"Study abroad opens the world to you. Imagine studying hospitality and tourism management in Cyprus, Bangkok, Florence or Sydney with students from around the world, visiting important tourist destinations or learning about different international cuisines. You will return with a set of experiences that will last you a lifetime. Open yourself to the world and the world will open itself to you."

- Charles A. Baker-Clark, Professor of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Hospitality and Tourism Management Study Abroad Programs

As the tourism industry rapidly grows to the benefit of travelers and the communities they visit alike, the need for professionals in the field with strong cross-cultural communication skills and an understanding of diverse cultures and people grows exponentially. The international experiences that complement a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management are within your reach through study abroad at GVSU. In addition to providing you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, study abroad can enhance your career options and set you apart from other jobseekers down the line.

Whether you choose to take part in a study abroad program to the Italian countryside where you’ll learn about the local cuisine, culture and tourism or you find yourself studying the impact of tourism in Indonesia, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable personal, academic, and possibly professional experiences along the way.

Academic Advice

FIRST YEAR AND SOPHOMORE STUDENTS

First Year Students

The earliest you can go abroad is the summer of your first year.

Students may fulfill General Education Foundation and/or Issues requirements abroad.

Sophomore Students

Students may fulfill General Education Foundation and/or Issues requirements abroad.

Business Core courses that are approved as being equivalent to ACC 212, BUS 201, MGT 268, STA 215, ECO 210 and ECO 211, could be completed. Please note that the business system studied, must be the US system so that you will be prepared for upper level courses in the Seidman curriculum, for which these courses are pre-requisites.

SEIDMAN BUSINESS PROGRAM (LAST TWO YEARS)

You must be ready to take Seidman upper division courses in order to take 300-400 level business courses abroad. You need to have met the Seidman Success Standards of:

• Jr. Standing (55 cr. Hours earned);
• 2.50 overall GVSU GPA;
• 2.50 GPA in the following courses (ACC 212, BUS 201, ECO 210, ECO 211, MGT 268, STA 215).

The following course categories are available to students who have met the above standards:

• Remaining Seidman Core Courses (with the exception of MGT 495)

• Upper-Division Seidman Electives

• Seidman Major courses (with the possible exception of major capstones).

• International Business majors are required to take at least 6 credits abroad.

Restrictions

• HTM 495 cannot be taken abroad
• Courses will be reviewed on a case by case basis through the course equivalency process.
• Students should be working with their faculty mentor to plan and make appropriate course selections for study abroad.

Keep in Mind

• Once you have selected a program, be sure to meet with your advisor to discuss your academic goal.
• Be sure to explore both GVSU and External options by browsing the Program Suggestions below. Students are not limited to GVSU study abroad programs.
• There are several opportunities to intern and or volunteer while abroad.
• Students can fulfill the General Education Foundation requirements abroad as well as their General Education Issues requirement (reflection paper required). If you take at least 3 credits abroad, your Global Perspectives General Education requirement will automatically be fulfilled.

To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please view the “How to Request Course Equivalencies” page. For more information email Department Contact below.

Scott Rood

214C DeVos Center

[email protected]