Study hospitality in the USA. By Véronique Tran 

I am a French hospitality major studying abroad in Chicago this year, and I have also studied and worked in Australia. My idea for this article is to describe what was important to me in choosing the USA, and specifically Chicago, as a place to study hospitality and improve my English. I hope that this information is helpful and will encourage you to select a big destination like Chicago for your time abroad.

For me, studying in the USA is about exploring the myth of the American dream. Going to school and working here gives me direct contact with the people and places and the diversity and cultures that mix together into this huge country. Hospitality students are attracted to the USA because it is a big destination for travelers. It is ranked in the top three countries in terms of the number of international arrivals, and it is number one in terms of revenue. Within the USA, big cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Chicago see the most travelers, both domestic and international. Studying hospitality in a big market is important to me because it is a great opportunity to learn how Americans work to attract and serve travelers from around the world. Also, I wanted an urban school for the convenience and fun of city living versus a big university in a small town.

My suggestion is to be ready to experience a very different lifestyle at an urban college instead of the “typical” American campus that we see on TV. Living in a small town with a big campus can be like living in a bubble. I have a German friend studying at a big state university located four hours from the Portland airport. She spends $45 to go to the airport, and in Chicago I spend $2.25. Her school is also about an hour away from the closest city, so she only leaves campus once or twice a month. In the end, she spends most of her time in her “comfort zone” on campus. As a hospitality major, a big part of your experience should be outside of that campus bubble and exploring the USA. This country has about 86 hospitality colleges, universities, technical and vocational schools, according to US College Search, and picking a school is difficult.

Chicago has four colleges located downtown that offer a major in hospitality management. When picking your school, look carefully at each school’s program and the classes offered. Classes need to match your professional goals in this large industry, whether they are in restaurant and catering, event planning, sports or casino management, or travel and tourism. Make sure that the school that you choose has classes focused on your specialization. Check the class schedule for your semester or contact an advisor at the hospitality department. If you choose to study in Chicago, then you can expect to meet and interact with industry professionals every day. One of my professors is the Sales Director of McCormick Place, Chicago’s main convention center, and another is the Director of Association Sales at the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. Studying in big markets like Chicago makes it easy to start your professional network. At school, guest speakers regularly discuss their branch of the industry. Thanks to my university’s network, I have met the manager of a casino, the director of a CVB, and the group sales manager of a hotel. The curriculum also includes site inspections of museums and hotels and free entrance to trade shows and conferences.

Another important asset at school is the huge database of jobs, internships and volunteer jobs updated every week. Indeed, as an international student in the USA you can work on a limited basis. With the F-1 or J-1 student visa you are allowed to do internships or volunteer jobs. Although it might be hard to find a paid internship, especially during tough economic times, your chances of finding a hospitality internship are greater in Chicago than in a smaller market. In 2008, Chicago welcomed 45.6 million domestic and overseas visitors and it was the 9th most popular U.S city for international travelers. The industry creates 132,000 jobs, and Chicago’s central district has 30,500 hotel rooms. All year round, the city hosts many events related to hospitality. Whatever your objectives are, you will have many more chances to find an internship that fits your expectations in a big city. Even if your internship isn’t paid, the work experience you gain matters, and it is a plus for your resume.

Another smart thing to do is to talk with your classmates and professors about their industry connections. At the beginning of each semester, when students introduce themselves, they often mention their position in the industry. They “advertise” for their company by saying something like, “There is an event planner assistant position at the organization I work for, if anyone is interested, let me know.” Your classmates and your professors are your first professional network.

Many international students are self-conscious about their English ability and accent, but in Chicago they don’t need to be. It is a cosmopolitan city composed mostly of immigrants, and therefore many people have an accent. Chicagoans are accustomed to hearing accents and make an effort to understand and accept you. My experience in Australia probably helped my English, but I was shyer talking to locals in Perth, Australia than I am in Chicago. The Americans I have met love foreign accents and are very impressed by your skills, even if you don’t think that you are very fluent.

Finally, studying in a big city like Chicago is not all about school and work, it is also fun! If you are a hospitality student, you probably enjoy exploring new places, being active, and travelling. Living in Chicago is dynamic and exciting, and unlike Paris and New York, you won’t break your bank account here. There is so much to do for free! In the summer, I loved the big downtown free music festivals along with exploring the parks. Going for a swim in Lake Michigan is also a must before the cold winter hits. My first semester ran by so fast with shopping on the Magnificent Mile, River North and State Street and enjoying the endless nightlife with new international and American friends. Wrigleyville, Wicker Park and Lincoln Park are student areas that you don’t want to miss, especially all of the great bargains at the bars. I am over halfway through my academic year, and I realize that there is so much more to see and do. I made a list of all the neighborhoods, museums, sports games and events that I haven’t visited or done yet. My social calendar is fully booked until the end of my spring semester! Plus, with O’Hare Airport, a major national airport, and Midway Airport, Chicago is an excellent hub for travel anywhere in the USA.

Chicago is definitely a great place for your American college experience. I would not have traded this year in Chicago for any other place in the world. Now go get your passport and visa!

Véronique Tran is a Hospitality Intern at Hostelling International Chicago and Masters Student Roosevelt University, Chicago