International Programs in the School of Hospitality Management

The School of Hospitality Management (SHM) has the goal of educating students who will become socially aware hospitality industry professionals with the potential to be highly competitive in the global business arena. SHM has created a network of international academic partnerships and opportunities for students.

There are three ways in which students can study abroad:

  1. The University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) offers a number of programs that allow students to complete general education credits
  2. Programs offered through SHM allow the student to complete both major and general education credits
  3. If a student identifies a location or school that is not listed on the UOGP or SHM lists, the student can petition the professor-in-charge of international programs to study at the location.

Contact for general information about School of Hospitality Management Study Abroad:

Dr. Karthik Namasivayam
Professor-In-Charge of International Development
216 Mateer Building
University Park, PA 16802

814-863-9774
kun1@psu.edu

SHM offers month-long, semester-long, or year-long programs in Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Hong Kong.

Year-Long Program

Global Hospitality Management

SHM, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and the Maastricht Hotel Management School (in the Netherlands), comprise the premier cohort based Global Hospitality Management program. This program offers students the opportunity to live and study in three different cultures and academic environments for three consecutive semesters. In the fall semester of each year Penn State students will join peers from Hong Kong and Maastricht to begin their studies at CUHK, move as a cohort to the Netherlands in spring, and return to Penn State the following fall semester to complete the program. Students are expected to take the equivalent of at least 12 credits each semester. All courses are taught in English. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu) or Dr. Bert Van Hoof (hbv1@psu.edu) for additional information.

Semester-Long Programs

Chinese University of Hong Kong

SHM has established a student exchange program with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). CUHK is a comprehensive research-based university, similar to Penn State. The hospitality program at CUHK is top ranked in Hong Kong and among the top programs in the world and has similar management orientation as Penn State. Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city with a very diverse population. The instruction is in English and course work will transfer into the hospitality curriculum at Penn State. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu) or Dr. Bert Van Hoof (hbv1@psu.edu) for additional information.

Hotelschool Maastricht

SHM has established an exchange program with the Hotel Management School Maastricht. The Hotelschool Maastricht is one of two leading hospitality management programs in the Netherlands. The school boasts a rich history of educating leading European hoteliers and restaurateurs. This program is open to hospitality management (HRIM) students only. Students will take one course on current topics in the Hospitality Industry and other hospitality related courses. The instruction is in English. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu) or Dr. Bert Van Hoof (hbv1@psu.edu) for additional information.

Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL), Lima, Peru

USIL is a leading hospitality school in Peru and has an excellent reputation of training hospitality professionals. The main thrust of this program is to enable students with a desire to strengthen their Spanish language skills as well as attend hospitality management courses. This location is ideal for students in the “Spanish for Hospitality” program to acquire an immersion experience in Spanish. The instruction is in English. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu) or Dr. Bert Van Hoof (hbv1@psu.edu) for additional information.

Semester-Long Embedded Programs

Embedded programs at Penn State are courses that include a travel abroad component. Penn State students enrolled in embedded programs are required to attend classes here at the University Park campus with appropriate travel abroad. Currently, SHM offers a 3-credit embedded course, HRIM 498 – International Hospitality Management, each spring semester that requires students to travel abroad during the spring break. Students have the option of traveling either to Italy or Greece as part of their course work.

Italy

The cities visited over the spring break include Rome, Florence, and Venice. There is also a free day for independent travel in Italy. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Arun Upneja (aupneja@psu.edu) or Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu)for additional information.

Greece

The cities visited over Spring break include Athens, Delphi, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nauplion. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Arun Upneja (aupneja@psu.edu) or Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu) for additional information.

Summer Programs

Hospitality Studies in Europe

SHM offers a five-week summer program in Switzerland and Maastricht. The program is ideal for hospitality management students from colleges and universities anywhere in North America . Students live in an international environment and learn about the hospitality field in a uniquely European fashion. Penn State offers six advanced undergraduate credits to students who complete the program. Classes meet from three to four days a week at the Hotel School les Roches (under the direction of the world-famous Swiss Hotel Association) in Bluche. On the extended weekends, students may travel independently almost anywhere in Europe. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Bart Bartlett (bartb@psu.edu) or Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu) for additional information.

Summer in Puerto Rico

This four-week program is open to all students, but students with an interest in the Spanish language will find this program especially interesting. This location is ideal for students in the “Spanish for Hospitality” program to acquire an immersion experience in Spanish. Courses offered are two levels of Spanish language and an HRIM elective course. Students can take a 3-credit Spanish course cross-listed with Penn State Spanish classes and 3 credits of International Hospitality Management. Over the course of the month, students will visit San Juan, Vieques, and El Yunque among other destinations. Students registered in the HRIM course will also undertake field trips to various hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu) for additional information.

Culinary Program in Lyon, France

SHM offers a two-and-half-week, 3-credit culinary program at the Institute Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France, during the summer intersession. Students have the opportunity to learn about French cuisine in a hands-on setting at one of the most famous culinary institutions in the world, while also enjoying some time off to explore the region. Students may apply for this program through Education Abroad (EA) and are encouraged to contact Dr. Arun Upneja (aupneja@psu.edu) or Dr. Karthik Namasivayam (kun1@psu.edu) for additional information.

Scholarships for Study Abroad

Travel grants are available through SHM. Most students receive approximately $300 to $700; however, some students have also received full airfare. Scholarships or stipends are not guaranteed. Awards are based on a combination of high academic achievement and financial need. Please contact faculty in charge of your preferred SHM study abroad program for more information.

Additional funding may be available through UOGP.