Manama: Vatel Bahrain has launched an international internship program, welcoming five students from Vatel Cameroon. This marks the beginning of an initiative aimed at attracting students from Vatel colleges across Asia and Europe to the Kingdom of Bahrain for training.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the initiative aims to enhance Bahrain's status as a global hub for education and training in tourism and hospitality while promoting educational tourism. It seeks to provide international students with practical experience in Bahrain's growing tourism and hospitality sector. This aligns with the Kingdom's Tourism Strategy 2022-2026 and Bahrain Vision 2030.
The students have embarked on a six-month practical training program at some of Bahrain's top hotels, including the InterContinental Regency Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain, and Raffles Al Areen Palace. This collaboration highlights Bahrain's appeal as a destination for hospitality education and cross-cultural exchange.
In addition to on-site training, the students participated in a cultural excursion to Bahrain's National Museum, followed by a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Bab Al Bahrain. The excursion aimed to deepen cultural understanding and facilitate the students' integration into Bahraini society.
Shaikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, emphasized that the initiative underscores Vatel Bahrain's standing among Vatel schools globally. It reflects the richness of Bahrain's tourism and hospitality sector and its capacity to provide high-quality training aligned with international standards. He expressed plans to attract students from other campuses worldwide, building on this initiative's success.
Shaikh Khaled bin Khalifa engaged with the trainees to gather feedback on the program's efficiency and execution. His commitment aims to evaluate and enhance the program, ensuring its success and alignment with participants' aspirations for future iterations.
Haitham Mansour, Director of Learning and Development at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, stated that Vatel Bahrain's internship program provided students with practical experience and knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry. He highlighted the hotel's commitment to corporate social responsibility and its role in developing future hospitality leaders.
Manuella Wouobou, a Vatel intern at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to train in Bahrain. She highlighted the positive experience in the hotel's F and B Department and the collaboration with diverse guests and team members, which has enhanced her skills and confidence.
Representing the trainees from Vatel Cameroon, Moune Nloga, an intern at Hilton Bahrain Garden Inn, emphasized the unique training opportunity and the chance to explore advanced tourism facilities. She expressed gratitude for the support and guidance from Vatel Bahrain.
Vatel Bahrain received the "International Student Ratio" award at the Global Higher Education Exhibition (GHEDEX 2023). In 2024, the institution was recognized with the "Job Placement" award at GHEDEX 2024 for securing employment for its graduates. All students received job offers before graduation, with 77% starting their careers immediately. Additionally, 24% advanced to supervisory positions, reflecting the college's commitment to excellence in tourism and hospitality education.