Hospitality and Tourism Industries in Germany
Increasing interests in hospitality and tourism industries are contributing to the growing revenues of Germany which are influenced by small and medium sized businesses and in creating and maintaining large numbers of jobs for the country. Largely, this also enhances the appeal of Germany as a business location throughout the world.
From so many job opportunities to choose the demand is high for skilled graduates and with the growing trend of more people travelling and eating out qualified graduates can always find good jobs in the hospitality industry.
Many potential students are attracted to the hospitality industry due to the outstanding career opportunities. Aside from the standard courses studied, students can select more business affiliated subjects in marketing, sales, finance, purchasing and many others. With a broader educational background career advancement is rapid in an industry that needs skilled graduates.
Germany offers several levels for the person interested in studying culinary, tourism and hospitality. Education institutes that offer courses in this industry can range from Vocational (Berufsbildende Schule), Applied Science University (Fachhochschule) and specialised hospitality/culinary institutes.
Many potential students are attracted to the hospitality industry due to the outstanding career opportunities. Aside from the standard courses studied, students can select more business affiliated subjects in marketing, sales, finance, purchasing and many others. With a broader educational background career advancement is rapid in an industry that needs skilled graduates.
Germany offers several levels for the person interested in studying culinary, tourism and hospitality. Education institutes that offer courses in this industry can range from Vocational (Berufsbildende Schule), Applied Science University (Fachhochschule) and specialised hospitality/culinary institutes.
Requirements of entry
For a potential student that wishes to study with one of the institutes it is a good idea to do as much research as possible before making the decision to attend classes. A good tip is to find out how many years the college or university has been offering courses in the hospitality industry. More often, a school with a well established course system can offer experience and great opportunities in the field.
Primarily, the requirements for students are the same but can vary depending on the school’s criteria. Of course, one should research this prior to application. On the whole, Germany doesn’t have a specified grade point average requirement. But students need to have equivalence to the German High School Diploma (13 years) or University Entrance Qualification is vital to attend a university in Germany. These requirements may differ for each country.
For German citizens who have completed secondary education abroad must attain consent to study in a German higher education system with the proper ministries of their home state in Germany.
Applications need to be sent to the institution at least one year in advance and addressed to the Akademische Asulandsamt (Foreign student service). If credentials are not accepted, candidates must take a special exam (Feststellungsprüfung). Preparatory classes are available at Studienkollegs. Students must obtain the needed residence permits at German diplomatic missions.
Primarily, the requirements for students are the same but can vary depending on the school’s criteria. Of course, one should research this prior to application. On the whole, Germany doesn’t have a specified grade point average requirement. But students need to have equivalence to the German High School Diploma (13 years) or University Entrance Qualification is vital to attend a university in Germany. These requirements may differ for each country.
For German citizens who have completed secondary education abroad must attain consent to study in a German higher education system with the proper ministries of their home state in Germany.
Applications need to be sent to the institution at least one year in advance and addressed to the Akademische Asulandsamt (Foreign student service). If credentials are not accepted, candidates must take a special exam (Feststellungsprüfung). Preparatory classes are available at Studienkollegs. Students must obtain the needed residence permits at German diplomatic missions.
English proficiency level
Many schools of the hospitality industry and culinary industry often teach their classes in English and a student must have a basic understanding to participate in the course. This is not in every case and will depend on the programme taught by the institute.
Non-native speakers of English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS test. The test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be completed with a minimum score of 550 or 213 if computer based, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) must score a minimum of 6.0
In some schools however, a good knowledge of German is important. Students must pass a special language examination. The majority of universities offer German classes for foreign students.
Non-native speakers of English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS test. The test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be completed with a minimum score of 550 or 213 if computer based, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) must score a minimum of 6.0
In some schools however, a good knowledge of German is important. Students must pass a special language examination. The majority of universities offer German classes for foreign students.
Vocational (Berufsbildende Schule) training for Hospitality/Tourism
Hospitality Industry
Vocational schools offer several courses in the Hospitality Industry and takes three years for each profession. These weekly programmes involve hands-on experience combined with school attendance. Typically, a student will spend 3 days working in the chosen industry and 2 days in class. Courses may range from waiter/waitress to hotel administrative clerk.
A student must be between the ages of 16 to 19. Students who have completed their secondary school education or from other further education institutes may attend vocational training courses in the Hospitality Industry. Upon successful completion of the final exam the candidate will receive a state qualification.
After concluding the initial train course and two years experience in the Hospitality Industry progression to an institution of further education is possible. In addition to acquiring management skills and knowledge of the chosen profession, students at the age of 25 to 28 can obtain qualifications in the sectors of Catering, Conferences or Tourism.
Tourism Industry
Much like the training course of Hospitality students must work hands-on training with a combination of class education. Courses in Tourism include 3 days spent working in this field along with 2 days with the vocational school. Vocational training in Tourism is a three year training programme and after successful completion is considered a Qualified Travel Agent.
Students must be between 16 and 19. Students who have completed their secondary school education or from other further education institutes may attend vocational training courses in the Tourism Industry. Upon successful completion of the final exam the candidate will receive a state qualification.
Advancement to an institution of advance education (i.e. Tourism School) is probable after successfully completing the primary training course and after having two years experience in the tourism sector. Following a successful period of two years the graduates are awarded the “Government Controlled Diploma in Tourism”.
The Polytechnic for Tourism (Fachhochschule für Tourismus) requires the Fachhochschule entry requirement and following 4 years successful study leads to the “Diplom-Betriebswirt” (Degree in Tourism). This instruction is mainly theoretical.
Vocational schools offer several courses in the Hospitality Industry and takes three years for each profession. These weekly programmes involve hands-on experience combined with school attendance. Typically, a student will spend 3 days working in the chosen industry and 2 days in class. Courses may range from waiter/waitress to hotel administrative clerk.
A student must be between the ages of 16 to 19. Students who have completed their secondary school education or from other further education institutes may attend vocational training courses in the Hospitality Industry. Upon successful completion of the final exam the candidate will receive a state qualification.
After concluding the initial train course and two years experience in the Hospitality Industry progression to an institution of further education is possible. In addition to acquiring management skills and knowledge of the chosen profession, students at the age of 25 to 28 can obtain qualifications in the sectors of Catering, Conferences or Tourism.
Tourism Industry
Much like the training course of Hospitality students must work hands-on training with a combination of class education. Courses in Tourism include 3 days spent working in this field along with 2 days with the vocational school. Vocational training in Tourism is a three year training programme and after successful completion is considered a Qualified Travel Agent.
Students must be between 16 and 19. Students who have completed their secondary school education or from other further education institutes may attend vocational training courses in the Tourism Industry. Upon successful completion of the final exam the candidate will receive a state qualification.
Advancement to an institution of advance education (i.e. Tourism School) is probable after successfully completing the primary training course and after having two years experience in the tourism sector. Following a successful period of two years the graduates are awarded the “Government Controlled Diploma in Tourism”.
The Polytechnic for Tourism (Fachhochschule für Tourismus) requires the Fachhochschule entry requirement and following 4 years successful study leads to the “Diplom-Betriebswirt” (Degree in Tourism). This instruction is mainly theoretical.