The Higher Education Review

The tourism and hotel management industry has seen a major resurgence during the past decade. The increasing population and globalization being the 2 major reasons behind this sudden and rapid growth. Founded in Paris, France in 1981 by Mr. Alain Sebban, President of Vatel Group, Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School is a global network of hospitality management schools and alumni who all share the same mission of preparing the younger generations to build their professional managerial futures in the international hospitality and tourism industries.

Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School in Thailand is a part of 50 schools located throughout the world. All schools under the Vatel brand convey the same teaching philosophy to 9,000 students yearly, based on the right balance of theoretical courses and professional training. The Group won the 2016 Worldwide Hospitality Award for 'Best Hospitality Management School' and today they are the 1st Worldwide Business School Group in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In Thailand, Vatel has been collaborating with Silpakorn University International College (SUIC) for 17 years and was established at Silpakorn University, one of Thailand's oldest and most prestigious public universities by the current Dean, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sompid Kattiyapikul.

Taking 'Learning by Doing' to the Next Level
The adoption of the learning by doing concept has a proven track record with over 35000 alumni and a unified global network that facilitates real-life training, internships and employment opportunities upon graduation. Dr. Sompid explains that "To equip our students with a detailed overview of the industry, we offer a 4 year BBA hotel management double degree programme which helps our students to acquire appropriate professional skills necessary to cope with the dynamic employment demands of modern society, including being fluent in foreign languages and knowing how to work across other

culturally diverse environments. Our students also have the opportunity to participate in the award-winning Marco Polo student exchange program at another Vatel school in the third year, which further enhances their skills and international experience. Key to the success of the program is the rotation every two weeks of business management courses and hands-on professional practice. Students are able to train in real-life professional training facilities on campus at Vatel Restaurant and Cafe. Open to the public, each guest plays an active and valuable role in developing the next generation of managers for the hospitality industry."

"Because of the international double degree program Vatel graduates gain a greater understanding of cross-cultural management issues within a global working context"

Additionally, students gain real-life work experience during their internships which are conducted every year and this includes an internship in France during the third year. It is these kinds of learning activities and professional experience which help produce talented graduates and Vateliens, have gone on to obtain management positions at both independent hotels and international hotel groups. Hotel and Tourism Business

Vatel graduates are highly sought after because the international double degree program offers students the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of cross-cultural management issues within a global working context. "You can see our students working in managerial positions across many areas all around the world working in 5-star hotels or corporate offices of international hotel groups. The positions include; Hotel General Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Special Events, Revenue Management, Rooms Division, Kitchen and F and B service. Many entrepreneurial-minded students have also created their own hospitality businesses such as boutique resorts, hotels, restaurants and cafes, culinary/catering services, events management companies and other tourism-related services", avers Dr. Sompid Kattiyapikul, Dean and Asst. Prof, Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School, Thailand.

Empowering and Enriching a Multitude of Students
The biggest achievement of Vatel School is the success of their alumni and the hard work and

dedication shown by the college in providing the best for their students are visible when looking at the development and current situation of their alumni. "I am an alumnus of Vatel and SUIC, and currently I run my own hospitality business in Thailand, a one-stop solution international events company. I am a strong believer that if you choose the right place to study, and there are right lecturers to guide and support you, you will have a good head start to your career. Vatel and SUIC gave me that edge because of the combination of academic management theory, professional training, and internships. The University also sent me out to compete at various international competitions abroad, as well as taking part in a student leadership forum. This all gave me a lot of exposure to international business practices and helped me start my own company", states Pavarit Manchanda, Director, Pavarit & Co.

Indian students make up the majority of international students in the institute and the institutes' ideal location helps the students to adapt easily. "Indian students are made to feel very welcome in Thailand, there are many Indian communities living in Bangkok, including one close to the school. The campus is in central Bangkok next to the Chao Phraya River and surrounded by leading international hotels. It is also in the very heart of the creative district on the opposite side of the river to Icon Siam Luxury Shopping Mall. There is also an area not far from the school on the other side of Chinatown, known as Little India. SUIC also helps international students with any concerns or queries before they arrive in Thailand, and provide an orientation on studying in Thailand before they start studying at the school", says Dr. Sompid.

Dr. Sompid Kattiyapikul, Dean and Asst. Prof
She is currently the School Director of Vatel Thailand and Dean of Silpakorn University International College. Prior to these positions, Dr.Sompid was the Vice President for International Affairs and Special Projects at Silpakorn University. Dr.Sompid has a Ph.D. in Teaching French for Tourism from Université de Franche-Comté (UFC), France.