When Melissa So began her degree in Bangkok, she already knew she didn’t want a one-country education.
“I chose AIHM because of its location in Bangkok, Thailand, which is regarded as one of the best tourist destinations in the world, and because of its academic association with Les Roches,” she said. “Knowing I could transfer in my final year meant I could understand hospitality in both Asia and Europe.”
Melissa, who comes from Cambodia, chose a career-building strategy that AIHM is more than happy to support. In fact, one the key reasons AIHM decided to forge an academic association with Les Roches, in addition to its world-class curriculum, is the ability for interested AIHM students to seamlessly transfer to Europe to complete their BBA and graduate with a degree from the Les Roches campuses in Spain or Switzerland.
AIHM-to-Les-Roches transfer students get to start their hotel education in one of Asia’s strongest hospitality markets. They’re then able to finish inside one of Europe’s most prestigious hospitality institutions, consistently ranked within the top three hospitality schools in the world, year after year.
STAGE ONE: FOUNDATION IN BANGKOK
Start your degree inside a real luxury hotel in one of the world’s busiest tourism cities. At AIHM in Bangkok, you live inside hospitality from your first day on campus. Real guests. Real operations. Real standards.
At most hospitality schools, you learn from case studies and simulations. At AIHM, Melissa built her foundation in an environment where actual hotel experiences are your daily reality. Another major advantage of AIHM is the intimate size. The smaller class sizes allow direct access to lecturers, individual feedback, and close academic guidance.
“AIHM provided a more personalised learning environment where I could easily connect with lecturers and receive individual guidance whenever needed,” said Melissa.
STAGE TWO: EXPANSION IN EUROPE
The Transfer Student Experience: What Actually Changes
The curriculum remains rigorous. The standards remain high. But the environment stretches you.
At Les Roches Marbella, students operate within a broader international network and a more autonomous academic culture.
“AIHM gave me a solid foundation,” Melissa says. “Les Roches has helped me broaden my perspective and adapt to global collaboration.”
Living in Spain accelerates that change.
“My favourite part of living here is experiencing the culture, the vibrant lifestyle, and the food. I get to meet people from all around the world. It’s the perfect place to explore, connect, and grow both personally and professionally.”
The Mediterranean setting matters more than it first appears. Marbella represents a European model of luxury hospitality rooted in a Mediterranean destination experience: leisure travel, high-end resorts, lifestyle branding, international clientele. Students are immersed in a hospitality culture shaped by centuries of European tourism as well as modern ideas of global luxury.
THE PROFESSIONAL SHIFT
Some students transfer for adventure. Melissa transferred for career advantages.
“Studying at Les Roches has broadened my perspective on the global hospitality industry and inspired me to aim for leadership roles in luxury hotel management,” she said.
Leadership in luxury hospitality benefits from cross-cultural and multinational experience. General managers and corporate leaders need an international perspective. Brands expect leaders who have cultural agility, who can smoothly handle both guests and team members from a variety of regions. Employers value graduates who have functioned in multiple markets.
Melissa’s time at Les Roches Marbella makes her more adaptable, more culturally aware, and more prepared to operate in a global environment.
“Being surrounded by classmates and faculty from all over the world has made me more adaptable and prepared to work internationally.”
A MILESTONE WORTH CELEBRATING
Melissa has recently graduated from Les Roches with Distinction and Honors, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management with a specialization in Luxury Hospitality Management. She was also inducted into the 44th chapter of Eta Sigma Delta, the International Hospitality Management Honour Society, in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership, service, and ethics.
Melissa’s next chapter is beginning in the United States as she joins the prestigious Food & Beverage team at The Miami Beach EDITION. The luxury property is part of Marriott International’s EDITION brand, developed with hospitality visionary Ian Schrager, one of the world’s most celebrated hoteliers. With several restaurants created and directed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Melissa’s position at the hotel places her inside a dining operation operating at the highest international level.
From Asia to Europe to Miami, her journey reflects what a two-country education makes possible: international exposure, recognised academic achievement, and real global career mobility.
👉 Read Melissa’s full LinkedIn announcement here.
ADVICE FOR AIHM STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT TRANSFERRING TO LES ROCHES
Melissa’s advice to current AIHM students is direct:
“If you are ready to step out of your comfort zone, transferring to Les Roches opens doors to global networks, diverse perspectives and a degree from one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality schools. The journey may be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding.”
JUMPSTART YOUR CAREER WITH A TWO-COUNTRY EDUCATION
Learn more about AIHM-to-Les-Roches transfer options.
Speak to one of our Admissions Counselors in English or Thai. They’ll be happy to explain the process clearly. Click here now to request info.
