India’s rich cultural heritage and tradition of warm hospitality make it an ideal location for pursuing hotel management education. The concept of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning the guest is God, is one that has been ingrained in all aspects of Indian culture. This philosophy helps to guide interpersonal relations and forms the foundation for a thriving tourism, travel and hospitality industry in the country.
Beginning a career in hospitality management in India offers students an opportunity to experience life in a dynamic, culturally diverse community. As such, with vibrant culinary traditions, lavish accommodations and scenic tourist spots among other things, India provides an exceptional environment for interactive learning on the job as well as professional development within the field of hospitality.
Conversely, many prospective students find it challenging to choose among numerous educational options available in the field of hospitality management. This is where institutions like V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) come into play by shedding light on this confusion.
Situated in the scenic coastal state of Goa, VMSIIHE stands as a beacon of excellence in hospitality education. Through innovative teaching methodologies, industry collaborations, and experiential learning opportunities, the institute prepares students to excel in various facets of hotel management, including hospitality operations, food and beverage management, event planning, and customer service.
VMSIIHE in a Nutshell
Established to meet high international standards, the V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) stands as a premier hospitality institution in Goa. It offers quality hospitality education with world-class infrastructure, providing students with a competitive edge in their careers. Affiliated with the esteemed Goa University, VMSIIHE boasts of a robust international exchange program, offering students opportunities for global exposure.
Backed by strong ties with leading hotel chains, VMSIIHE ensures students benefit from internships and placements, further enhancing their practical experience. Through a meticulously designed curriculum, the institute emphasizes a perfect blend of academic learning, hands-on training and professional internships, laying a solid foundation for students pursuing a career in the hospitality industry.
VMSIIHE offers a range of programs tailored to meet industry demands:
– B.Sc. International Hospitality Management
– B.Sc. Culinary Arts
– M.Sc. International Hospitality and Tourism Management
These programs are designed to provide students with internationally accepted degrees, preparing them for successful careers on a global scale.
Unlocking Global Hospitality Excellence
When we got an opportunity to interview Prof. Irfan Mirza, the Director & Principal of VMSIIHE, we asked him a crucial question – Why Join VMSIIHE? For which he shared – “Our industry-focused curriculum trains you to be a global hospitality and culinary leader with the perfect combination of academic learning, practical experience and professional internships”. He added – “Our international faculty have rich & varied experiences across industry segments across the world. We also have guest lectures by eminent international experts and industry leaders”.
During the discussion, the Director highlighted how VMSIIHE’s students, facilitated by the robust placement department, have secured placements at Marriotts India and Martinhal Portugal, both of which have formalized agreements with the college through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). Furthermore, VMSIIHE offers a student exchange program as a result of its MOU with Turismo de Portugal, and another agreement with Swiss Education Group, Switzerland, enabling students to pursue higher education in Switzerland.
Nurturing Tradition and Innovation at VMSIIHE
At VMSIIHE, dedication to academic excellence is deeply ingrained in the institution’s vision and mission statements. Recognizing that maintaining high standards of excellence is crucial, the institute strives to distinguish itself through its pursuit of excellence. VMSIIHE understands the importance of evolving its ecosystem to avoid falling into mediocrity, and thus ensures that its curriculum, overseen by the Goa University Board of Studies, remains relevant and adaptable to the ever-changing hospitality landscape.
To uphold its commitment to excellence, VMSIIHE continuously refines its curriculum to reflect the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. Through initiatives such as the Eat Right Campus, which earned the institute a top rank, VMSIIHE emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and health, imparting these values to its students. Additionally, the institute prioritizes the use of energy-saving devices to conserve natural resources and minimize wastage, instilling sustainability principles in its learners.
While embracing modern methodologies, VMSIIHE also values traditional approaches. The institute’s “Chulha” kitchen exemplifies this commitment to preserving heritage practices alongside the latest food technology trends, fostering creativity among its students. VMSIIHE believes in providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the hospitality industry by blending traditional wisdom with innovative techniques, preparing them to excel in their careers.
Fostering Practical Expertise
All in all, being an all-rounded hub for holistic development, VMSIIHE is known for organizing events for organizations such as the Rotary Club, associations, and forums which has proven to be highly beneficial for VMSIIHE students. From the initial stages of event planning, including menu preparation, mise en place, venue selection, decor arrangement, service coordination, to tending to the bar and prioritizing guest satisfaction, students gain invaluable experience. Many of them have never assumed such responsibilities before, especially at such a young age.
This hands-on training not only provides students with practical skills but also cultivates an understanding of the challenges inherent in event management. It prepares them to seamlessly adapt to the hotel culture, equipping them with the confidence and proficiency needed to excel in the hospitality industry.
Prof. Irfan Mirza – Director & Principal
With over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Prof. Irfan Mirza brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the Director & Principal of VMSIIHE. Prior to his current position, he served as the Director of Academic Relations (India) for César Ritz Colleges, Switzerland, and held visiting faculty roles at various institutes. Prof. Mirza’s educational background includes a Diploma in F&B Management from the International College of Hotel Management, Switzerland, and a BA in Hotel Management from Regional Technical College, Ireland, among other qualifications. He has extensive experience in planning and establishing hotel management institutes, having successfully set up institutions both in India and abroad. As a veteran in the hospitality industry, Prof. Mirza has received recognition for his teaching and educational contributions, including awards from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. He is also an accomplished author and has developed specialized hospitality programs and courses for students and hotels in Dubai. With Prof. Mirza’s leadership, VMSIIHE continues to achieve remarkable milestones in the field of hospitality education.
