Global Education

At the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at SDSU, we know that being the most personalized school of its kind in developing hospitality, event and tourism leaders carries great responsibility. Our mission impacts not only our local community but our global constituency as well. We are committed to this charge with dedication and ingenuity.

From the boardrooms of leading industry associations to the hotels of China, the Payne School is enhancing and enriching the way the hospitality, event and tourism industry does business.

Executive and Educator Education Programs

The L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management offers a wide range of custom programs to meet the needs of the industry’s organizations and for university educators. We provide tailored short-program education opportunities led by experts specific to the organization’s field that range from one day to two or more weeks. Our programs are highly interactive, and it has been a pleasure creating this valuable and exciting experience for leading industry associations such as Meeting Planners International (MPI) and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). SDSU is MPI’s exclusive partner on a leading edge master’s degree in Meeting and Event Management. SDSU is IAAPA’s exclusive partner for the highest level executive education program - the IAAPA Institute for Executive Education.

For more information and to inquire about our Executive Education Programs, please contact Brian Blake, Director of Global Programs, at brian.blake@sdsu.edu.

Certificate Programs

The L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management offers international students an opportunity to study with us for one or two semesters. Qualified candidates may receive a certificate in hospitality and tourism management or sustainable tourism. This program is offered through the SDSU American Language Institute.

In cooperation with Yummy Jobs, we are proud to offer a unique internship program. Hospitality students and recent graduates (within one year), from overseas may apply to spend some time at SDSU then work for many hotels, resorts and theme parks in the USA using the J-1 visa. Additional information may be found at Enhanced J1 Training.

For questions about our enhanced J1 Program in China, please contact Lina Fan, Coordinator of China Programs, at fanlina1009@126.com.

For everywhere else, please contact Brian Blake, Director of Global Programs, at brian.blake@sdsu.edu.

For more information about the Certificate Programs, please visit ali.sdsu.edu.

CHEI

The Marriott China Hospitality Education Initiative (CHEI) was a charitable effort funded by The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. After 7 years of internationally recognized success, including being awarded a prestigious award by the WorldTravel and Tourism Council, wttc.org, the initiative was disbanded. The efforts were sincerely appreciated by over 100 Chinese hospitality schools. Faculty members are still connected and are able to seek ongoing advice from academic advisors at SDSU and DePaul University. The initiative’s purpose was to enhance hospitality education, leading to rewarding careers for the next generation of China’s hospitality leaders. Developed in partnership with SDSU, this multi-faceted program enabled Chinese educators and students to gain knowledge and real-world experiences in hotel operations.

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation selected the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management as CHEI’s initial academic advisor. We have experience working with Chinese schools and the hospitality industry to develop programs that are globally respected and uniquely Chinese. We also have extensive expertise in developing relationships with schools in China, as well as with industry experts and government leaders.