A true understanding of any subject doesn’t come solely from a lecture theatre – it develops through real‑world experience. This kind of practical learning is essential in the hospitality industry, where, whether you are managing a restaurant or a world‑class hotel, you will inevitably encounter unexpected challenges that no degree alone can fully prepare you for.
At Ecole Vatel Bordeaux, students join a learning environment that places strong emphasis on these practical, real-world experiences – 50% of the school’s teaching is centred on professional skills. The school is internationally recognised for its hands‑on approach to learning, and this year, QS ranked Vatel the best school in France (and 12th worldwide) for hospitality management.
Throughout the three-year Bachelor’s programme in International Hotel Management, students benefit from numerous opportunities to step outside the classroom and gain real-world experience in hospitality establishments across Bordeaux and abroad, supported by Vatel’s global network.
So how does Vatel Bordeaux combine theory with practice – and what does this mean for Bachelor students?
Gaining hospitality skills from day one At The Ecole Vatel Bordeaux
Students at Vatel Bordeaux don’t have to wait until the second or third year of their degree to move from theory to practice. From the very first year, they develop hands-on skills through industry roundtables with professionals (87% of the Vatel Bordeaux faculty have prior experience in the hospitality sector) and professional practices (short internships) within partner companies.
These professional experiences focus on the practical abilities students will need in their future careers in hospitality, whether in a restaurant or hotel environment, and cover skills such as:
- Table setting
- Serving food
- Greeting guests
- Anticipating guests’ needs
These professional practices and roundtables ensure that students begin their internships equipped with the foundational skills required to make the most of their experience – and they start as soon as students arrive on campus.
Each year of the Bachelor’s degree, students participate in two professional immersions, each lasting five weeks. Rather than being confined to a single area of hospitality, they are exposed to a broad range of roles and hands‑on experiences to help them refine their career interests.
For example, students may join a housekeeping team, work in reception, or take on roles as waiting or kitchen staff in a restaurant.
In addition to the alternating period of 5 weeks of theoretical classes and 5 weeks of professional practice, Bachelor’s students participate in a 4-5-month internship in France in their first year. During the second year, this internship experience can be undertaken internationally, giving students a taste of what it’s like to work in a global hospitality establishment.
I found a tight-knit community at Ecole Vatel, with valuable networking and experiential learning opportunities. The intimate setting allows professors to tailor their guidance, equipping students with applicable knowledge and skills. This personalized approach motivated me to reach my full potential and feel better about transitioning into the workforce.
Immersive hotel and restaurant experience
An advantage for students studying at Vatel Bordeaux is the presence on campus of the four-star Hôtel Vatel and the Les Tables Vatel restaurant, where students can complete their professional practice.
Here, students can gain professional experience during their studies, with the encouragement and support of genuine hospitality professionals and Vatel Bordeaux faculty.
Beyond its own facilities, Vatel Bordeaux has built a network of 60 partner companies in the Bordeaux region, ranging from the Mama Shelter to the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel. With support from administrative teams, this robust network ensures a 100% success rate in placing students into practical training.
The education I received at Vatel University has improved my life and helped me become a competent and adaptable professional. I gained a solid foundation in the hospitality industry through the hands-on learning method and theoretical knowledge. I was able to apply my academic knowledge in practical situations while working at well-known hotels like Hilton and The Ritz-Carlton, which improved my leadership and problem-solving skills. My perspectives were broadened by studying abroad in Paris, where I was exposed to a variety of cultures and management styles. All in all, I received a well-rounded education at Vatel University that prepared me for a successful career in hospitality.
Global network of opportunities
Vatel Bordeaux was founded in 1994, and since then, it has built a network of 130 worldwide partners and 170 French partners to offer students a diverse range of host companies.
However, Vatel students can also take advantage of a worldwide network of graduates and professionals. The wider Vatel group comprises 50 campuses in 32 countries, with internship partners in vibrant destinations.
However, these global opportunities don’t distract from the personalised experience on offer in Bordeaux – or the quality of the in-person teaching. The Bachelor’s programme encompasses modules in human resources, marketing, sustainability, financial accounting, and geopolitics, equipping students with the knowledge to match their practical skills.
Vatel is a great school to discover the core of hospitality.
With its professionals of hospitality teaching and a rich operational experience, the bachelor’s program is a complete formation for future hospitality professionals.
Practising in the Vatel restaurant and the two internships during the program provides a solid basis for the future. One of these internships is in a foreign country, allowing students to develop their communication operational skills, and to live a rich cultural experience.
The network of Vatel delivers strong and numerous connections.
The administration of the schools might have some gaps, needing to improve the efficiency as of the student life.
Conclusion
Whether you want to work in an intimate boutique hotel, an international chain, or as a manager of a Michelin-star restaurant, Vatel Bordeaux provides the foundation and connections to help you succeed. The school’s approach to hospitality management ensures you don’t just gain theory – you’re immersed in the industry from day one. As a result, you’ll graduate with the confidence and experience that hospitality employers value, and the network to launch a global career.
Curious about what current students and graduates think of their experience? Head to Vatel Bordeaux’s EDUopinions profile to read authentic reviews and get a student’s view of life at one of France’s top hospitality schools.
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