New Delhi, 10 May 2023: Fifteen students from Goa’s V.M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) visited Europe as part of a 15-day international study tour to Switzerland and France.
During the study tour, students from the Raia-based institute had the opportunity to visit the iconic MaisonCailler chocolate factory and Feldschlösschen, a brewing company, both in Switzerland and participate in an immersive cheese-tasting experience, apart from visiting popular locations like Zurich, Alsace, and Lucerne.
In addition, students had the opportunity to learn about the hospitality industry at the renowned Cesar Ritz colleges, interact with reputed Swiss Chef Anton Mosimann, and tour his culinary museum which includes the iconic Chef’s achievements. During the duration of the tour, the students were accompanied by the Director and Principal of the Institute Prof Irfan Mirza, and the Head of the Food Production department Chef Sebastian Breitinger.
Meanwhile, 12 students of the VMSIIHE are also scheduled to arrive to participate in the return leg of an international student exchange programme in collaboration with Portugal’s federal tourism agency Turismo de Portugal. The exchange program is part of a broader cultural exchange framework between India and Portugal.
During their visit to Portugal, VMSIIHE’s students will learn about Portuguese culture, cuisine, beverages and heritage through the cultural exchange programme. A delegation of Portuguese students was recently treated to Goan hospitality as part of the first leg of the international exchange programme during which delegates were exposed to the various prominent cultural and culinary institutions and practices in Goa.
According to the Director and Principal of VMSIIHE, Prof Irfan Mirza study tours and student exchange programs provide students with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience in the industry. “Cross-cultural experiences help aspiring young students develop the skill set required to compete with the best in today’s highly competitive world. Such activities allow students to confront their presuppositions about what culture is and what culture is supposed to mean. Thus broadening their awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures. This is consistent with our institution’s commitment to providing its students with high-quality education and global exposure,” he said.