Talk to Our Students — AIHM

Question 1

Is hospitality management a real degree, or is it just cooking and cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Hospitality management is a full business degree — you study finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and strategy, all applied to one of the world's largest industries. Yes, there are practical sessions where you learn how hotels operate from the inside, but that is about understanding how a business runs, not training you to be a housekeeper. AIHM's curriculum is built in academic association with Les Roches, ranked top three globally, so the content is genuinely rigorous.

Question 2

Will my parents approve of a hospitality management degree?

Accepted Answer

The Minor International connection usually changes the conversation — AIHM was founded by one of Asia's largest hospitality conglomerates with over 500 properties across 56 countries, which makes it feel a lot more serious than a cooking school. The Les Roches association helps too, since it is an internationally ranked Swiss institution that parents tend to respect. Bringing them to a campus visit is usually the most effective move — seeing it in person answers most of their questions.

Question 3

What if I don't know what I want to do yet — is that okay when applying to hospitality school?

Accepted Answer

Completely okay — most people your age don't, and hospitality management is actually a great degree if you are still figuring it out because the skills transfer across so many industries. At AIHM you will do internships and industry projects that show you what you actually enjoy, rather than guessing from a brochure. By your second year you will have a much clearer picture based on real experience.

Question 4

What is student life actually like at AIHM in Bangkok?

Accepted Answer

Small classes, students from over 20 nationalities, and Bangkok right outside your door — it is genuinely different from a traditional university. The campus has a hotel-like environment, the practical sessions are hands-on, and the city itself becomes part of your education. It is busy and social without being overwhelming.

Question 5

What if my grades aren't good enough to study hospitality management?

Accepted Answer

AIHM's admissions process is a real conversation, not a grades-only filter — they are looking for the right mindset, genuine curiosity, and good communication just as much as academic results. If English is the concern, the EBAS programme runs for 9 to 18 weeks before your main degree and gets you fully prepared. Do not rule yourself out before you apply — let the conversation decide.

Question 6

Will I make friends at AIHM? What if I don't fit in?

Accepted Answer

Everyone feels this way at the start — including the most confident people in the room. The small class sizes and international mix mean nobody has a built-in social circle, so everyone starts fresh at the same time, which makes it much easier to connect. The practical sessions especially break the ice fast because you are working together on real things from day one.

Question 7

What does a typical day look like as an AIHM student?

Accepted Answer

A mix of lectures, group projects, practical hotel simulations, and sometimes guest speakers from the industry — no two days are exactly the same. The practical arts sessions are where it gets really different from school: you are actually doing front desk check-ins, setting up for dinner service, or running through housekeeping standards in a real setting. Evenings and weekends are yours to explore Bangkok, which students genuinely love.

Question 8

Can I really live in Bangkok as an international student — is it safe and affordable?

Accepted Answer

Bangkok is one of the safest and most affordable cities in Asia for students — a full meal costs around USD 1.50 to 3, the BTS and MRT make getting around easy, and the city has a huge international student community so you never feel out of place. English is widely spoken in restaurants, shops, and most day-to-day situations. It is honestly one of the best cities in the world to be a student.

Question 9

What if I start studying hospitality and realise it's not for me?

Accepted Answer

That uncertainty in the first few weeks is almost always homesickness or adjustment — not a sign that the degree is wrong for you. AIHM's small environment means lecturers and staff actually know your name and will notice if you are struggling, so you are not left to figure it out alone. Give it a proper chance with real support before drawing any conclusions.

Question 10

How do I know if I'm the right kind of person for hospitality management?

Accepted Answer

If you genuinely enjoy people, like variety and fast-paced environments, care about the details of an experience, and are curious about other cultures — you are probably the right fit. You do not need to be the most outgoing person in the room; AIHM builds your confidence gradually through practical experience. The caring about people part is what you bring — everything else can be developed here.

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