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HOSPITALITY
& TOURISM
STUDY ABROAD IN LATIN AMERICA
Hospitality and tourism is a truly global industry and despite geopolitical challenges the sector is thriving. People all over the world are outbound—seeking to experience foreign lands and everything they have to offer. Modern travelers seek not only the best deals, but the best experiences! Maximo Nivel’s institutes in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru are situated right in the middle of 3 of the world’s top travel destinations, which means we are very familiar with the hospitality and travel sectors in Latin America, and students learn by being a part of it.
Participants may schedule programs using the academic calendar or can take advantage of open enrollment internships and service learning programs, which begin every Monday year-round!
Internships offer students excellent opportunities to learn about international hospitality, travel, and tourism. You gain experience in professional areas such as Marketing, Sales & Client Service, and Operations, while getting involved with guest service, marketing, accounting, event planning, and gastronomy.
Customized programs include visits to both small and large hotels, restaurants, and top tourism sites. These educational tours are the perfect way to learn about successful hospitality companies in Latin America. You learn how leaders in hotel management, food service, and travel operations run their organizations—providing excellent insight into how the best international hospitality businesses are managed.
INTERESTED?
REQUEST UNIVERSITY INFORMATION & LEARN ABOUT TRAVEL GRANTS!
Why I Maximo Nivel
I spent 3 months in Quepos and met so many people from places I could not imagine! Throughout my time i experienced so many of this lovely country. Being this close to the beach was super sweet. I lived with 11 different people throughout my three months. I recommend these experiences to anyone looking to go learn and see new things. This experience changed the person I am today into someone more accepting to new things and cultures. I am a more diverse and am more open to doing things that sound crazy or uncomfortable. I completely stepped out of the American comfort zone and had a blast in a different environment.
INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM IN LATIN AMERICA
With strong, developing economies and amazing natural resources and geography, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru are exciting places to be part of the travel industry. Considering Latin America’s travel and tourism sector makes a direct contribution of nearly $150 billion to the region’s GDP every year, the importance of these exciting businesses cannot be underestimated. However, hospitality and tourism companies need marketing knowledge and help in reaching out to international customers—especially small companies struggling to compete in a global marketplace.
Internship placements are available for university students interested in gaining practical experience in hospitality, travel, tourism, and food service. As an itern, you get exposure to daily business practices and become more globally-minded in your perspective. You also increase your knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and improve your ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking guests. This, in turn, builds your marketability through skills and increased confidence to pursue international careers.
Internship placements are with small local companies—boutique hotels, traveler’s hostels, restaurants, tourism operators, and travel agencies—where you work with business owners and local professionals to help them improve their companies and expand their capacity to market to and serve international clients. Internships can be customized, but usually focus on specific areas such as Marketing, Sales & Client Service, or Operations. Your daily responsibilities vary as you learn to wear multiple hats in small, but busy enterprises.
UNIVERSITY COURSES
SPA 201 – Intermediate Spanish I
SPA 202 – Intermediate Spanish II
SPA 202 – Intermediate Spanish II
SPA 301 – Spanish Composition I
SPA 302 – Spanish Composition II
SPA 350 – Latin American Literature
SPA 360 – Latin American Civilization & Culture
SPA 361 – Modern Day Latin America
SPA 370 – Medical Spanish
SPA 380 – Intercultural Communication
SPA 420 – Advanced Spanish Grammar
SPA 480 – Advanced Spanish Conversation
CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS
Maximo Nivel organizes customized programs for faculty-led groups and student organizations who want a short-term educational experience in Costa
Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. These programs are usually 1 to 4 weeks long and consist of 3 main components:
I. Spanish Language
– SPA 101, 102, 201, 202 or higher level
– SPA 371: Business Spanish
– Guided Reflection Workshops
II. Company Visits & Presentations
– 2 to 3 visits to local restaurants
– 2 to 3 visits to boutique hotels and chain hotels
– 1 to 3 presentations by industry professionals
III. Educational Travel
– Archaeological sites
– Museums and cultural tours
– Traditional communities
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