I am originally from Hong Kong, but had lived in the United States for several years. While my dad has his own business in Hong Kong, my mom had her own restaurant in Texas. I guess you could say that is where I learned the basics of opening my own restaurant; running my own business.

Throughout my high school years, I had thoughts of becoming a fashion designer, a flight attendant, an events planner and even a hotelier. I was very confused as to what I actually want to do with my life. Not long after my high school graduation, I thought about studying Hotel and Tourism Management seeing that everything that I thought of becoming actually is some way or another a part of Hospitality. Boutique hotels such as Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts and Armani Hotel have fascinated me as they combine both Fashion and Hotel industries. Event planning especially for weddings are truly a great excitement. Hotel & Tourism Management studies also gives me the possibility of entering airlines operation. With my elder sister being a former flight purser for an international airline, her stories almost convinced me that Hospitality and Tourism Industry is where I want to be. The best place to receive such an education is Switzerland, and I can guarantee you that HTMi is the best of the best hotel schools in the country.

Having been a student here from Certificate level up to BSc Degree, and having been a part of Train the Trainers Course in Fall 2007, I can say that these past few years have been the best years of my life. When it comes to education, students receive so much more in 20 weeks than what a normal 4-year university student would receive in a year. With theory as well as practical and hands-on learning, students are well-prepared to take their role in the fast-paced industry. With lecturers from Switzerland and countries abroad, HTMi provides excellent teacher support. With HTMi providing work placement services to all students, not only was I given the chance to put my skills into practice but my internship experiences have changed me into a better person. As HTMi is the leading hotel management school in Events Planning, students are given many opportunities to plan, run and manage various events within each semester. I have taken part in several events including Miss & Mr HTMi, Superstar, the Wedding, Research Conference, Professional Image Show, and International Night. Not to mention, every Friday evening is a Cultural Night where each and every nationality has the opportunity to showcase their cuisine and traditions to the entire school. In November 2008, HTMi gave me the wonderful opportunity to take part in the Gastronomia Convention held at Lausanne as a Marketing Representative of the school. It was a great learning yet challenging experience for me. In June 2009, HTMi gave me another wonderful opportunity of going on a Public Relations trip to Dubai for five days.

I am very grateful that HTMi has given me so many opportunities for my self and career development.

I cannot say it any better than this: HTMi challenges you, HTMi trains you, HTMi prepares you for what you will be faced with in the real world, and most importantly, HTMi treats you as a part of the family. I have just recently completed my BSc degree, and in the next 6 months I will be doing my work placement at a beautiful Swiss Hotel in Luzern. I have already started to look for Management Training Programs in America, Europe and Asia to further my professional career after my internship in Switzerland. As an HTMi graduate, the possibilities and opportunities are endless!

I welcome you to my family: HTMi The School of Excellence!

Amy Cheng

Hong Kong and USA