As AIHM’s newest cohort of young professionals dive into their first few weeks on campus, we asked them to share how their amazing journeys are starting.
On 18-19 April 2026, the new group of hoteliers-in-the-making joined together at AIHM’s Bangkok campus for the Induction Days. The new cohort come from all over the world: France, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, India, Maldives, South Africa.
Through a series of activities and celebrations, they got to know each other, their lecturers, current students and the AIHM campus itself.
In the days that followed, they started Semester 1 of their BBA degree, marking their first big steps into the world of hospitality.
How has their journey been so far?
Whether you’re a high school student curious about if hotel school is good match for your future or you’re one of the new AIHM young professionals who want to hear what their fellow students had to say, read on to discover first impressions of life at AIHM.
First Impressions of AIHM
The first days of university are exciting, no matter where you go to school. You explore your surroundings, discover the campus, start to imagine what your life will be like for the next three to four years.
AIHM students quickly realise that life on our Bangkok campus is like nowhere else though. AIHM’s model is simple but unusual: students are placed inside a real hotel environment from the very beginning.
Margaret Barnard, a first-year BBA student from South Africa, explained:
“From the energy at reception to the open, vibrant classrooms and the real hotel environment… it felt like something clicked… like I had found a place where I truly belonged.”
Khaing Chan Pyae from Myanmar echoed Margaret’s reaction to the campus-in-a-hotel. She talked about seeing her fellow students putting on and learning to style their uniforms during the Induction Days:
“All of the students looked professional in their uniforms… it created a strong sense of a real working environment… I felt like I was already stepping into my future career.”
Shared Goals: AIHM Students Burn Bright Together
As a specialist institute training young professionals to become the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry, AIHM provides a high-impact environment where your fellow students all share similar passions and career goals. This is a place to build life-long connections, to collaborate with others who share your dreams, and to learn from others who have similar career interests but different backgrounds.
“I chose hospitality because, growing up in the Maldives, I was inspired by the amazing service at the resorts,” said Shama Jihad. “Those experiences left a strong impression on me and made me want to give others the same feeling.”
AIHM allows students to explore a variety of paths to leadership. “My goal is to be a GM or eventually build my own hotel business,” said Chatchanok Denpraprat, a new BBA student from Thailand.
Eric Ritter from Switzerland said, “I can see myself working as a manager in a boutique hotel.”
Justin Andrews Ng from Indonesia outlined his career goals: “After graduation, I hope to build a Michelin level restaurant. I want to create a place where people can grow together while delivering meaningful experiences to guests.”
A Strategic Location for Breaking into the Hotel Industry
A number of students specifically mentioned choosing AIHM as a place to study hospitality because of its location in Thailand. Lee Mouille, a student from France, noted: “I chose to study hospitality management because it’s a broad industry and a thriving one in Thailand.”
Fellow European student Eric Ritter said he likewise chose hospitality because it’s an industry filled with potential. He echoed Lee’s observations on the advantages of AIHM’s location and the growth of the hospitality industry in Asia: “AIHM’s location in Thailand makes it a particularly good opportunity for developing my career.”
Why Did They Choose AIHM?
Aside from its location in Thailand, a few other reasons for choosing AIHM came up repeatedly:
- AIHM’s academic association with Les Roches, one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality schools.
- The school’s relationship with the Minor Group, Thailand’s largest employer in the hospitality industry and globality hospitality powerhouse with a portfolio over 560 hotels and resorts worldwide
- AIHM’s emphasis on real-world learning through its hotel setting, internships and industry projects
Khaing Chan Pyae underlined some of these benefits from above:
“The main reason I chose AIHM over other universities is because it provides a strong sense of security for my future. Being under the Minor Group and having mandatory internship opportunities gives me confidence that I will gain real industry experience and be well-prepared after graduation.”
“I chose AIHM for its strong industry connections,” mentioned Elias Guene from Thailand. AIHM young professionals intern with some of the world’s top hotel brands. They meet executives, managers and entrepreneurs in a rolling series of special opportunities.
Swiss student Eric said of his AIHM choice, “It’s association with Les Roches and the Minor Group career network were the key reasons.”
Maldivian student Shama and Thai student Chatchanok also highlighted the appeal of AIHM’s connection to Les Roches and the opportunity to learn from the Swiss hotel school model in Thailand.
Margaret, who comes to AIHM from South Africa, emphasised the personal attention that AIHM students benefit from:
“Coming from a small town and being used to smaller classes, the idea of going to a large university felt quite overwhelming. What stood out to me about AIHM was the smaller class sizes and the more personal learning environment. The lecturers are very attentive, and classes feel interactive rather than one-sided. We are encouraged to share our thoughts and experiences, which makes a big difference. It has already started to feel less like just a university and more like a community where I feel comfortable and supported.”
Sherin Schlaepfer from Thailand explained why she picked AIHM:
“I chose AIHM over other universities because I was looking for an environment that goes beyond theory and reflects the reality of the industry. With my background connected to tourism, I didn’t want to learn passively. I wanted to be pushed, challenged, and trained to a professional standard from the start. AIHM stood out to me as a place that develops both mindset and capability, which is exactly what I was looking for.”
As can be seen from the varied nationalities of the first-year students, the AIHM student body is diverse, just like the hospitality industry itself. Jasmine Kaur, who comes to AIHM from India, said:
“I chose AIHM over other universities because as someone who grew up studying in bilingual and international schools, I was constantly surrounded by people from diverse cultural backgrounds…. Since hospitality is all about understanding and connecting with others, I felt that AIHM’s international environment aligned well with not only my background but also my future goals.”
Words of Welcome from the AIHM Community
Chris Meylan, Chief Operation Officer
The first week at hospitality school marks the start of something significant. The pace, the people, and the standards feel new at once. That is part of the design.
Hospitality is a discipline that rewards curiosity, discipline, and care for others. The early weeks build the foundation. The habits formed during this period shape the professional who emerges at graduation.
Welcome to AIHM. The road through the programme is demanding and rewarding in equal measure. The faculty and the wider AIHM community stand alongside every student through this journey.
Warren Stanworth, Academic Dean
Welcome to AIHM and the start of your journey into the world of hospitality. You are entering an industry powered by passion, creativity, and meaningful human connection.
Embrace every opportunity, challenge yourself, and learn from every experience. Believe in your potential, stay curious, and support one another along the way. This is your moment to grow, to shine, and to create unforgettable experiences. Step forward with confidence and make your mark.
Alison Stanworth, Head of Student Engagement
Dear newcomers, welcome to AIHM and to the beginning of an exciting journey in hospitality. Your first week has already shown just how ready you are to step into your roles as young professionals—with confidence, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to growth. It has been a pleasure to see how quickly you have embraced the expectations of the industry, supporting one another and engaging with the experience wholeheartedly.
You should feel incredibly proud of this strong start, and we encourage you to carry this mindset forward—continuing to develop, challenge yourselves, and grow into the exceptional hospitality professionals you are becoming.
Julie Khin, Student President
To our newest members of the AIHM community, welcome to AIHM and the beginning of your hospitality journey. Your first week may feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between; and that’s all part of the AIHM experience. Stay curious, be open to learning, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your seniors whenever you need support. We’ve all been in your shoes, and we’re here for you.
Wishing you a memorable and rewarding journey ahead. I’m truly excited to see you make the most of this experience, discover your strengths, and grow alongside us.
Join the Next Cohort of Young Professionals
Is the glamour of the hospitality industry calling your name?
Ready to make a name for yourself as Asia’s next big entrepreneur?
Do you have the passion to steer the hotel industry into the future and guide its next big changes?
AIHM is always on the look-out for bright young minds who have the drive to achieve big things with the personalised support offered by our community. Discover the BBA in Global Hospitality Management.
Want to know more? Request info about the BBA now.
