About this study program

Is Hospitality and Tourism Management right for me?

The fully accredited FHTMS program is a unique program designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to assume leadership roles and to be successful citizens of character in the global hospitality and tourism industry and the community at large. The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies was founded on principles of flexibility, responsibility, integrity, creativity, and sustainability, which serve as a guiding educational philosophy, and reflects the values and beliefs of both the University and the community it serves.

What can I expect from the program?

The bachelor of science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies is a three-year program, taught in English. Each academic year is divided into two semesters (Fall and Spring).

What can I do with a BSc, degree from FHTMS?

The hospitality and tourism industry brings in trillions of dollars in revenue on a global basis and is the main economic pillar for the island of Aruba. Graduates from our program can pursue diversified career opportunities, including hotel/restaurant management, jobs in the sporting industry, tourism policy, the finance sector, small business entrepreneurs and so much more!

The labor market is competitive and many positions require tertiary training. Having university qualifications gives you an edge because you have the skills and advantage to secure employment. The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies (FHTMS) prepares you to excel in the tourism and international business field. The program provides high-quality scientific and professional education. The result: a leader that contributes to society by demonstrating critical thinking, social responsibility, and sustainable innovation.

Freshmen students share their experiences of the first year studying at the University of Aruba FHTMS:

• Valuable in my life for my general knowledge;
• Different, productive, fulfilling;
• Challenging;
• Definitely a learning process, educational experience;
• Educational experience, interaction people, teams;
• Charming;
• A unique experience;
• Both Personal and Professional, an enjoyable learning experience.

Quick Facts

What can I expect from this study program?

The Bachelor of Science program in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Aruba, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies (FHTMS) offers opportunities for students and professionals to achieve both academic and personal skills and competences to succeed.

Students follow approximately six (6) courses in each of the Fall and Spring semesters during the three-year program. Each semester consists of 30 European credits, the equivalent of 18 US credits. All classes are taught in English. Professors engage students in interactive discussions regarding the science and art of leadership and management in the areas of Hospitality and Tourism.

Over the three years, students will be introduced to the various business aspects of Hospitality and Tourism, including Organization & Management, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources & Training, Operations & Technology, Economics, and Finance & Accounting. Students also explore the international world of tourism and learn about the role and importance of sustainability in culture, heritage, nature, and the environment.

Learning environment

Student-centered learning environment. A learning environment that promotes interaction and creates participation and engagement in class between students and lecturers, through rewarding and encouraging interaction. Moving beyond the four walls of the classroom by incorporating experiential learning opportunities.

Study Abroad

Given Aruba’s unique context, location, and ties to the Netherlands and Europe, integration of the U.S. and European models was deemed critical in order to provide an academic program that caters to the needs of a diverse student body, the demands of local industry, and the regional and global nature of the tourism discipline. This allowed for international affiliations and student and staff exchange programs in the U.S. (i.e. University of South Carolina) and Europe (i.e. Erasmus+), and for a variety of employment and educational options for our graduates.

Contact the Office of International Affairs for more information

Graduate possibilities

Career opportunities

The hospitality and tourism industry brings in trillions of dollars in revenue on a global basis and is the main economic pillar for the island of Aruba. Graduates from our program can pursue diversified career opportunities, including hotel/restaurant management, jobs in the sporting industry, tourism policy, the finance sector, small business entrepreneurs and so much more!

Further education

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) there is the possibility to continue with the Master Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Aruba.

The MBA course is a two-year program. The first year has five semesters and is comprised of ten courses, eight compulsory, and two electives. The second-year is a thesis. It is designed to attract students who are currently working full time and wish to enhance their management skills.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies (FHTMS), there is also the possibility to continue with your Master’s studies abroad. For more information, please contact the dean or the student advisor of the faculty.

Alumni

Admission requirements

General criteria

The FHTMS provides a wide opportunity for students to experience and gain a university education. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the scholastic preparation of high school graduates, additional requirements of standardized assessments of aptitude for the program (SAT and TOEFL) are included as the threshold for admission into the program. To be admitted into the program all applicants must demonstrate the following minimum levels of achievement that are standard at a US university:

• High School or College Degree
• GPA ≥ 2.50 SAT ≥ 1200 or 890 (2016 SAT)
• Online TOEFL ≥79/80 = IELTS score of 6.5
• DUOLINGO with a min. score of 115

Additionally, the applicant must write a motivational letter, as the faculty, committed to students’ success, has determined that attitude and motivation are high determining factors of success in our program. These three admission criteria are in addition to the base entry requirements for the program:

• Secondary education: HAVO and VWO
• Post-secondary education: 2-year Associate of Science Degree High school or higher diploma with a GPA ≥ 2.50
• Colloquium Doctum

Colloquium Doctum

Anyone who has reached the age of 21 and does not meet the above-mentioned admission requirements can nevertheless be admitted to the Bachelor’s degree program at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies, by demonstrating sufficient general development and suitability for following education at the FHTMS by taking an admission test (colloquium doctum exam). A colloquium doctum statement is provided by the Faculty Council. The candidates must possess the level of a pre-university education student with regard to the components in which they are being examined.

In certain cases, an exemption from the colloquium doctum exam may be granted on the basis of prior education. More information can be obtained from the dean. In case of an exemption from a colloquium doctum exam, no colloquium doctum statement is provided by the Faculty Council.

Anyone who is uncertain of whether their diploma gives them access to the university or whether or not a partial exemption can be granted from the colloquium doctum exam can contact the Department of Education of Aruba (Directie Onderwijs) at telephone (297) 528-3400.

More information about the colloquium doctum exam, including information about the courses of the exam, registration for the exam, the colloquium doctum regulations, the possibility to obtain an exemption for courses from the colloquium doctum exam (note, this does not concern the possibility of exemption from the colloquium doctum exam as mentioned above), the method where the exam is taken and the dates of the exam can be obtained through the Office of Student Affairs.

Non-degree certificate program

You can also audit a course or take part in the bachelor program without matriculating as a UA student. As a participant in the non-degree certificate program (“toehoorder”) you will not take part in the final exams of the courses taken. At the request of the participant, a statement will be issued, containing a summary of the subjects taken, the period during which these took place, and in the case of a positive result the subjects in which the participant passed the aptitude test. The aptitude test does not have the status of an exam, nor can a positive completion of the aptitude test be converted into the registration as a UA student. Nor will it count as an exemption of that course in the case a participant later applies to the Bachelor’s degree program as a UA student.

The possibility to participate in the non-degree certificate program is not open to people who are already registered as a student at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies.

For more detailed information about tuition and registration of the non-degree certificate program, please contact the Office of Student Affairs.

Study program overview

Language of instruction

The Bachelor’s degree program is taught in English.

Tuition fees

*International students are non-Dutch passport holders who have resided in Aruba for less than 5 years.

Important dates

Deadline first payment: September 1

Deadline second payment: January 15

Study program structure

The Bachelor of Science program in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Aruba, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies (FHTMS) offers opportunities for students and professionals to achieve both academic and personal skills and competences to succeed.

Students follow approximately six (6) courses in each of the Fall and Spring semesters during the three-year program. Each semester consists of 30 European credits, the equivalent of 18 US credits. All classes are taught in English. Professors engage students in interactive discussions regarding the science and art of leadership and management in the areas of Hospitality and Tourism.

Over the three years, students will be introduced to the various business aspects of Hospitality and Tourism, including Organization & Management, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources & Training, Operations & Technology, Economics, and Finance & Accounting. Students also explore the international world of tourism and learn about the role and importance of sustainability in culture, heritage, nature, and the environment.

Academic program

The following gives an overview of the academic courses offered in the Bachelor’s degree program, including the total credits per course subject. In the Study Guide, a description is given of each course subject with its lecturer(s) and the prescribed or recommended literature.

For each academic year, a minimum of 60 credits (EC) should be obtained.

A detailed description of the study program’s course subjects can be found in the Study Guide or in the course catalog of OSIRIS.

The bachelor’s program in Hospitality and Tourism Management is structured in three years. Each year is divided into two semesters (Fall and Spring) and a summer period. Each semester students normally follow six (6) courses; on average 18 US credits or 30 European credits. Each course or field activity consists of weekly contact hours and self-study hours. The total number of hours provides an indication of the number of credits (USC: United States Credits and ECTS: European Credit Transfer System).

The Freshman year provides a basic introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management; it provides the general foundation for the junior year. All general education courses are provided in the first and second years. Freshman courses are often mandatory prerequisites for second-year courses, students will not be able to follow a second-year course if students have not completed the required first-year pre-requisite course. Please contact the administration for further information regarding the prerequisites.

Students advancing to the second year must meet the following criteria:

• To demonstrate mastery of the scientific basics: 50% of the core curriculum must be completed successfully;
• Demonstration of mastery of general competences: at least 50% of all general education courses must be completed successfully;
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50. The Junior year provides students with the opportunity to develop specific competences in different professional areas, and enables advancement in key areas of tourism management and international business.

Students advancing to the Senior year must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstration of mastery of the scientific basics: at least 75% of the core curriculum must be completed successfully;
• Demonstration of mastery of general competences: 75% of all general education courses must be completed successfully;
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50.

During the Senior year, students choose electives and can specialize in one of the following areas:

1. International Tourism & Hospitality
2. International Business & Marketing

During the final semester of the third year, students conduct their final management traineeship while writing and defending their final scientific (bachelor) thesis. Students need to complete all core and general education courses before starting with their final management traineeship.

Graduation requirements

The FHTMS curriculum was designed and built on the basis of our shared vision, mission, and goals.

• Freshman year: The freshman year provides a basic introduction to the multi-faceted field of hospitality and tourism management. It also provides the general foundation for the junior year. All the general education courses are provided in the first and second year.
• Junior year: The junior year provides students with the opportunity to develop specific competences in different professional areas, and enables advancement in key areas of local and global hospitality and tourism management.
• Senior year: Finally, in year three, for the fifth semester, senior students must self-select their own path choosing from electives either on-island or via exchange programs. During the sixth and final semester of the senior year, students conduct their final management traineeship while writing and defending their final (bachelor) thesis. Students need to complete all courses before starting with their final management traineeship. At the end of the three-year program students must show that they have mastered the level needed to graduate as stipulated in the Program Learning Outcomes and covering the areas of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Quality Assurance

Accreditation is a quality label that is granted formally by an independent authority to an academic and professional program that meets or exceeds required standards of educational quality. In 2019, after a thorough review, ACPHA (Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration) accredited the FHTMS program against international Bachelor’s degree standards. The program of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies has been officially accredited by ACPHA.

ACPHA accreditation Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management

ACPHA Student Profile

Student Job Placement

• 2020-2021 (full-time employment) with 50% in the hospitality industry or related field
• 2021-2022 (full-time employment) with 57% in the hospitality industry or related field

Retention Rate

• 2019-2020: 67%
• 2020-2021: 70%
• 2021-2022: 66%

Course materials

Books

Prescribed textbooks for each unit of study are listed in your Study Guide, Book List, or on the UA Bookstore webpage.

You can purchase your textbooks in a number of ways:

The UA Bookstore at the University of Aruba

The UA Bookstore offers an inventory of textbooks for the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies. The UA Bookstore also sells new study books and facilitates the sale of second-hand study books by students. If your books haven’t arrived on time you can also borrow certain study books from the UA Library. The University of Aruba’s bookstore is located in the UA Library.

The UA Bookstore online

Course readings and textbooks can be ordered online and collected later at the UA Bookstore.

Via external sources

You can also purchase your study books from other sources, such as second-hand books or online bookstores from the US or the Netherlands. Please take into account that books purchased online can take a couple of weeks to arrive. Buy your textbooks and readers early to make sure you have all your required reading material at the start of the school year.

The total cost of books for the complete Bachelor’s degree program is approximately AWG. 3.000.

Other course materials

All study materials compiled by the lecturers will be made available via the electronic learning environment, StOnE. Every registered student is also provided with an email address of the UA which is used to communicate with the student. The curriculum of the Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Studies also includes the production of written papers. It is advisable to purchase a laptop or tablet for this study program.

Digital Tools

Study program digital resources

Important information about this study program can be found in the Study Guide. The Study Guide provides helpful details about the University, the study program, and essential information for every stage of the student journey, from registration, to assessment, to graduation.

You can also consult the Year Calendar, Course Schedules, Book List, and other essential documents relating to the program of study for more detailed information.

Library Databases

StOnE

The UA library may be of assistance in providing you access to digital databases to quickly find relevant scholarly information you can use in research papers or other course projects. The databases available via the UA Library grant you access to countless journals, articles, and digital books.

StOnE

The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies has an electronic learning environment, the University of Aruba Study Online Environment (StOnE). You can access StOnE via stone.ua.aw with your username and password. This information is made available after your final registration. For any questions, you can contact the helpdesk via StOnE@ua.aw.

With StOnE you can:

• Easily access course content – browse the content of your courses, even when offline.
• Connect with course participants – quickly find and contact other people in your courses.
• Keep up to date – receive instant notifications of messages and other events, such as assignment submissions.
• Submit assignments – Upload images, audio, videos and other files from your mobile device.
• Track your progress – View your grades, check completion progress in courses and browse your learning plans.

Course material and assignments are made available by the lecturer of the course via StOnE. Other important announcements are also sent via StOnE or distributed via your UA email address. To ensure that you are sufficiently informed of the ins and outs of the study program you are expected to consult StOnE and your email address regularly to stay informed of any notifications.

OSIRIS

OSIRIS is a Student Progress Tracking System, in which all information regarding your studies and study progress is stored from the moment of your first registration up to and including your graduation. All UA students have an OSIRIS account as soon as they are fully enrolled and are admitted to the UA.

We recommend downloading the OSIRIS app on your phone so that you can stay up to date with your grades, your schedule and can have easy access to registration for courses and exams. Students must register to take courses via OSIRIS. Consult the course schedule to see when each course is given. This registration is mandatory!

You can log in here or via the OSIRIS Mobile App (available via the Google Play Store or Apple Store). For more information regarding your grades, course schedules, missing information, or other education-related issues to be found in OSIRIS, please contact the Office of Educational Affairs (OEA), in charge of the educational administration of students, at oea@ua.aw.

To gain access to OSIRIS you need a username and password. This information will be made known to you at the start of your studies. Your username for OSIRIS is your student number, your password is your UA network password (the same password you use in the Computer Lab or Library). If you encounter problems logging in, you may have to reset your password. During office hours you can do this at the reception of the main campus at UA.

For further assistance regarding technical problems you can contact the Computer Center at cc@ua.aw or by telephone at (297) 526-2252, or (297) 526-2253.

G Suite

G Suite is a set of cloud computing, productivity, and collaboration tools, software, and products developed by Google. Every registered student will obtain access to their own G Suite account and can make use of its email (Gmail), cloud storage (Google Drive with a capacity of 30GB), and other tools, such as Google Docs. This eliminates the need to use external storage devices such as USB sticks during your studies, minimizing the risks of viruses and losing your data. G Suite also allows you to access your information from any computer, eliminating the need to sync your data on different computers. The data on G Suite is available from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.

Your student email will be attached to your G Suite account. Important announcements are distributed via your student email. You are expected to consult your email regularly to stay up to date with student affairs and notifications.

For any questions relating to your G Suite account, you can contact the Computer Center at cc@ua.aw or by telephone at (297) 526-2252 or (297) 526-2253.

Application and practical matters

How to apply?

Thinking of applying to our University? It only takes 2 minutes.

Our online registration opens from May 15th until July 15th. To apply visit our homepage and click on the online registration link, which will be visible during the registration period. You will be directed to the application portal Osiris. If you’re a new student, create an account and submit your application. Once you have submitted your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation and instructions on how to submit any required hard-copy documents to the University.

The deadline for submission of your application is July 15. The University of Aruba reserves the right to deny any application submitted after the deadline.

Maximum registration period

Learn more about our maximum registration period in our Study Guide.

Practical information

For more practical information about student life at UA, the facilities the university offers, and information about your registration or changes in your personal information, please contact the Office of Student Affairs. You can also browse our website, or consult your Study Guide.

Collaborate with the UA

The University of Aruba can offer organizations interns, training, and research possibilities. If your organization would like to collaborate with the UA, please click on the button to fill in the form.