Thirty future Filipino hoteliers enhanced their managerial, practical, and cultural skills in an extensive tailor-made eleven-week internship at the prestigious Ecole Hôtelière Vatel in Nîmes, France.
The opportunity was made possible through the partnership between De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School, a worldwide network of hotel schools that prepares younger generations to build their professional careers in the international hospitality and tourism management industry.
The Philippine delegation, comprised of 30 Benilde IHM students, was personally welcomed by Vatel Group Directrice des Relations Enterprises Patricia Esbrayat Cnockaert.

The participants were exposed to and adapted to the European standards and processes within the industry as they earned invaluable hands-on experiences in sterling restaurant and hotel operations, with an emphasis on quality and professionalism.
“Immersing our International Hospitality Management (IHM) students in Vatel properties enables them to understand, internalize, and appreciate these international standards in a diverse culture, which are essential for working in high-end international brands,” Benilde IHM chairperson Paolo Sumera noted.
The young aspirants likewise worked alongside other Vatel learners from Tunisia, Rwanda, Uzbekistan, and Russia, which allowed them to create cultural bonds.

With over 50 campuses in Europe, America, Asia, and Africa, Vatel’s alumni of 45,000 occupy leadership positions in premiere hotels and restaurants around the world.
Sumera, who accompanied the group, stated the endeavor reflects Benilde IHM’s focus on global orientation and strong practical and leadership training.
“With a multicultural learning environment, our students are highly prepared to excel in the global hospitality industry,” he explained.
“They have a competitive advantage in the job market as employers seek candidates with academic knowledge, international practical expertise, and real-world skills needed to thrive in executive roles,” he added.
For years, the revered organization has collaborated with Benilde to jointly offer the International Hospitality Management (IHM) Program, the first international double bachelor degree under the new transnational guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).