Workplace stress and its causes among seventh-semester tourism students at FESC

Abstract

This article analyzes how stress influences the academic and work abilities of seventh-semester students in the Tourism program at the Comfanorte Higher Education Foundation (FESC) during their pre-professional internships. Using a data collection tool, a semi-structured interview, and a qualitative research method focused on case studies, the students' experiences were investigated and the causes, problems, and coping strategies for the stress they experience during their internships were identified. During the research, excessive academic workloads, university pressure, a lack of flexibility on the part of instructors, and complicated work and academic schedules were evident. The information gathered through semi-structured interviews showed how the main sources of stress are related to the students' simultaneous workload. These include completing multiple courses, demanding assignments, and time constraints, which can lead to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It is concluded that universities should increase their awareness of stress prevention among internship students.