Published Article / A pilot programme was run (2004-2005) with Tourism Management students at the Central University of Technology, Free State to enhance the satisfaction levels of both the student and relevant employers during Experiential Learning. The goals were to try and better prepare students for their Experiential Learning experience by means of a formal orientation programme in addition to the normal briefing session held and to enable both students and employers to achieve higher satisfaction levels in terms of pre-determined aspects as a result of the programme. The pilot programme was based on and informed by theories of learning in cooperative education, best practice requirements as well as a study of possible benefits to all parties concerned.