A-Z STUDYING HOTEL MANAGEMENT IN GERMANY

In addition to nursing, studying Restaurant and Hotel management is one of the most popular fields among Vietnamese international students. However, not everyone truly understands the nature of this profession when making their “life decision”

Therefore, in this article, NEW LIFE will help you gain a proper perspective, allowing you to make an informed decision for yourself. You can also learn more about studying vocational training in Germany and essential information you shouldn’t miss.

1. What is the Hospitality profession?

The field of Hospitality (in German, Hotel – Gastronomie, abbreviated as HoGa) encompasses a wide range of occupations. However, Vietnamese students studying this vocational program typically focus on the service roles of Hotelfachmann/-frau (hotel management) and Restaurantfachmann/-frau (restaurant management).

In the Hotel management profession, you will have three main job responsibilities:

• Front desk: Welcoming guests during check-in, assisting with check-out procedures, issuing invoices, answering phone calls, and handling guests’ room reservation requests.

• Housekeeping: Ensuring rooms are cleaned and maintained to a high standard.

• Restaurant service staff: Working in the hotel’s restaurant, performing duties similar to those of a Restaurantfachmann/-frau.

For those studying restaurant management in Germany, the focus is primarily on restaurant operations, but at a more specialized level compared to the broader hotel service roles.

2. Admission Requirements for Studying Hotel Management in Germany

To study hotel management in Germany, you generally need to meet the following basic requirements:

• High school Graduation: Must have graduated from an official high school program in Vietnam.

• Good health: No infectious diseases such as hepatitis B or C.

• No Criminal record: Applicants must have a clean legal background.

• German Language proficiency: A minimum of a B1 or B2 German language certificate is required.

• Additional Language skills: Knowledge of another foreign language (such as English) will be a significant advantage.

3. Learning details of Hotel Management Vocational Training Program in Germany

In Germany, the vocational training for hotel management is organized in a dual system, alternating between classroom instruction and practical training at restaurants and hotels. Here’s how it works:

• Theoretical Learning: Students attend classes at a vocational school to gain theoretical knowledge related to hotel and restaurant management.

• Practical Training: Students apply their learning through hands-on experience in a certified restaurant or hotel. Not all establishments can accept students; only those that meet specific standards and hold certification from the IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) are authorized to provide this training.

4. Salary for Studying Hotel Management in Germany

In Germany, salaries are typically discussed in terms of gross income (brutto), which is the amount before taxes. Net income (netto), which is the amount after taxes, varies based on individual circumstances (single or married, church tax status, state of residence, etc.).

The monthly salary during vocational training can vary depending on the region and employer. Here are some approximate figures for reference (these are base salaries and do not include additional pay for overtime, holidays, or bonuses):

• In the first year of training, hotel management trainees can earn between €790 and €1,000 per month.
• In the second year, this amount typically increases to between €875 and €1,150.
• In the third year, salaries range from €950 to €1,300.

The exact salary can depend on the industry, federal state, and current collective agreements. Depending on your training location, your salary as a hotel management trainee may be higher or lower.

Many employers also offer affordable accommodation for international students. Additionally, during your work hours, you may receive meals either for free or at significantly reduced prices.

In many restaurants and hotels, you may also receive tips (Trinkgeld) just like regular employees.

5. Job opportunities after Hotel Management Program in Germany

Hotel Management

After completing your training and gaining professional experience, you can enroll in an advanced training program to become a “Certified Hotel Manager.” This can be pursued full-time or part-time. The advanced training covers topics such as accounting, workflow planning, and staff management, preparing you for management positions. These roles come with greater responsibilities and higher salaries.

Business Administration in the Hospitality sector

After completing your training, you can pursue further education to become a business administrator in the hospitality industry. This program has an economic focus, and you could eventually manage a department within a hotel. The distance learning program takes about 18 months, followed by five months of full-time study before you can take the final exam.

Further Studies and Research

With a university entrance qualification, you can also study tourism and related fields. Typically, a bachelor’s degree takes three years to complete, followed by an additional two years for a master’s degree. Afterward, you can work in management positions, potentially with airlines, travel agencies, or cruise lines.