Curriculum Integration through Practical Training in Hotels: A Case Study Internships at Singapore Hotels in Hospitality Management Students of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus

Abstract

The practical training in the service industry business both domestically and internationally is of importance to support students’ basic knowledge, positive attitude and working skills. Therefore, this study sets its objectives to present internship operations and management in Singapore with feedbacks and suggestions from immediate supervisors, students and lecturers. Moreover, best practices and key success factors to develop hotel internship in Thailand in order to increase the student’s competencies and capabilities for 21^st century skills.

            The accumulated results reveal that Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism students have the potential to perform the position tasks in the Singaporean including the ability to use both theoretical knowledge and practical skills learned in the classroom. Moreover, students can continue to enhance their English skills in the performance of their duties. However, the faculty should prepare additional creative thinking courses, accompanied with supplementary practical life skill courses. Examples: grooming, character development, confidence building, brainstorming interactive skills, decision making, and interpersonal skills in communication with colleagues and customers. In conclusion this paper will suggest that educational institutes and stakeholders in Thailand should emphasize student’s preparation focusing on key skills prior to applying to an internship site and graduation in order to access their studied profession of hotel services industry for both domestic and international effectively.