Hotel Management Courses for International Students

Hotel management is a branch of the hospitality industry where professionals manage operations in hotels, resorts, motels, and their on-site restaurants, spas, and other facilities. Professionals who work in this type of role aim to create a positive environment and great customer experiences in lodging, dining, and other interactions throughout their overall stay. To qualify for roles as a hotel manager, students can take industry-specific courses covering food and beverage laws, human resource management, communication, IT, sales, marketing, and more. 

What Is Hotel Management?

This professional role oversees all aspects related to the operations, administration, and guest services of hospitality establishments such as hotels, resorts, motels, and other lodging facilities. Hotel managers are responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of their properties while providing comfortable and memorable experiences for guests. They may also be in charge of overseeing various departments and functions within a hotel, including the front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, sales and marketing, human resources, finance, and more. 

International students in this type of degree program will learn to develop essential interpersonal skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Throughout your studies, there will be opportunities to collaborate with hospitality professionals and tackle real-world challenges, while specializing in the sectors that most interest you for your future career. 

Hotel Management Specializations

US university degree programs offer diverse specializations, each tailored to cater to different aspects of the hospitality industry. Curriculum will provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for many roles within the field. Here are several specializations you can consider:

• Hospitality finance — A specialization in hospitality finance focuses on the particulars of financial management of hospitality businesses. Curricula may include subjects such as accounting, cash flow management, budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting. With a specialization in hospitality finance, you can apply for careers as an account manager, financial analyst, investment strategist, and more.

• Hotel and tourism management — This specialization combines learning about the operations of hotels while also understanding how to organize tour programs and other entertainment activities. During your studies, you will learn about customer relationship management, destination management, sustainable tourism practices, and human resource management. 

• Event management — Specializing in event management enables you to plan, coordinate, and execute events such as weddings, conferences, exhibitions, and concerts. You will learn to manage logistics, carry out marketing activities, participate in contract negotiation, and perform risk assessment reports for different events and programs. 

• Restaurant and culinary management — A restaurant and culinary management specialization focuses on advanced culinary techniques, how to plan menus, and ways to manage a kitchen proficiently. The degree may also include subjects such as culinary marketing, food safety, purchasing and cost control, and staff management. 

• Hospitality entrepreneurship — Designed for students hoping to start their own businesses in the hospitality industry, this specialization focuses on idea generation, financial management, risk assessment, and social entrepreneurship. Students also learn to enhance their decision-making and communication skills, ways to innovate, and how to develop financial forecasts.

• Hotel development and real estate — A hotel development and real estate specialization explores the identification, development, and management of hotel properties. Students learn about real estate investment, hotel development, property management, construction management, and project management, while also understanding how to conduct feasibility studies.

Most universities also offer internship programs and part-time job placements in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality-related establishments as part of the curriculum. Be sure to participate! When you apply your technical knowledge to real-world scenarios, you’ll build a comprehensive skillset to succeed in your future roles. 

Let’s take a look at several programs offered at Shorelight universities.

Shorelight Universities Offering Hotel Management Courses

With a US university degree, you can pursue careers as a hotel manager, event coordinator, or restaurant coordinator. Shorelight universities offer top-ranked specialized programs combined with hands-on experiences to prepare you for these roles. They also provide a supportive learning environment, state-of-the-art campus facilities, and career-building industry contacts and internship opportunities.

Auburn University 

In Auburn, Alabama, Auburn University’s hospitality management degree provides three specializations for students to choose from: culinary science, event management, or hotel and restaurant management. Alternatively, students who choose a business minor will have the option to take the university’s hospitality management course. Ranked #93 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, Auburn University prepares students for the fast-paced and customer-focused hospitality industry through a wide range of internships and expert faculty support throughout the program.

Belmont University

The Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University in Nashville offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) program in hospitality and tourism management, and students can participate in an internship in hospitality and tourism. Classes offer insight into hospitality operations, event management, tourism marketing, sustainable practices, and more.

Florida International University

Ranked #6 in US public hospitality schools by QS World University Rankings, Florida International University in Miami provides an online and on-campus hospitality management degree through its Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The program focuses on global hospitality trends and teaches students cross-cultural communication skills to enhance services offered to guests from diverse backgrounds. FIU’s BS in Hospitality Management degree also provides a strong foundation in business management, finance, logistics, accounting, and operations to ensure students are prepared for multiple careers in the field.

Roosevelt University

Chicago’s Roosevelt University, ranked #4 in Most Ethnically Diverse Colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, offers a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management (BSHTM) through the Walter E. Heller College of Business. Students can choose from four concentrations: event management, lodging management, food and beverage management, and tourism administration. The four-year program facilitates real-world learning experiences through student internships at industry-leading hospitality organizations and service learning projects, often in collaboration with the Marriott Foundation.

University of Central Florida

There may be no better location to study how to become a hotel manager than Orlando, a year-round global tourism destination known for theme parks, sprawling resorts, and lodging and dining at every price point. Ranked among the top five best colleges for hospitality and tourism in the world by CEOWorld magazine and Shanghai Rankings, the University of Central Florida in Orlando offers a variety of hospitality-related degrees including hospitality management, event management, and restaurant and food service management. Study hotel operations, event planning, and sustainable tourism practices with award-winning faculty who have extensive experience in hospitality and tourism, and pursue “only in Orlando” internships at an enviable list of area properties.

University of South Carolina

Ranked #1 in First-Year Experiences by U.S. News & World Report, the University of South Carolina provides a BS in Hospitality Management through its College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management. The university’s proximity to golf, waterfront, and historic tourism destinations provides students with many opportunities to connect with industry professionals, attend networking events, and gain a deeper understanding of trends — all working together to provide great preparation for successfully transitioning into the hospitality workforce.

With the support of a Shorelight advisor, you can choose a degree program that aligns with your career goals. Counselors can help you identify which roles most interest you, and build a career development plan tailored to meet your academic and professional objectives. 

Let’s take a look at several job roles you can consider with a US university degree.

Career Pathways with a Hotel Management Degree 

The global hospitality market is expected to grow to around $5.5 trillion in 2024. Graduates with this type of degree have access to diverse careers in leisure and hospitality as the need for skilled individuals to manage hotels and resorts, plan events, and provide catering services are on the rise. 

Here are several career options you can consider:

• Hotel manager — As a hotel manager, you will oversee all aspects of a hotel’s operations, from guest services and staff management to facility maintenance and budgeting. Your role will involve ensuring guest satisfaction, maintaining high standards of service, and optimizing the hotel’s overall performance.

• Event coordinator — If you have a passion for organizing and planning events, you can consider pursuing a career in event management. You will have the chance to organize locations, food, decorations, and overall scheduling for weddings, conferences, parties, and other gatherings.

• Catering manager — Catering managers oversee food and beverage services for events, conferences, and banquets held within a hotel or other venues. This role involves menu planning, coordinating with chefs and staff, and ensuring a seamless dining experience for guests.

• Front office manager — As a front office manager, you will be the face of the hotel, responsible for guest check-ins, check-outs, reservations, and overall guest satisfaction. Front office managers are skilled in communication and negotiation as both play important roles in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

• Revenue manager — Revenue managers are responsible for optimizing the hotel’s revenue streams. Professionals in this role analyze data and market trends to set pricing strategies, maximize occupancy, and enhance the overall profitability of a hotel.

• Travel and tourism coordinator — In this role, you can work with travel agencies, tourism boards, and tour operators to design and coordinate travel packages for tourists. As a travel and tourism coordinator, you will also have to stay updated on the history, culture, and iconic attractions of the countries and cities your guests are planning to visit.

At a US university, you’ll build a transferable set of technical and managerial skills to apply for many jobs in various industries. Most Shorelight universities also give students the option to choose minors in supplementary subjects such as business, supply chain, and logistics, which add value to your CV or resume and increase your earning potential.

Check out possible careers you could qualify for with a hotel management degree, along with annual earnings estimates in the US, Brazil, China, and India:

Source: Payscale and World Salaries

A degree in hotel management equips you for multiple career opportunities, both in hospitality and out, that are in high demand all around the world. Find your best-fit degree program in consultation with Shorelight counselors — our friendly advisors can provide one-on-one guidance on which courses fit your career objectives.

You will also have access to a wide range of support services including application guidance, visa support, career development resources, and English-language assistance. Begin your journey in the field of hospitality and tourism today!  

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