The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) has partnered with Kobe International University in Japan to jointly offer a Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Management. Under this agreement, Japanese students will complete the first two years of their program at Kobe University and finish the final two years at ITS Malta. This collaboration allows students from Kobe University to pursue the remaining portion of their Bachelor's degree in International Hospitality Management at ITS.
ITS CEO, Pierre Fenech, stated that the partnership between Malta and Japan aims to equip Japanese students with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in the global hospitality industry. He also mentioned that ITS has been engaging in discussions with various countries since 2016 to establish agreements that benefit both Maltese students and international students studying in Malta.
"This is a credit sharing agreement. Meaning that Japanese students enrolled at Kobe International University, follow their first two years of studies in Japan, and then be able to continue the last two years of their studies here in Malta and obtain the degree in ITS International Hospitality Management. One of the main aims is that in the first two years they also improve their English so that when they come to Malta they can continue with their studies successfully", says Pierre Fenech, CEO, ITS.
Kobe University President, Shigenori Shimoda, said that the programme curriculum is designed to combine the practical training with the learning methods of the two institutions. Yumiko Sumitani, a professor at Kobe University, highlighted the significant benefits for Japanese students, noting that they will gain valuable industry skills while also emphasizing the excitement of fostering collaboration between Japan and an EU country. She described the partnership as highly valuable for both institutions.
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo noted that ITS is globally recognized for its various hospitality programs. He added that the agreement with Kobe University provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in a different culture and country.
