The South is world-famous for its hospitality, and now thanks to a new University course, international students have the chance to learn it first-hand.
The Southern Hospitality Academy is a program for international students to come to the University of Memphis as a group and study Hospitality and Resort Management.
Dr. Cindy Choi, an assistant professor of Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management at the University of Memphis, is introducing the first year of the Southern Hospitality Academy to the U of M.
“We just launched this program called the Southern Hospitality Academy, and its partnered with the international office,” she said. “It’s for any international students who want to gain experience in the United States.”
Choi and the staff of SHA have planned to take part in assisting a group of international students from Korea, who are not only seeking to gain experience in the United States, but will also take courses to become efficient in second language, English.
“I have over eight students who traveled from Korea, and they will stay here in Memphis for one week,” Choi said. “The students arrived to Memphis on Jan. 30th, and will be here until Feb. 6th,” she said.
While here, the international students are receiving a week of seminars on leadership, marketing, table setting, wine testing, and other events.
Choi said that the Korean students are also required to take a variety of courses at the U of M such as: Hospitality and Food Culture.
“They will also be paired with American students to practice their English,” she said. “We call it the American Body where we have several volunteers that are assigned as a conversation partner for the international students.”
Choi also said that the staff of SHA has given the international students a small tour of the city of Memphis.
“We went to Graceland, the Civil Rights Museum and other fun local places,” she said. “Some of the students have already told me that they are having a lot of fun here and want to come back,” she said. “ Some of the students are interested in coming back to the U of M as an exchange student.”
The students from Korea will be leaving for Florida on Feb. 6th.
“As a department we are expecting this program to be bigger and bigger,” Choi said. “There are several universities provided in this kind of program such as Florida State University, University of Massachusetts and more.”
Choi said that the Southern Hospitality Academy is a really good market and opportunity to bring a variety of cultures and students together.
“It’s also good for publicity and money as well,” she said.
On their last day, the staff of SHA hosted a farewell party for the Korean students on Feb. 5th at the U of M.
The Southern Hospitality Academy doesn’t have a website, but Choi said that she is currently in the process of making one. However, students or anyone interested in SHA, can pick up a brochure of about the program in her office, room 140G, which is located inside of the Holiday Inn, on 3700 Central Ave, all Cindy Choi at 901-678-4584, or email her at echoi@memphis.edu.
