Aligned with AHA's thrust to develop students and graduates who are globally competitive,the AHA International Internship Program (IIP) has become one of the centerpiece programs of AHA Philippines. The IIP aims to provide graduates of both the DCA (Diploma in Culinary Arts) and DCE (Diploma in Culinary Entrepreneurship) programs the opportunity to further build on the knowledge learned in School, to hone their skills and to widen their perspective through an international work experience in the fast growing, globally competitive hospitality Industry.

Through a dynamic collaboration between AHA Philippines and internship providers, graduates have the opportunity to train in the United States , United Kingdom , Canada and key cities of China. On going arrangements are being worked out to expand the program to more countries.

The SERVLEAD Internship Program In the United States, the American Hospitality Academy, the South Carolina based mother company of AHA Philippines, runs the most prestigious international internship program. This program, called the SERVLEAD, is the only one recognized and certified by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH &LA), the largest and most prestigious hospitality industry organization in the United States. Its unique strength is its emphasis on the development of leadership and multicultural skills – regarded as key competencies for success in the field of hospitality.

The AHA Internship Program hosts interns in various exclusive training sites in the United States. AHA Partner Hotels include: Marriott, Hilton, Ritz Carlton, Westin, Starwood, Holiday Inn, Radisson and many premier vacation ownership properties. Please visit our Industry Partners page to view a full list of training locations.

With 20 years of proven training experience, and in partnership with some of the most prestigious hotels and resorts in the United States and various countries, AHA provides students with what is internationally regarded as the finest -- and most fun – practical training program in the world. Working hand-in-hand with host training properties in the USA, the success of this one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime experience is never left to chance.

Screening by Internship Providers
To inform students of internship opportunities under the IIP, regular orientation sessions are conducted at AHA, Philippines. Student applicants undergo an initial in-house screening process to assess their over all readiness for participation in the program. Performance, good work attitude, maturity, perseverance and sense of purpose are key traits that every aspiring intern is expected to possess. Members of the faculty independently rate students on these qualities.

The second screening is conducted by representatives (i.e. human resource directors/staff, executive chefs) from various hotels and resorts, who conduct regular trips to AHA Philippines for this purpose. Representatives from hotels such as the Ritz Carlton and the Sandestin Resorts who have found their visits to the Philippines a worthwhile and enjoyable experience. More of similar visits are scheduled for 2008.

For those hotels who are not In a position to send their representatives, telephone interviews are conducted for screening purposes.

Details of Program Participation
Details of IIP participation, which include requirements, application procedure, fees and entitlements vary from one country to another. This is largely dependent on existing government regulations, the design of the training program, the extent of services provided, and amenities offered . Students are kept well informed and updated through regular school orientations.

A Once in a Lifetime Experience
AHA Philippines continues to receive very positive feedback about the performance of graduates in the IIP. Likewise, returning interns look back to their international internship experience as a very fruitful and once in a lifetime experience.