DTU offers opportunities to broaden cultural, educational, professional and English language skills through partnership exchanges with well-established foreign universities and corporations.
Nguyen Huu Gia Thinh, a third-year student of the PSU Tourism & Hospitality Management program, was elated in March 2018 when accepted for the exchange program with Namseoul University in South Korea. Ten others from various majors also study at Dong-A University, Namseoul University and Sejong University in Korea.
Nguyen Huu Gia Thinh (right, lower) is studying at Namseoul University
Nguyen Huu Gia Thinh has been in Korea for four months now, experiencing life in the land of Kimchi, learning about the country, the people, the culture and the language.
“As well as studying theory, I also take part in interesting extracurricular activities, visiting traditional craft villages and participating in cultural festivals at the university,” explains Gia Thinh. “I am gaining a better understanding of Korean customs, folk lore and cuisine, which is vital preparation for a career in hospitality. A sound understanding of people and cultures worldwide will enable me to fully satisfy my future customers.”
Gia Thinh and his colleagues spent many after-class hours studying in the dormitory and researching in the library. “There are many similarities between DTU and Namseoul, the curriculum, teaching methods and the study environment, so I adapted quite quickly,” said Gia Thinh. “DTU is particularly concerned about the English language ability of international program students. As a result, we study English language and several other subjects, from basic to advanced level, with PSU lecturers in English. PSU is rated one of the best universities in Hospitality education and research anywhere in the world. I can now speak good English, confidently communicate with my lecturers and classmates at Namseoul and learn more efficiently.”
Pham Vu Phong experiences an international work environment at Le Meridien Chiang Mai
Pham Vu Phong, from K20 PSU DLK5, obtained an ideal three-month internship because of his excellent English and previous experience working at restaurants and hotels in Danang. He worked at Le Meridien Chiang Mai Hotel in Thailand, a five-star hotel managed and operated by Marriott hotels. Phong’s internship was through the DTU partnership with Rajabhat University in Chiang Mai.
Pham Vu Phong (right, lower) at Le Meridien in Chiang Mai.
Pham Vu Phong’s internship ran from April 2 to June 24 and he was employed in the restaurant and bar, to welcome guests, take their orders and serve them. “The work environment at Le Meridien is extremely professional,” says Vu Phong. “Each section of the hotel has its own procedures and every employee has clear, independent duties, all working together harmoniously. Ensuring smooth operations requires special skills, strict concentration, seriousness and job responsibility.”
“The requirements of a waiter are not only just taking and serving orders. They must also have comprehensive knowledge of the food and beverages. For example, if a customer hesitates between ordering beer or wine, does not know which ingredients go into a certain dish or whether it is healthy or not, the waiter must be able to advise the customer. I learned all that at DTU, and, case-by-case, I will help my customers until they are fully satisfied.”
After three months, Vu Phong was assessed as a smart, lively and resourceful trainee, highly knowledgeable and skillful. He received an outstanding Certificate of Completion from the hotel and is now eligible for work at any Marriott hotel in Vietnam, thanks to his efforts in Thailand.
(Media Center)