Unlike traditional business degrees that rely solely on theoretical frameworks, these programs understand that hospitality excellence comes from real-world practice. Through partnerships with leading hotels, resorts, and hospitality companies worldwide, these schools provide students with authentic professional experiences that transform classroom concepts into practical skills. The result? Graduates who enter the workforce with confidence, cultural fluency, and a global network that spans industries and continents.

What to Look for in the Best Hospitality Degrees with Global Internships

Before diving into our top picks, it's worth understanding what separates exceptional hospitality programs from standard business degrees. The best hospitality bachelor degrees with international internships should offer structured placements lasting at least six months, partnerships with recognized brands across multiple continents, dedicated career coaching, and flexibility in internship locations to match your career goals.

Additionally, look for programs that integrate internships as graduation requirements rather than optional add-ons. This ensures that every graduate has substantial work experience, making them immediately valuable to employers. The most competitive programs also provide ongoing support during internships, helping students navigate challenges and maximize their professional development.

Top 6 Best Hospitality Degrees with Global Internships

1. Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) – Best for Worldwide Internship Diversity

SHMS's Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management is structured across four semesters of study and two professional worldwide internships, featuring three specializations to choose from. What sets SHMS apart is the truly global scope of internship placements, with students working in destinations from Dubai to Tokyo, Switzerland to Singapore.

Every semester, top international companies such as Marriott International, Mandarin Oriental, and Accor come to recruit students for internships and management positions at the world-renowned International Recruitment Forum. The program combines Swiss hospitality excellence with modern business practices, and students graduate with dual degrees from both SHMS and the University of Derby, UK. With 89% of alumni holding management positions within five years of graduation, SHMS delivers on its promise of career acceleration through practical experience.

2. Glion Institute of Higher Education – Best for Luxury Hospitality Focus

The BBA program extends over five semesters of study, including two six-month professional internships and one on-the-job experience, for a total duration of four years. Glion's approach emphasizes luxury hospitality management, with students beginning their studies with a full Practical Arts semester before embarking on their first international internship.

98% of job-seeking students have one or more employment offers on graduation day, testament to the program's industry connections and practical focus. Students benefit from Glion's campuses in Switzerland and London, allowing for diverse cultural experiences throughout their studies. The program's emphasis on soft skills development—including empathy, communication, and cultural fluency—makes graduates particularly attractive to luxury hospitality brands worldwide.

3. École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) – Best for Academic Excellence with Practical Training

Founded in 1893, EHL is the world's first hotel school and has been ranked #1 globally for hospitality and leisure management by QS World University Rankings for seven consecutive years as of 2025. The Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management includes two internships in hospitality and business settings and offers students the option to study at the Singapore campus during their third semester.

EHL's program stands out for its rigorous academic standards combined with extensive practical training. Students practice the skills and knowledge gained on campus in a fast-paced hospitality environment through structured internships that often span multiple countries. The school's 130-year legacy and network of 30,000 professionals in 150 countries provides unmatched industry connections for internship placements and career development.

4. Les Roches Jin Jiang (Shanghai) – Best for Asian Market Access

Founded in 2004, Les Roches Jin Jiang International Hotel Management College offers undergraduate and postgraduate diploma programs in international hospitality management, with more than 870 enrolled students from all over the world. As the Shanghai-based branch of the prestigious Les Roches Switzerland, this program provides unique access to Asia's rapidly growing hospitality markets.

Students benefit from Swiss-founded educational standards while gaining invaluable exposure to Chinese business practices and Asian hospitality trends. The campus currently houses 637 students with 234 students on international internships, demonstrating the program's commitment to global practical experience. For students interested in exploring Asia's dynamic hospitality landscape, this program offers pathways for further study at Swiss or U.S. campuses, providing maximum flexibility for career development.

5. HIM Business School (Montreux) – Best for Business-Hospitality Integration

HIM Business School offers a 3-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with various specializations, and 90% of graduates receive job offers on graduation day. The program uniquely blends Swiss hospitality traditions with American business practices through a partnership with Northwood University, allowing students to graduate with dual degrees.

The programme includes a total of three paid internships of six months each, giving students the opportunity to put theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom into practice in the real world. HIM's approach focuses heavily on classroom management principles applied to business settings, with specializations in areas like Luxury Brand Management and Financial Analysis. Within 5 years, 89% of alumni hold management positions or have created their own company, reflecting the program's entrepreneurial focus.

6. Swiss Hotel Management School vs. BHMS – Best for Guaranteed Placement Support

While BHMS (Business & Hotel Management School) offers guaranteed internships after each semester, SHMS maintains its competitive edge through superior global diversity in placements and personalized career coaching support. Both Swiss schools demonstrate the country's commitment to combining academic excellence with practical training, but SHMS's broader international network and established relationships with major hospitality chains provide students with more diverse internship opportunities.

The comparison highlights how Swiss hospitality education emphasizes hands-on learning as a core educational philosophy rather than an optional enhancement. Students at both institutions benefit from Switzerland's reputation as the birthplace of modern hospitality education, but SHMS's longer-established international partnerships create more opportunities for students seeking experience in emerging markets and luxury hospitality segments.

Launch Your Global Hospitality Career Today

Choosing a hospitality degree with global internships isn't just about earning credits—it's about building the foundation for an international career that spans cultures, industries, and continents. These six programs represent the gold standard in experiential hospitality education, combining academic rigor with real-world experience that employers value.

The hospitality industry rewards professionals who understand different cultures, possess strong interpersonal skills, and can adapt to diverse business environments. Through international internships, you'll develop these competencies while building a professional network that opens doors throughout your career. Whether you're drawn to luxury resort management, international hotel operations, or hospitality entrepreneurship, these programs provide the experience and connections necessary for success.

Ready to transform your passion for hospitality into a global career? Research application deadlines for fall 2025 intakes, and consider which program's internship offerings align best with your career aspirations. For additional guidance on organizing your academic journey and managing your studies effectively, explore our free templates designed to help students stay organized throughout their international education experience. The world's leading hospitality brands are looking for graduates with global experience—make sure you're ready to meet them.