto In-Se. This is how the future specialist acquires leadership qualities, first of all: cognitive, communicative, organizational, moral and volitional and reflexive skills. It is established that through the development of conceptual and creative thinking of the student it is possible to influence the formation of his critical "I" as a necessary attribute of leadership: the ability to listen and hear, understand and act.

FOSTERING THE CAREER BUILDING COMPETENCE IN STUDENT TEACHERS OF HANDICRAFTS AND TECHNOLOGY: SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The study reveals the essential features of the concept of «fostering the career building competence in student teachers of Handicrafts and Technology» as a dynamic combination of knowledge, skills, thinking, views, values and other personal qualities that determine the ability of the student teachers of Handicrafts and Technology to set career goals, plan the career, awareness of their own career potential and, accordingly, to effectively build a career path, successfully overcoming career problems. The above is based on the examination of the approaches of scientists to the definition of key research concepts. Having used the scientific and experimental approach, the study determined and characterised the structure of the career building competence in student teachers of Handicrafts and Technology as the set of the components such as motivational, cognitive, activity, reflective. Accordingly, the study specified the criteria, indicators and levels - initial, low, medium, high - of the formation of the phenomenon under study. It also provided the characteristics of the development levels. Precisely, the indicators of the motivational criterion were as follows: 1) positive attitude to career building; 2) the desire for self-expression and self-realization in professional activities; 3) having the values aimed at developing the necessary competencies for a career in education. The cognitive criterion was characterized as having and constant updating of knowledge: 1) on the field of education, objects and types of the selected professional activity, 2) about the possible ways of career development, 3) on forecasting, career planning in the education system. The activity criterion was defined as a set of skills and abilities: 1) to get engaged in the professional activities at the stage of education; 2) rapidly adapt to professional activity in the dynamics of external conditions; 3) to gain experience in career growth. The reflexive criterion was interpreted as the ability to: 1) analyse the job market requirements for teachers of Handicrafts and Technology from the professional environment perspective; 2) assess opportunities for professional and career growth; 3) reflect on the ways to overcome career crises and solve careerproblems.

Methodological approaches to creating conditions for successful professional growth of teachers of a general education organization

The article devoted to the actual problem of professional development of teachers of a general education organization presents a meaningful analysis of methodological approaches to creating conditions for successful professional growth of teachers of a general education organization. The approaches to the formation and development of human resources as one of the conditions contributing to the construction of an individual trajectory of successful professional growth of a school teacher are considered. The technology of team interaction of subjects of the intra-school system is disclosed. The conditions for the formation of the personnel potential of an educational organization are described. The most important task of the modern education system is the development of teaching staff. The leadership of an educational organization should be aimed at providing opportunities for professional growth and development. The choice depends on the learning objectives. Particular attention is paid to the conditions for the formation of human resources. The authors give a generalized description of these conditions. The effectiveness of the formation of personnel potential is influenced by personality. The authors propose to consider the personnel potential of an educational organization as a qualitative characteristic of the teaching staff.

Problems of gender differentiation in the labor market of the Russian Federation

The issue of gender imbalance is one of the most common topics for analysis within the framework of scientific discourse today, and it is also reflected in many applied socio-economic studies. Recent events such as the coronavirus pandemic and the special military operation have had a major impact on the Russian economy, most notably in the area of labor relations and employment. State guarantees for the provision of equal rights in the labor market for women and men in the current crisis need additional stimulation and development in order to reflect and ensure the rights of women and men in the labor market and prevent serious gender asymmetries. However, the changes that have taken place in society have contributed to the intensification of the process of manifestation of gender differentiation and discrimination against women in the labor market. Socio-economic changes have largely affected the life of every Russian family. Emerging intra-family problems significantly limited the opportunities for social and professional growth of women, their opportunities for self-realization, and also led to an increase in the risk for women associated with the loss of a job. In addition, we can notice the presence and reproduction of gender stereotypes in modern society. They have significant impact on development of public opinion and attitudes towards women's work, both among the leaders of organizations and among women themselves. The current situation goes to the further consolidation of the process of gender differentiation in the economic sphere, as well as to the strengthening of the financial dependence of women on men.

Control of resources in the nursing workplace: Power and patronage relations.

Immigrant nurses make up a large percentage of the Australian nursing workforce. Since the support in the workplace is expected to be inclusive for all nurses, the aim of this article is to explore how support and opportunities for professional growth, learning and development are distributed across different categories of nurses working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). An ethnographic approach has opened an examination of the everyday workplace practices in the NICU to gain insight into how nurses made sense of the social and power relations occurring between themselves and their senior colleagues and how they experienced the support and opportunities they received in their workplace. As today's workplaces such as the NICU are diverse in races, culture and experiences, the concepts of intersectionality and cultural safety assisted in identifying inequality and injustice related to such diversity. The results showed how patronage relations rendered nurses with immigrant status with major disadvantage and left them clinically and culturally vulnerable. Such inequity defeats the reasons for encouraging skilled migration of nurses and poses questions on the cultural competency of recruiting organisations. Considering how cultural safety might guide staff development offers opportunities for authentic support to culturally diverse nurses.

Newly graduated nurses' experiences of the intervention graduate guidance nurses: A qualitative interview study.

This study is describing newly graduated nurses' experiences of the intervention graduate guidance nurses. Newly graduated nurses need support to become established in the profession. The intervention was initiated to empower and support in the professional role. A qualitative case study was conducted with semi-structured interviews, using a thematic content analysis. One overarching theme 'Organizational prerequisites', consisting of three themes, occurred: 'Activator' involved that the graduate guidance nurse was the activator creating a clear structure, and the wards became more attractive workplaces. 'Supportive nursing' meant that the graduate guidance nurse constituted an important support function which ensured patient safety. 'Professional development' created the opportunity for professional growth. Newly graduated nurses' experiences show that the creation of an organisational structure enabled the graduate guidance nurses to be an important support and contributed to professional development. In health care organisations, strategic decisions, management support and clear goals are important to create the organisational conditions to improve safer care. Support from experienced nurses is a large enabler in supporting newly graduated nurses developing in their profession. The results of the current study can be transferred to other similar health care organisations and can be supporting managers who plan to initiate support to newly graduated nurses.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion for Perioperative Services: A New Role

<h3>Background Information</h3> It is well-established that better inclusion and diversity practices in healthcare are needed to improve equity. Perioperative Services at the University of Rochester is a large department encompassing inpatient and outpatients surgeries across multiple facilities. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Champions exist at the unit level, and through the creation of a departmental Champion have expanded initiatives. <h3>Objectives of Project</h3> Create a departmental level Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Nurse Champion across Perioperative Services in order to support unit champions, expand initiatives, and lead to improved, measurable outcomes. <h3>Process of Implementation</h3> Create a Nurse Champion for Perioperative Services dedicated to DEI. 1.Conduct a staff needs assessment survey to determine perception of inclusion and clinical preparedness in DEI topics, provide targeted education, and identify opportunities for professional growth. 2.Offer interactive workshops to improve content knowledge, clinical practice, and inter-professional communication. 3.Assess changes in professional practice after workshop participation. 4.Expand DEI nurse champions across Perioperative Services. <h3>Statement of Successful Practice</h3> A role was created within Perioperative Services to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at the departmental level. A departmental needs assessment survey was conducted which identified greatest areas for professional development. Through this, we began town hall presentations on DEI topics, i.e. intersectionality and fostered a partnership with the University's Office of DEI to offer theater-based workshops on implicit bias, privilege, and micro-aggressions. We provided trainings on best practices with transgender patients. We measured clinical and professional improvements using participant surveys. We developed a cadre of DEI nurses from different units within Perioperative Services. <h3>Implications for Advancing the Practice of Perianesthesia Nursing</h3> Creating a centralized RN role for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across Perioperative Services leads to support for unit champions, more educational opportunities, and measureable outcomes in staff clinical preparedness, professional development, and sense of inclusion. These will contribute to overall improvement of staff resilience and patient outcomes in future studies.

Addictions Counseling Against the Odds in Rural Alaska: Understanding and Compassion Motivate Counselors

A qualitative, hermeneutic, phenomenological, holistic case study was completed to gain insight into the experiences of drug and alcohol (D&amp;A) counselors in rural Alaska. The goal was to describe why counselors in rural Alaska work in their positions and continue to perform, despite existing research indicating challenges in the occupation and the location. Interviewing homogeneous, purposively selected D&amp;A counselors working in rural Alaska provided rich experiential information answering the research question. The approach to information gathering and analyses of interview transcripts for common themes captured the lived experiences of the counselors. It illuminated their perceptions of incentives supporting and encouraging their service. Counselors’ stories highlighted common themes known to the field (challenges, stigma) and themes previously unnamed but taken-for-granted (community/giving-back, prevention, personal/professional growth). The nation’s addiction problems are not decreasing; intervention by skilled professionals is needed. The authors’ searches of existing literature revealed no qualitative research describing why counselors persist. Results indicated that despite challenging deadlines, politics, stigma, and more, counselors certainly enjoy their work, allowing them to give back to their communities and save lives. Counselors also appreciate the personal and professional growth opportunities provided to them. Conclusions suggested future research regarding recruitment and retention, such as personal experience with addiction, being an established community member, and the desire for opportunities to provide unique and professional growth. In addition, governmental and professional organizations should better support counselors in their essential work.

Making a meaningful difference through collaboration: The experiences of healthcare staff redeployed to a contact tracing and monitoring team as part of the COVID-19 response

ABSTRACT During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the health care system experienced unprecedented demands with many health care workers being redeployed. Although there are emerging studies investigating redeployment to acute care, the experience of redeployment to roles outside of these settings, such as to contact tracing and monitoring (CTM) teams, has not been reported. This research was designed to explore health care workers’ experience of redeployment to a regional COVID-19 CTM team. Staff redeployed to this CTM team completed an anonymous online survey following the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria, Australia. The survey used open-ended questions to explore participants’ perceptions of what did and did not work well during their redeployment. Inductive template thematic analysis of the data found that during their redeployment to CTM teams, participants experienced a sense of collaboration, the opportunity for professional growth, and the perception of making a meaningful contribution to the pandemic. Redeployed CTM team members also described a need to adapt to constant change and felt that the redeployment took a personal toll on them. The findings from this research may be useful to support preparedness of health care workers for redeployment in future complex or crisis situations.

Building a public health workforce for a university campus during a pandemic using a practicum framework: Design and outcomes.

The reopening of college and university campuses was seen as presenting a high risk for transmission of COVID-19. Thus, these institutions faced with a new public health challenge never heretofore faced on this scale. To magnify the problem, they needed to rapidly develop and implement re-opening plans in an environment filled with uncertainty and for a population that was significantly less likely to observe COVID-19 mitigation behaviors. In response, within three weeks of opening, as part of its COVID-19 public health strategy, a West Coast university created and trained a public health workforce comprised of 282 undergraduates tasked with encouraging compliance with COVID-19 mitigating healthy behaviors. This paper describes the use and outcomes of a practicum framework to quickly create a university-based public health workforce. It addresses two questions: (1) Using a practicum framework, what are important considerations in designing and building a public health workforce for a university campus? and (2) What are the benefits to the workforce in terms of public health education and professional growth? Program administrative data were used to describe the workforce and their learning outcomes. The majority of students indicated that through the practicum, they learned new skills/developed new attitudes (71.7%) and became aware of their own strengths and opportunities for professional growth (73.7%). The types of new skills and attitudes learned included communication (49.2%), conflict management (20.4%), time management (7.5%), and open-mindedness/less judgmental attitude (14.6%). In terms of public health, they gained an understanding of infectious disease prevention (40.9%) that is multi-disciplinary (20.5%), and involves a community effort (36.8%). These findings demonstrate an effective way of rapidly addressing public health concerns that allowed for on the job training and opportunities for young adults to learn and grow. The practicum framework allowed the expeditious development of a public health workforce that ensured a fit between student interests and the role. This led to high retention with the majority of students continuing into the winter quarter. Only 5% of students reported not being satisfied with their position. None of the students contracted job-related COVID-19. The role gave students a sense of purpose during the pandemic's uncertain times that helped to protect them from the negative effects of stress. The practicum structure and support fostered a safe environment in which students were able to feel part of the larger community while gaining valuable work experience and skills and serve their community.

Chinese expert teachers’ critical thinking strategies for professional growth

ABSTRACT This qualitative case study examines how Chinese expert teachers use critical thinking strategies to seek opportunities for professional growth. Taking a practice-oriented perspective, we conceptualise teachers’ critical thinking as a series of strategies for improving instructional practice, school engagement, and social service in situated contexts. Through thematic analysis of interviews with six Chinese expert teachers, we identified three critical thinking strategies that played an important role in the teachers’ professional growth: (a) justifying pedagogical decisions to enact high-quality instructional practice; (b) extending school norms to develop democratic relationships with colleagues; and (c) addressing critical reform issues to make contributions to the society. This study adds to the literature an integrative, practical, and context-specific conceptualisation of teachers’ critical thinking. It also suggests implications for teachers, school administrators, and teacher educators to leverage critical thinking as a guiding force to advance teachers’ professional growth.

Pursuing Excellence in Your Academic Journey

An academic career affords us the opportunity for continuous learning and professional growth throughout the ups and downs of our professional life, during good and bad times. A key element necessary to navigate an academic career is to always focus on excellence as the core principle underlying our actions and interactions with others along the journey. This Commentary reflects on four essential elements of excellence that can enhance our academic journey. We should always care more, risk more, dream more, and expect more than others think is possible as we approach the days and years of our academic careers.

유아교육서비스 종사자의 직무환경 인식이 직무만족 및 조직몰입에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the early childhood education service workers" perception of the job environment on job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and to examine the effect on the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The subject of this study was SPSS 22.0 statistical analysis of 205 childcare teachers working in childcare facilities located in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do as a study sample. As a result of the study, first, the degree of compensation in the job environment and peer relationship had a positive (+) effect on job satisfaction, but long-term professionalism and participation in decision-making were rejected. Second, the four sub-factors of the job environment, the degree of compensation, professional growth opportunities, peer relationships, and decision-making participation, were all adopted as positive (+) effect on organizational commitment. Third, job satisfaction was adopted as a positive (+) effect on organizational commitment. According to the results of this study, it was found that sub-factors of the job environment in childcare settings have a positive effect on job satisfaction and organizational commitment of childcare teachers.

Quality оf Working Life аnd Job Satisfaction on the Russian Labour Market

The article reviews foreign and russian quantitative studies on job satisfaction. The place of job satisfaction in the overall assessment of the quality of working life is shown. A review of studies that consider different sets of factors as an explanation for the level of job satisfaction is carried out. Based on the data of the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE) for 2019-2020 an analysis of individual indicators of the quality of working life was carried out. Hypotheses are put forward regarding the factors influencing job satisfaction and these hypotheses are tested on the basis of data from the RLMS-HSE. The author comes to the conclusion that there are correlations between various types of satisfaction (wages, working conditions, opportunities for professional growth, financial situation and life in general), they are positive, highly significant and quite strong. There is a correlation between job satisfaction and the degree of trust of employees in their colleagues and management, the presence of subordinates, the amount of money earned, the type of settlement (expectedly, cities have the highest percentage of job satisfaction), the level of education and the desire to find another job. The dependence of job satisfaction on gender, marital status, age, Russian or foreign ownership of the enterprise, state or private enterprise, promotion or transfer to another unit was not confirmed. Multiple correlation analysis showed heterogeneity of determinants of job satisfaction depending on the place of residence, age and income level of the respondents. The analysis showed that the increase in job satisfaction reduces the likelihood that an employee wants to find a new job, as well as the likelihood that he already has a second job.

АНГЛОМОВНИЙ ПУТІВНИК ЯК ДИДАКТИЧНИЙ МАТЕРІАЛ ДЛЯ НАБУТТЯ ПРОФЕСІЙНИХ КОМПЕТЕНЦІЙ СТУДЕНТАМИ СПЕЦІАЛЬНОСТЕЙ «ТУРИЗМ» ТА «ГОТЕЛЬНО-РЕСТОРАННА СПРАВА» (НА ПРИКЛАДІ СЕРІЇ ВИДАНЬ ‘AWESOME UKRAINE’)

The article discusses the didactic potential of the English-language guide ‘Awesome Ukraine’. In particular, publications dedicated to Lviv, Kharkiv, and Kyiv were analyzed. An editorial analysis was also conducted to determine the specifics of printing, compliance with standards, linguistic features of publications, the level of text content, completeness and appropriateness of illustrative content, i. e. the factors that make the ‘Awesome Ukraine’ series one of the examples of didactic material. Such competencies are neccessary for the bachelor course students in all hospitality programs. In addition, the authors propose types of tasks that will promote better mastering of the material in a foreign language and the acquisition of knowledge of local lore. In the process of learning a foreign language, local lore material can create strong practical skills and abilities to use the language as a means of communication, to provide additional opportunities for further professional growth for the tourism and hospitality professionals. The article proves that the visual and textual components of the researched guides allow to practice techniques of effective professional communication. The material of the publication and the way of its presentation and design can teach tactics and strategies of professional communication, taking into account the essence of national stereotypes of behavior and national and cultural symbols. The research emphasizes that while adopting English-language guides, the specifics of the target audience should be also taken into consideration. However, given the use of these publications as didactic material, we emphasize that the Awesome Ukraine series is suitable for teaching students at the PreIntermediate and Intermediate levels. With the right approach and proper presentation, an Englishlanguage guide can be a powerful source of linguistic and methodological assistance. After all, students not only learn local lore information, but also adopt the way of presenting ideas, the necessary language patterns, learn to apply them in practice by creating their own similar texts. Provided that the future specialist will have to create travel products, the Awesome Ukraine series is a good example to follow. From the point of view of polygraphic design, it should be emphasized that all editions are to acquire a homogeneous design, meaning the each city symbol is to be placed on the cover. The textual content is concise, simple and accessible in English. The materials are illustrated with a thematic photo, which is designed to illustrate the text. The publications are quite competent and created in accordance with publishing standards, embody a well-thought-out concept of presenting textual and illustrative material, crucial for acquiring foreign language competences. The researched guides are a rich source for creating specific didactic exercises necessary for studying the courses, such as «Foreign language for professional purposes» and «Foreign language for special purposes», provided by the bachelor’s program in «Hotel and restaurant business» and «Tourism».