Strengthening Real-World Learning Through Strong Industry–Academic Collaboration
The Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) program, International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University, conducted supervisory visits and extended appreciation to more than 30 tourism and hospitality establishments across Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Phatthalung, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao during November 2025 – March 2026.
The visits covered students from different academic years participating in various professional training formats designed to enhance practical competencies and career readiness.
🔹 2nd–3rd Year Students (CWIE Program)
Students participated in the Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) program, undertaking practical training in:
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Food and Beverage Service
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Bar Operations
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Assistant Tour Guide
This integrated learning approach enables students to combine academic knowledge with real workplace experience.
🔹 4th Year Students (Cooperative Education Internship)
Fourth-year students completed full cooperative education internships to prepare for graduation, gaining hands-on experience in multiple departments, including:
Assistant Tour Guide | Hotel Sports and Recreation | Front Office | Food and Beverage | Bar | Housekeeping | Kitchen Operations
Strong Support from Leading Industry Partners
This initiative was made possible through the generous support of 16 leading tour companies and 21 four- to six-star hotels, serving as key partners in developing students’ professional competencies.
Such collaboration reflects the industry’s confidence in the quality of IST students and plays a vital role in elevating graduate standards to meet international expectations.
Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This supervisory initiative contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
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SDG 4: Quality Education
By promoting experiential learning and enhancing students’ professional competencies. -
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
By preparing students with industry-relevant skills for sustainable employment. -
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
By strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to develop a sustainable tourism workforce.
This initiative reaffirms the International School of Tourism’s commitment to producing highly competent, industry-ready graduates equipped with practical experience and global professional standards.
IST x SDGs: Driving the Future Together
| SDG Goal | Goal Title | Linkage to THM Activities & Impacts |
|---|---|---|
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Goal 4: Quality Education | Empowering students through Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE), ensuring high-standard professional skills in real-world environments. |
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Goal 8: Decent Work | Enhancing employability by preparing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the global tourism and hospitality labor market. |
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Goal 17: Partnerships | Fostering strong multi-stakeholder partnerships with over 30 luxury hotels and travel agencies to bridge academia and the industry. |
