MANILA, Philippines – The School of International Hospitality Management (IHM) of St. Jude College recently inaugurated its hotel and restaurant simulation facilities. The College believes that effective learning is about hands-on experience outside and inside the school location. Like most other schools, the IHM course already has quality external partners in its internship program. With its simulation facilities, however, the IHM course can now conduct “on-the-job” training within the school premises throughout the entire stay of the student.
For example, the IHM program has acquired state-of-the-art licensed computer software, such as the MICROS-OPERA for Front Office and Room Division subjects, and the ABACUS for Travel Services and Tour Guiding subjects. These two sets of software are used by major hotels in their day-to-day operations.
The facilities also include eight brand-new cooking workstations with CCTV, a new baking room and equipment, and a newly-built theater-type cooking demonstration room. The facilities also have a cafeteria and bar, a fully-furnished hotel room, a tour laboratory, a front desk, a bistro, a mini-restaurant, and a bistro bar.
Regarding external internships, the IHM program has land-based practicum with well-known Metro Manila hotels and restaurants, on-board training in seagoing passenger ships, and international internship in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Australia.
The faculty handling the program are industry practitioners, accredited TESDA assessors, and certified hotel professionals.