Hospitality & Tourism: A field that deals with the management of hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operators.

Studying Hospitality and Tourism abroad offers a fantastic opportunity to gain global insights into the hospitality industry, while experiencing different cultures, customer service models, and tourism management practices. Whether you’re interested in hotel management, travel and tourism, event planning, or sustainable tourism, many institutions around the world offer excellent programs.

Here’s everything you need to know about studying Hospitality and Tourism abroad:

1. Choosing the Right Country for Hospitality & Tourism Studies

Several countries are known for their excellent hospitality and tourism programs, offering students a chance to study in diverse environments and settings:

• Switzerland: Often considered the birthplace of modern hospitality management education, Switzerland is home to world-renowned institutions like the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) and Glion Institute of Higher Education. These schools offer top-notch programs in hospitality and tourism, with strong industry connections and a focus on international standards.
• United States: The U.S. boasts numerous prestigious programs in hospitality management, including at Cornell University (School of Hotel Administration), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and Michigan State University. These institutions emphasize a comprehensive education in management, leadership, and business within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
• United Kingdom: The UK is home to many well-regarded institutions like Oxford Brookes University and University of Surrey, offering hospitality and tourism management programs. These programs are designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for careers in the global hospitality industry.
• Australia: Known for its vibrant tourism industry, Australia offers excellent programs at universities like Griffith University and Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. Australian programs emphasize sustainable tourism, destination management, and tourism operations.
• France: With its rich tradition in hospitality, France is home to top institutions like Institut Paul Bocuse and Vatel International Business School. These schools offer specialized programs in hotel management, culinary arts, and tourism.
• Singapore: Singapore’s Singapore Management University (SMU) and Nanyang Polytechnic offer some of the top hospitality and tourism programs in Asia, combining management expertise with a strong focus on customer service and global trends in the hospitality industry.
• Netherlands: Known for innovative tourism and hospitality management programs, institutions like Stenden University (now Hanze University of Applied Sciences) offer well-regarded programs focusing on sustainability, global tourism, and international business management.

2. Degree Types and Duration

Hospitality and Tourism programs are available at various academic levels:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Most universities offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, or a related field. These programs generally last 3-4 years and provide a comprehensive foundation in business, management, operations, marketing, and hospitality services.
• Master’s Degree: Graduate programs in hospitality and tourism typically lead to a Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Master of Arts (MA). These programs last 1-2 years and are often designed for students with some undergraduate business or hospitality background. They focus on higher-level management, strategic planning, leadership, and global tourism.
• Doctorate (PhD): If you’re interested in academic research or higher-level leadership roles in hospitality or tourism, pursuing a PhD may be a good option. These programs are research-focused and can take 3-5 years to complete, with an emphasis on advancing knowledge in hospitality theory, consumer behavior, or sustainable tourism.

3. Core Subjects in Hospitality & Tourism

Hospitality and Tourism degrees generally cover a variety of business and industry-specific subjects, such as:

• Hospitality Management: Managing hotels, resorts, and other accommodation facilities, including operations, guest services, and housekeeping.
• Tourism Marketing: Understanding how to market travel experiences, destinations, and services.
• Event Management: Organizing conferences, festivals, and large-scale events within the tourism industry.
• Sustainable Tourism: Focusing on the environmental, cultural, and economic impact of tourism and developing sustainable practices.
• Food and Beverage Management: The management of restaurants, catering services, and other food and drink operations in hospitality.
• Travel & Tour Operations: Planning and managing travel packages, tours, and transportation for tourists.
• International Business: Understanding the global business aspects of hospitality and tourism.
• Customer Service and Experience: Focusing on guest relations, service excellence, and how to create exceptional experiences in the tourism industry.

4. Application Requirements

• Undergraduate Programs: For a Bachelor’s in Hospitality or Tourism Management, you typically need a high school diploma with strong grades, particularly in subjects like business, economics, or languages. Some universities may require a personal statement or interview.
• Graduate Programs: To apply for a Master’s degree, you’ll typically need a relevant undergraduate degree (in business, hospitality, or tourism), along with a strong academic record. Some programs also require work experience in the hospitality or tourism sectors, especially MBA programs.
• Language Proficiency: If you’re applying to an English-taught program and your first language isn’t English, you may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Many non-English-speaking countries offer programs in English, but language requirements can vary.
• Documents: Most programs will require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or motivation letter, a resume (CV), and proof of language proficiency.

5. Costs and Scholarships

• Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for hospitality and tourism programs can vary significantly based on the country and university. In the U.S. and UK, fees for international students can range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year. In Europe, tuition fees tend to be more affordable (especially in countries like Germany and France), ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 annually.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living will depend on where you study. Cities like London, New York, or Paris tend to have high living costs, while some places in Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia may offer more affordable living options.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many universities and external organizations offer scholarships for international students in hospitality and tourism fields. Look for institution-specific scholarships, government-funded programs, or industry-related grants for students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality.

6. Internships and Practical Experience

Hospitality and tourism education often includes practical training in addition to theoretical coursework. Many programs require or strongly encourage internships as part of the curriculum, allowing you to work in hotels, resorts, travel agencies, or event management companies. Internships help you gain valuable hands-on experience in the industry, build professional networks, and improve your employability after graduation.

7. Post-Graduation Opportunities

Graduating with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Hotel and Resort Management: Managing the operations, guest services, and business side of hotels, resorts, and other accommodation facilities.
• Tourism Marketing and Advertising: Working with tourism boards, travel agencies, or companies to promote destinations and travel packages.
• Event Management: Planning and organizing corporate events, weddings, conventions, festivals, and more.
• Travel Consultant: Helping clients plan and book travel experiences, working in agencies or freelance.
• Destination Management: Managing tourism services and resources for specific destinations, ensuring sustainable and profitable tourism.
• Restaurant and Catering Management: Overseeing the operations of food and beverage establishments, including restaurants, bars, and catering services.

Many hospitality graduates also go on to start their own businesses in areas such as travel consultancy, boutique hotels, or event planning.

8. Cultural Experience and Networking

One of the key benefits of studying hospitality and tourism abroad is the opportunity to experience different cultures and learn from diverse global practices in customer service and tourism. You’ll gain insights into how tourism is shaped by local cultures, traditions, and environmental factors, making you a more well-rounded professional.

Additionally, studying abroad allows you to build a global network of contacts in the hospitality and tourism industries, which can be invaluable when seeking job opportunities after graduation.

9. Licensing and Certifications

While many countries don’t require specific licenses to work in hospitality and tourism, certain certifications can enhance your employability, especially if you plan to work in management. Examples include:

• Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA)
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
• Certified Travel Associate (CTA)

These certifications can help you stand out in the competitive field of hospitality and tourism.

10. Application Process

• Prepare Your Documents: Make sure you have all the required documents, including transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and letters of recommendation.
• Prepare for Interviews: Some programs may require an interview, where they assess your motivation, goals, and understanding of the industry.
• Research Your Options: Compare different programs, considering factors like location, curriculum, internship opportunities, and school reputation.

Book a personalised virtual session for information about a specific country or program? We can help you explore more detailed options based on your preferences!