KATHMANDU, APRIL 27
Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Sudan Kirati saw off Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NATHM) students heading to France for their internship under a student exchange programme, probably the first of its kind in Nepal.
In line with the agreement with Lycee Hotelier Savoie Leman in Thonon Les Bains, 24 NATHM students are travelling to France to intern. In return, nine French students will also visit Nepal to intern at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel in Kathmandu, in coordination with NATHM.
Speaking briefly to the media at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in the capital today, Minister Kirati said, "It is a historical achievement in the NATHM history. The academy should maintain and give continuity in arranging internships in Europe and beyond ".
Wishing luck and safe flight to students, Minister Kirati said, "You are not only travelling to France for your internship, but you will also be representing Nepal in Europe."
This is a stepping stone in our effort to develop NATHM as a travel and tourism university in Nepal, Minister Kirati added.
NATHM Executive Director Rajesh Upreti said the academy, in coordination with the line ministry, was working to make it a centre of excellence in the country.
"This is just the beginning in our effort to collaborate with foreign academia and industries to provide an opportunity for our students to enhance their learning capabilities," ED Upreti added.
"Instead of sending students to Middle Eastern countries, we have arranged such opportunities in France this time. In the meantime, we are also looking forward to arranging such opportunities in other destinations including Bahrain, Japan, Africa and Latin America," NATHM BHM Coordinator Binod Aryal said.
Elated students Asmita Acharya and Ashim Bajracharya, on board to France, said they would definitely bring back the authenticity of French culinary, art and services to Nepal.
"We cannot ask more than to get an opportunity to intern in France; it's a dream come true for me," Asmita Acharya shared.
NATHM is one of Nepal's oldest government institutions to run tourism and hospitality management courses.
