HOSPITALITY is a very diverse and interesting industry, and an incredibly large generator of revenue around the world. The industry is currently worth approximately $830 billion worldwide, and according to hotel industry statistics, this is increasing day by day. The hotel industry alone has been predicted to have had an annual revenue of about $550 billion in 2016, $1 billion more than in 2011.
It is little wonder, then, that international graduates do very well in this sector, and often find themselves in management positions very quickly. What’s more, with international tourist travel expected to rise 3.3% each year, graduate job options are increasing.
In response to the sector’s need for suitable graduates, two of Europe’s top institutions have created an MSc in International Hospitality Management that sets graduates up to be global hospitality leaders.
Become the expert that hospitality companies want to recruit
The MSc in International Hospitality Management program is a double degree program offered by the world renowned Institut Paul Bocuse, and France’s prominent business school emlyon business school. Based in France and China, the program is taught in English by international professors, which gives students a truly international learning experience.
emlyon business school is dedicated to entrepreneurial and international management, ranked as the number 2 Business school in France by Times Higher Education (Global Employability Ranking). It is also one of the 1 % of business schools in the world awarded the 3 international accreditations: AACSB, Equis and AMBA.
Meanwhile, Institut Paul Bocuse is an innovative institution specialising in hospitality, restaurant and culinary arts. Set up by “Chef of the Century” Paul Bocuse and Gérard Pélisson, (co-founder of AccorHotels) it welcomes students from around the world. With three restaurants open to the public and a training hotel, Le Royal, students get to learn every aspect of the hospitality business.
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Studying specialist courses and getting hands-on experience
The course lasts 16 months full-time. For students who don’t have a degree in Hospitality, it starts with a Professional Immersion Module, an in-depth and practical introduction to the hospitality industry. The module lasts approximately 3 weeks, and makes full use of the Institut Paul Bocuse facilities.
The curriculum itself provides a balance between theory and practical projects. This allows students to pinpoint their areas of expertise and adapt their previous experience, no matter their undergraduate background.
Mandatory modules include:
Whilst students can also elect to take specialist hospitality courses such as:
Alongside the modules, students will get the opportunity to learn French and Mandarin to better help them settle into the host countries.
The program concludes with an internship, which emlyon business school and Institut Paul Bocuse will help to set up.
“This program is not only about theory. It gives you the opportunity to be closer to the world of hospitality thanks to field trips (Paris, London), conferences (Alain Ducasse Enterprise for example) and lecturers from hospitality experts."
Hubert, MSc in International Hospitality Management student
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Study the Art of French Hospitality in Lyon
“L’art de recevoir à la française” or The Art of French Hospitality is world renowned, and a tradition dating back to Louis XIV. French-style service has become a system where living is a major art form. From the intricate dishes in Michelin star restaurants, to the highest quality bedding created by French companies for luxury hotels, the French hospitality industry is still a major influence around the world.
Perhaps this is why France has consistently been the most visited country in the world for global tourism. More than 80 million people visit each year, and 2.9 million jobs are created by France’s tourist industry.
It is suitable, then, that the first part of the course takes place in Lyon, one of France’s largest cities renowned for its gastronomy. It is the gourmet capital of the country, with 22 of the best restaurants in France. This is the perfect place to learn culinary skills and experience Michelin-star hospitality. Lyon was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, and has some fantastic cultural events throughout the year – it hosts many outdoor festivals and has a lively art scene.
And as French is a major international language, and an official language in 29 countries, living and learning in the country will set you up to communicate in the best restaurants and hotels worldwide.
Discover the ever-growing Asian hospitality business
The hospitality industry in China is growing incredibly quickly – it is currently worth $44 billion, and is likely to increase to $100 billion within the next 10 years. Tourism is one of the core components in China’s economic growth, and by 2021 the industry’s expected to provide 26.6 million jobs.
But it’s not just tourism in China that is flourishing: it is estimated that there were 80 million overseas travellers from China in 2012, and 150 million in 2015. This makes the country the largest source of tourists in the world – surpassing even America and Germany. Being familiar with the Chinese culture and industry is now essential.
Politeness and being a good host are very important in Chinese culture, so learning hospitality in China would set you up to work in Asia and around the world. The spring semester at emlyon business school's Shanghai Campus is therefore perfect for students to develop a network on the Asian market.
Shanghai is a fantastic tourist destination, with attractions such as the beautiful Yuyuan Garden and the Jinmao Tower, as well as a fantastic mixture of futuristic skyscrapers and traditional Shikumen houses.
The Shanghai Cuisine, known as Hu Cai, is also unique. Indeed there is a saying that 'blessed are those born in Shanghai as they have the most chances to taste delicious food' and it is also the host to Michelin star restaurants. This gives students the chance to learn from the best chefs in Asia, as well as Europe. As well as making the time there exciting, it all offers fantastic opportunities for experiencing Asian hospitality.
Put your acquired knowledge into practice
The internship is the best way of practicing what has been learnt and getting much-needed work experience. It usually lasts between 4-6 months, and both institutions support students in finding internships around the world that suit their career ambitions. Some of the recruiters have included AccorHotels, Fairmont Monte Carlo, Hotel Pullman, JVE Consulting, Mandarin Oriental, HI Partners Hotel Investment, Dubai Golf Group, The Four Seasons Georges V etc.
Apply to the program today and start classes in September 2017
The program is not just for people who have a good undergraduate degree in a hospitality related subject – an applicant’s entire potential is taken into account. Previous students have come from a range of undergraduate backgrounds, including Marketing, Languages and Social Sciences.
The application process requires the following elements:
Applications should be submitted online through the MSc in International Hospitality Management website. There is an application fee of 120 euros. Please note that there are application sessions you can apply to throughout the year. The next application deadline is April 2nd 2017
Click here to read more about emlyon business school and the programmes they offer.
