International Exchange Program

Since 2007, the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts has partnered with leading culinary schools from abroad to give our students the opportunity to gain international experience. NAIT also hosts students from the exchange schools.

Each exchange is a month long. Students work in 3 different locations during this time, and go on cultural excursions. Participants are billeted with local families during the exchange. This allows the students to both live the culture of the host country and have a more home-like experience.

Locations

NAIT currently has exchange agreements with 3 international hotel and hospitality schools:

• Artusi Culinary Institute of Chianciano (Tuscany, Italy)
• Hohere Bundeslehranstalt fur Tourismus (Retz, Austria)
• Center for Culinary Arts (Manila, Philippines)

Negotiations are also underway for an exchange with the Ferrandi School of Culinary Arts in Paris, France.

Upcoming Exchanges

• NAIT goes to Austria - May 21-June 18, 2011
• Philippines comes to NAIT - July 1-31, 2011

View photo galleries from our most recent international student exchanges.

How to apply

Interested students must:

• be in good standing (passing grades and good attendance)
• be able to travel internationally
• be willing to attend language classes in addition to their regular course load
• write a 1,500-word essay
• provide 2 reference letters from instructors
• complete an interview with School of Hospitality faculty

Six students are selected for the exchange each year. These students are expected to participate in fundraising events. They are also expected to cover part of the costs of the exchange (approximately $500-$600).