Hotel management course abroad: where to study and what to consider

Top reasons to study hotel management overseas

International hotel management programs offer distinct advantages for building a global hospitality career. Here are the key reasons to pursue your degree abroad:

1. Exposure to international standards: learn from professionals who’ve worked at leading hotel chains, practiced customer relationship management and understand global guest expectations
2. Networking opportunities: international programs bring together students from across the world. Your classmates and professors become part of your long-term global industry connections
3. Real-world experience with global employers: many hotel management degrees include internships with major brands in the cruise line industry, resorts or event companies, which helps you build a truly global resume
4. Language skills and cultural intelligence: studying abroad naturally improves your language skills and cross-cultural communication, which are essential for managing global teams and delivering service excellence

Where to study hotel management abroad

The top destinations for hotel management education combine strong industry connections, program reputation, and post-graduation work opportunities. These countries consistently rank highest:

• Switzerland: home to world-renowned schools such as Les Roches International School of Hotel Management and the Swiss Hotel Management School, known for blending academic theory with fine food and beverage service and operational training
• Spain: affordable tuition and access to a booming tourism industry make it ideal for international students
• UAE: study at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai and explore luxury hospitality management first hand
• United States: with institutions such as Cornell University, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Northern Arizona University, the US offers excellent access to the hotel industry and potential internships in property and event management
• France: home of culinary arts, food and beverage training and hotel operations. Look for dual programs with Apicius International School of Hospitality
• New Zealand and Australia: schools such as Bond University, University of Western Australia and Flinders University offer unique perspectives on eco-tourism and resort and spa management
• Singapore and Hong Kong: schools such as Nanyang Technological University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University specialize in International Hospitality Management, often with tech and innovation at their core

What to consider before choosing a hotel management course abroad

To set yourself up for an incredible experience and a thriving career, let’s look beyond picking a spot on the map and consider these crucial factors:

1. Course content and specialization

Decide whether you want to focus on hospitality operations, financial aspects of hospitality or niche areas such as event and conference planning, culinary theory or resort management.

2. Practical training and internships

Choose a course that includes work placements, ideally with global hotel brands. Look for schools that offer study abroad credits through bodies such as the University Studies Abroad Consortium or CIEE College Study Abroad.

3. Accreditation and reputation

Top options include programs accredited by THE-ICE or NECHE, or featured in QS World Rankings. Schools such as Griffith University, University of Guelph, Monroe University and Lancaster University are highly regarded.

4. Location and lifestyle

Check the local language, work rights under a student visa and the cost of living. Cities such as Marbella (Spain), Florence (Italy) and Singapore offer vibrant student life and links to the tourism management sector.

5. Language and teaching style

Ensure your chosen program is taught in English or provides language support. Schools in multilingual settings such as Switzerland, Belgium and Costa Rica often support English-taught modules alongside local language immersion.

6. Support for international students

From study abroad offices to university admissions teams, your experience will be smoother with pre-arrival support, post-study work visa guidance and mental health services.

Remember, a successful international educational journey is underpinned by institutional support.

Bachelor’s vs master’s: which hotel management course is right for you?

Once you’ve decided to study hotel management abroad, your next big choice is the type of program. Should you start with a bachelor’s degree or dive into a specialized master’s?

Bachelor’s degree in hotel management

Ideal for those starting their career journey. These programs typically span three to four years and offer a combination of:

• Core hospitality training
• Management modules
• Industry exposure
• Electives in areas such as event planning, entrepreneurship or luxury brand strategy

For example, the Les Roches Bachelor of Science in Global Hospitality Management is designed for students fresh out of school who want to explore all facets of hospitality before specializing in a particular area. It includes two internships, making graduates highly employable by the time they complete their studies.

“Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen, Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life

Master’s in hotel or hospitality management

Excellent for career switchers, recent graduates or professionals aiming for leadership roles. A master’s typically lasts 12–18 months and includes:

• Advanced business strategy, finance and innovation
• Industry-specific specializations: resort management, sustainability, digital transformation
• Group projects and capstone consulting work
• Networking with global hospitality brands

For example, the Les Roches Master of Science in International Hotel Management is designed for future GMs, operations leaders and hospitality entrepreneurs. It combines classroom learning with real-world case studies, preparing students to run hotels, manage portfolios or launch businesses.

If you’re already working in hospitality, a master’s can help you fast-track to senior management or pivot into a niche area such as hotel tech or brand development.

Online vs on-campus: flexibility or immersion

Some schools now offer online hotel management degrees or hybrid formats. These may suit learners who need flexibility, but it’s worth weighing the trade-offs.

On-campus programs

Traditional in-person courses provide a deeply immersive educational experience. The key advantages of on-campus programs include:

• Immersive, hands-on learning: you’ll get direct, practical experience with realistic learning facilities such as training restaurants, mock hotel rooms and innovation labs
• Face-to-face mentorship and team projects: direct interaction with professors and classmates fosters deeper learning and collaboration
• In-person networking with peers, faculty and employers: relationships are built naturally through daily interactions and campus events, which can be invaluable for your future career

However, studying on campus also comes with considerations:

• Higher cost of living and travel: relocating for your studies involves expenses for accommodation, daily living and travel
• Less flexibility for working students: the structured nature of on-campus programs can be challenging for those needing to balance work commitments

Online hotel management courses

As opposed to campus-based study, online programs offer significant flexibility, making them a popular choice for many.

Consider these benefits:

• Study from anywhere: geographic location isn’t a barrier, allowing you to learn from your preferred environment
• Often more affordable: online programs typically have lower tuition fees and eliminate relocation costs
• Suitable for working professionals or parents: the flexibility allows you to balance your studies with existing career or family responsibilities

On the flip side, online learning has its limitations:

• Limited exposure to practical, real-world training: gaining hands-on experience in a virtual environment can be more challenging
• Fewer opportunities to build relationships with peers and employers: while online networking is possible, it often lacks the spontaneity and depth of in-person connections

If possible, choose a hybrid model that includes at least one in-person module, internship or immersion experience.

How to fund your international hotel management degree

Studying abroad is a significant investment, especially if you’re looking to pursue a master’s degree, but there are numerous ways to make it affordable and worthwhile.

1. Scholarships and financial aid

Many hospitality schools offer merit-based or need-based scholarships. These may be awarded based on academic performance, leadership potential or nationality.

If you’re looking to increase your chances of getting accepted, apply early. Many scholarships are limited and they are highly competitive, so submitting your application ahead of time increases your chances.

2. Paid internships and placements

A job can significantly reduce your financial burden while giving you real-world experience. Some placements also include accommodation and meals.

For example, many Les Roches students complete internships at Marriott, IHG or Four Seasons with compensation packages that help offset tuition or living costs.

3. Employer sponsorship or government funding

Some companies are willing to invest in their employees’ education, seeing it as a way to upskill their workforce. Additionally, various countries and regions offer grants or loans specifically for students pursuing education abroad.

For instance, EU students may access Erasmus+ funding for hospitality internships across Europe. In the UK, the Turing Scheme supports overseas education and training.

Career outcomes: what can you do with a hotel management degree?

Studying hospitality opens doors to a wide range of industries, especially if your course includes business training, tech insights and global exposure. Exciting career paths you can pursue include:

Hospitality and tourism roles

Many graduates step directly into diverse roles within the core hospitality and tourism sectors, such as:

• Hotel manager
• Front office supervisor
• Guest experience director
• Food and beverage director
• Conference and events manager

Broader career paths

The skills you gain on an international hotel management program, such as leadership, customer service excellence, financial acumen and cross-cultural communication, are highly transferable. They can open up opportunities in many other fields, including:

• Event planner or wedding coordinator
• Hospitality tech consultant
• Luxury brand strategist
• Hospitality-focused real estate analyst

For instance, imagine a graduate of a hotel management program at Les Roches pursuing a role at a global real estate firm where they’re involved in developing branded residences in partnership with hotel groups. Their deep understanding of hospitality operations could give them a unique advantage, from property planning to integrating guest lifestyle experiences.

This shows how your hospitality expertise can be applied in unexpected and exciting ways across different sectors.

Why studying abroad builds hospitality leadership skills

Hospitality is a global business, and studying abroad shows employers you have what it takes to thrive in cross-cultural, fast-moving environments.

Studying a hotel management degree abroad adds the following to your resume:

• Global perspective: you’ll understand regional trends, guest behaviors and cultural nuances
• Multilingual confidence: even if your course is in English, you’ll likely pick up a new language or improve communication in multilingual settings
• Professional network: your classmates could become your future business partners, collaborators or employers
• Adaptability: living and studying abroad builds resilience, problem solving and independence, skills essential for hospitality leaders

In an industry built on experience, empathy and excellence, studying hotel management abroad is one of the best ways to stand out.

Conclusion: is studying hotel management abroad worth it?

If you’re serious about building a future in hospitality, studying hotel management abroad provides you with real-world experience, international exposure and access to a global network. Whether you choose a bachelor’s degree to start your journey or a master’s to accelerate it, the right program can shape your career for decades to come. From luxury hotels to event planning, tech startups to tourism boards, your opportunities extend far beyond the classroom.