AHAThe American Hospitality Academy has been providing comprehensive internships for hospitality students around the world for 20 years. More than 1000 students from 100 academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries participate annually in the Academy's training program. AHA works in collaboration with American-based hospitality businesses whose resort properties serve as practical training sites. In addition to practical training, a network of hospitality educators from prestigious universities around the world actively works with the Academy as global training partners.

An established International Cultural Exchange Program, the AHA began providing structured training opportunities for students seeking a career in the hospitality industry in 1986. The AHA is designated by the United States Department of State as a sponsor of an Exchange Visitor Program in accordance with the administrative regulations issued under the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.

Our Mission:To develop future hospitality leaders through practical training, education, and cultural exchange while fostering international understanding, goodwill and friendship.

The AHA strives to develop hospitality leaders of tomorrow who have a positive attitude, demonstrate strong work values, lead by example, encourage tolerance, celebrate diversity and promote peace around the world.

Our Vision:To promote peace through practical training and tourism. Every day, at hotel and resort front desks around the world, social and cultural barriers are broken down with a smile, and one simple word: Welcome. As representatives of their countries, schools and The American Hospitality Academy, our AHA Trainees are encouraged and challenged to both honor their roles and hone their skills as Cultural Ambassadors, promoting world peace and friendship through tourism.

It is our vision that students who complete the AHA internship will have developed an appreciation for all cultures, and will have come to the realization we are all united in a common bond of humanity.

J-1 Practical Training (6 to 12 months)

Q Cultural Exchange (6-15 months)

SERVLEAD (Service Leadership in a Multi-cultural Workplace) is a comprehensive hospitality internship program designed to integrate professional development and cultural awareness skills with a structured, on-site internship.

Designed in cooperation with The American Hospitality Academy and the American Hotel and Lodging Association's Educational Institute (AH&LA) and industry leaders and university partners around the world, SERVLEAD is the 1st global internship certification designed specifically for the hospitality industry.

With the help of the SERVLEAD Manual & Workbook -- an informative and inspirational internship guide featuring subject-specific readings, writing exercises, and encouraging words to keep you learning and growing! -- SERVLEAD strives to develop future hospitality leaders dedicated to providing excellent guest services in a multi-cultural workplace.

After successful completion of the SERVLEAD internship, you will have the option of pursuing professional certification from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the most highly recognized and most highly regarded mark of hospitality professionalism.

The EI certification will not only help you advance in your hospitality career, but will also serve as proof positive that you now possess both the leadership and cultural awareness skills required to succeed in today's global hospitality community The SERVLEAD program provides students with weekly professional development and cultural awareness classes that compliment your structured practical training at your host property.

AHA and AH&LA Certificate:After successful completion of the SERVLEAD internship, you will have the option of pursuing professional certification from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA,) the most highly recognized and most highly regarded mark of hospitality professionalism. The EI certification will not only help you advance in your hospitality career, but will also serve as proof positive that you now possess both the leadership and cultural awareness skills required to succeed in today's global hospitality community.

SERVLEAD Certificate of Completion Requirements:Strict adherence to the policies and procedures of AHA and the Host Property

CHS Certification Requirements:

Rewards and Recognition Program:AHA's Rewards and Recognition Program offers you the opportunity to receive the following awards and certificates of personal and professional excellence during the course of your Cultural Ambassadorship!

Professional Development: To be a leader, you have to think and act like a leader. Your character is key! AHA's Professional Development classes are designed to help you recognize, develop and utilize the kind of leadership characteristics that will inspire others to follow you, both personally and professionally! Class topics include:

Cultural Awareness: AHA believes that when we understand our differences, we can break through our cultural barriers and begin to see our similarities, thus fostering a spirit of global camaraderie and goodwill. The AHA Cultural Awareness Classes are designed to help you foster an appreciation of different cultures, and to gain new respect for individual differences. By learning to embrace cultural diversity, you will be developing a crucial professional skill utilized by the world's great leaders. Portions of the content used in our Cultural Awareness Classes are reprinted with permission from The Peace Corps World Wise Schools, and the Department of State Peace Education Journals.

Cultural Awareness Classes Include:

Case Studies: Developed by industry experts and respected university professors around the world, the AHA Case Studies on managing diversity within the hospitality industry are designed to help you apply your classroom learning to real world situations. Working with your fellow interns, you will practice handling the kinds of problematic situations that are often faced by supervisors and managers in a multi-cultural workplace. The solutions you come up with during the classes will serve as invaluable tools in your future career in the hospitality industry.