FACULTY OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT STUDIES

ABOUT US

The Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies of the University of Aruba (hereafter FHTMS) was established in 1995. The FHTMS recognizes the unique and strategic contribution of the hospitality and tourism industry to the overall development of Aruba and the Caribbean. This faculty emphasizes on the development of strategic and dynamic competencies to prepare students for the pursuit of excellence.

The FHTMS provides business, (non-) government, and professional communities of Aruba and the region with well-trained, qualified graduates in the areas of Aruban Hospitality & Tourism and International Business Management. Furthermore, the FHTMS focuses on conducting applied and scientific research and delivering services that benefit the hospitality community and the tourism industry in particular.

EDUCATION

Information for prospective students

General

The FHTMS offers under-graduate (Bachelors), graduate (Masters) and post-graduate programs in the areas of Hospitality & Tourism, International Business Management, Business Administration, and Sports Management. Academic and executive programs are offered in collaboration with various regional partners and international universities, including the University of South Carolina (USC), the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Amsterdam. This way, the FHTMS is able to ‘mix ‘n match’ the strengths and uniqueness of different international competencies with the needs and flavors of the local Caribbean context. Our international partnerships provide students with global opportunities and local perspectives of the hospitality and tourism industry, this is applicable for both outgoing and incoming exchange students. In particular, the partnership with USC allows for student exchange both to and from USC with no additional tuition fees incurred by the exchange student. The faculty is also in the process of establishing an agreement with USC which will facilitate internship possibilities at Walt Disney World Resort.

Candidates meeting the admission requirements can register by using a registration form which is available at the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at the University of Aruba or by clicking here.

For more information about student life at the University of Aruba, financial information, admission requirements and/or exchange/internship possibilities, please review our study guide or contact the Coordinator of the Office of Student Affairs, at (297) 588-9946 ext. 257.

Academic programs

Bachelors in Hospitality & Tourism Management (B.Sc.)
The Bachelor of Science program offers college and high school students with the opportunity to achieve both academic and personal skills and competencies in Hospitality & Tourism and International Business Management, developed through the General Education, Core and Elective courses offered in the program.

The program consists of three years, in which students follow on average six (6) courses in each of the Fall and Spring semesters. Each semester consists, on average, of 30 European credits, which is the equivalent of 18 US credits. All classes are taught in English, in which professors engage students in interactive discussions regarding the science and art of leadership and management in Hospitality & Tourism and in International Business.

During the program, students learn about the various business aspects of hospitality & tourism, including: organization & management, sales & marketing, human resources & training, operations & technology, economics, and finance & accounting. Students also explore the international world of tourism, and learn about the role and importance of sustainability in culture, heritage, nature and the environment.

The Bachelors program offers students the opportunity to specialize in two different areas, with the possibility of an international internship in the final year. The two core areas of specialization are: (a) Hospitality & Tourism Management and (b) International Business Management. With the new agreement with the University of South Carolina (USC) other areas for possible special interest are: (c) Sports Management and (d) Retail Management.

Admission requirements:

• College or High School Degree (Grade Point Average) over 2.5 (7.0)
• TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) score over 550 (Internet > 80)
• S.A.T. score over 1200

In addition, students with a propadeutic certificate (University Freshman certificate) and a grade point average of at least 2.50 (7.0), can also apply to the bachelor program. For students over the age of 21, with at least two years of relative work experience, a special admittance test is available.

Masters in Tourism & International Business (MBA)
The MBA program offers professionals the opportunity to further their career and develop their leadership competences and scientific capabilities in the area of (international) business and management. The MBA aims to inspire innovation and innovative thinking, and to create sustainable strategies for the future by providing enriched experiences for leadership and professional development.

The first year of the MBA focuses on scientific principles and practices of strategy, leadership, and management within the context of globalization, competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of international businesses and tourism enterprises, and service industries in general. The second year of the program focuses on scientific research, in which the following four activities are emphasized: (a) Research definition & scientific literature review, (b) Research design & proposal, (c) Field data collection & data analysis, (d) Final thesis & defense.

Throughout the course modules, weekly sessions draw from and build upon the diversity of management experiences and leadership perspectives of participants. International case studies are discussed and enriched with international guest lectures and visiting professors from the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.

Admission requirements:

• Bachelors Degree
• G.P.A. (Grade Point Average) over 3.0 (8.0) or GMAT over 475
• Complete resume, including a personal motivation essay
• Two years of relevant work experience
• Three letters of reference
• Basic knowledge of business and research methods

Executive programs
The FHTMS also provides executive and in-company training to organizations and companies in both the private and public sectors, and is available to businesses in both the tourism and non-tourism industries.

Certificate programs
This non-degree certificate program provides young professionals and executive program participants with the opportunity to follow one or more individual courses in their specific areas of interest.

Admission requirements:

• Age over 20 years
• Two years relevant working experience

EDUCATION

Information for current students

• Study Guide Bachelor program 2012-2013 
• Literature List Bachelor program 2012-2013
• Literature List MBA program 2012-2013
• Policies & Procedures

RESEARCH & SOCIAL SERVICES

The FHTMS prides itself by the scientific rigor we apply to all our programs, including research and development. Scientific research is a cornerstone in all our undergraduate and graduate programs through which we seek to advance know-how and know-why of tourism. Of particular interest to the FHTMS is the sustainability of tourism in small-island societies, in which we address economic, social, environmental and policy questions.

Research projects include:

• Tourism Leadership & Governance
• Tourism Marketing and Destination Branding
• Measuring Tourism Value
• Destination Business Intelligence
• Effectiveness of Destination Management Organizations
• Strategic Management of Tourism Enterprises
• Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism Development in small-Island States
• Quality of Visitor Experiences
• High-performance organizations in Hospitality & Tourism
• Human Capital Development in Hospitality
• Best Practices in Human Resource Management in Hospitality
• Change Management in Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Sustainable Development
• Destination Performance & Competitiveness
• Electronic Tourism and Multi-channel management
• Return on Tourism Marketing Investments

The Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies of the University of Aruba is active in social and community services. For more information about the faculty’s research & social services, please contact the faculty Dean at jjwardlaw@hotmail.com.

CONTACT US

Address: J. Irausquinplein 4
P.O. Box 5
Oranjestad
Aruba
Tel.: (297) 582-3901 ext. 291 (Information regarding the FHTMS)
Tel.: (297) 588-9946 ext. 257 (Information regarding the admission)
Fax: (297) 583-1770
E-mail: jjwardlaw@hotmail.com