A cohort of curious students from The Ohio State University recently embarked on a journey of discovery and global education, having the streets of Paris as their classroom this past summer; the group explored the intricacies of hospitality and assimilated cultural knowledge through the University's unique program, according to a report from OSU News.
The immersive program, titled 'Hospitality, Tourism and Gastronomy in Paris,' was not confined to hospitality students alone, but was instead a melting pot for scholars from a spectrum of disciplines, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and conversation; as EHE Clinical Assistant Professor Annemarie Turpin told OSU News, "this program is rooted in hospitality and tourism education, but bringing together students from across disciplines created a uniquely enriching learning environment." Students from The Ohio State University in this program not only honed industry-specific skillsets but equally imbibed lessons in empathy, adaptability, and global awareness—qualities that are pivotal for thriving in the plurality of the modern work milieu.
Ohio State's land-grant heritage coupled with its forward-looking Strategic Plan Framework, Education for Citizenship 2035, underscores the import of such international expeditions; they epitomize the institution's dedication to affordability, access, global engagement, and workforce readiness, Turpin elaborated in the OSU News article. The program managed to broaden horizons quite literally, with its catalog of experiential learning opportunities ranging from cooking sessions in the esteemed kitchens of École Lenôtre Culinary Arts School to absorbing the grandeur of Versailles, distant about an hour from the heart of Paris.
Beyond the traditional boundaries of a curriculum, these Ohio State students also interfaced with leaders in the hospitality sphere, as they reaped insight into the ethics of inclusive hiring and the crafting of services that welcome one and all, the students also took a peek into the world of Disney at Disneyland Paris, investigating how a monolithic brand translates itself across cultural and linguistic divides through judicious tweaks in language and service design, further reflecting how global brands localize their experiences for diverse audiences.
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