International Programs in the School of Hospitality Management

Many students at Penn State choose to broaden their proficiency and familiarity with foreign cultures by studying abroad. Several Study Abroad programs – both short-term and long-term – are dedicated to the School of Hospitality Management.

Below you will find links to long-established Study Abroad Programs in Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. Additionally, a Study Abroad Exchange is available for students in Hong Kong. Penn State students have also studied in hospitality programs in Germany, The Netherlands, England, and New Zealand.

In addition to the programs outlined below, students may also explore the many programs offered through the International Office of Education Abroad.

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

The School offers several opportunities for students to broaden their proficiency and familiarity with foreign cultures international programs:

School of Hospitality Management Study Abroad Programs

Hospitality Studies in Switzerland
Hotel Institute Montreux(www.him)
The School of Hospitality Management has a five-week summer program in the Alps of Switzerland. 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. For further information about dates, costs, etc., contact Dr. Albert Bartlett (bartb@psu.edu), Director of the Hospitality Studies in Switzerland program, 201 Mateer Building.
Summer Intercession Study Abroad Program — Culinary Program in Lyon, France
Institut Paul Bocuse (www.institutpaulbocuse.com)
The School of Hospitality Management will have a two/three week summer culinary program at the Institute Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France during the summer intersession. Students will have the opportunity to learn about French Cuisine in a very hands-on setting at one of the most famous culinary institutions in the world, while also enjoying some time off to explore the region. Penn State offers three credits to students who successfully complete the program. For further information about dates, costs, etc., contact Dr. Arun Upneja (aupneja@psu.edu), 217 Mateer Building.

Spring Break Study Abroad Programs

Italy
The School of Hospitality Management offers a one-week independent study program in Italy during the Spring break. The cities visited are Rome, Florence and Venice. There is also a free day for independent travel in Italy. Contact Information: Dr.Vivienne Wildes (vjw100@psu.edu) 220 Mateer Building.

Semester or Year-long Study Abroad Exchanges

Study abroad exchanges are different than Study Abroad Programs in that students pay regular tuition at Penn State and then live and study abroad with the guarantee that credits from the partner institution will transfer to Penn State. Likewise, students from the partner university pay tuition in their country and study at Penn State. Opportunities have been created in Hong Kong and Germany. Future programs will be created in Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and South-America.

Chinese University of Hong Kong

The School of Hospitality Management at Penn State 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 most of the courses will transfer into the hospitality curriculum at Penn State. For more information please contact Dr. Karthik Namasivayam, Professor-in-Charge of the International Programs (kun1@psu.edu).

Scholarships for Study Abroad

As an indication of its commitment to international study, the School of Hospitality Management has created a scholarship fund to help students pursuing study overseas.

In the 2006-2007 academic year over forty students were awarded Study Abroad stipends or scholarships. 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.

For further information about Study Abroad Scholarships, contact:

Dr. Vivienne J. Wildes
Scholarships Chair
220 Mateer Building
University Park, Pa. 16802
(814) 863-0248
vjw100@psu.edu