On February 17, Culinary and Hospitality Career Program Advisors Jen Bhagirath and Rita Maldonado and 15 Valencia College students traveled to North Miami for a site visit to Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The group of Valencia students from different majors/programs of all studies — including baking, culinary, hospitality, business administration and general studies — attended a transfer presentation by FIU academic advisors, recruiters and the dean of the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Students learned more about the FIU Connect4Success partnership that allows them to start at Valencia College and finish at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, complete the program 100% online or on campus in Miami, just feet away from the beautiful Biscayne Bay. They also received information on bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree pathways.
Students were given a campus tour and provided additional information regarding online programs, onsite programs, housing, scholarships, study abroad opportunities and industry partnerships, including South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Marriott International, Carnival Cruise Lines and more.
Next on their stop was lunch at the Mediterranean-style restaurant, Atlantikós within the St. Regis Resort in Bal Harbour in North Miami. This visit allowed students to experience high-end hospitality in both front and back of the house and engage with the staff and the executive chef, who prepared exquisite cuisine, accomplishing four diamond and five star ratings within Florida.
This site visit was made possible by Rita and the Valencia College Foundation. Rita applied for and received a mini grant via the foundation and Student Development to support this incredible and educational trip.