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Foundation for the Future > Programmes > Visiting Professor Programme 2005
VISITING PROFESSOR PROGRAMME 2005

IH&RA Foundation for the Future Completes Successful “Visiting Professor Programme” in Ethiopia, sponsored by Starwood Hotels & Resorts

For 15 years, IH&RA’s Foundation for the Future has given over 200 students from developing countries an opportunity for hospitality education. Scholarships have been awarded at top hotel schools such as Cornell University, Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne, Hotel School the Hague and Johnson and Wales University. In 2005, IH&RA’s Foundation for the Future launched the First "Visiting Professor Programme," providing International Education to Hospitality Professionals in Developing Countries. The pilot programme was held in Ethiopia and Professor Alexandros Paraskevas, Senior Lecturer in Operations Management, Oxford Brookes University Business School, Department of Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Management, was sent to lead an intensive course in hospitality management for some 16 students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Testimonial from Professor Alexandros Paraskevas
"I found from the very beginning -and continue to do so - the idea great. I completely agree with the principle to give to more people the opportunity to "open their minds" to ideas and practices that would probably never have the opportunity to access themselves.
The selection of destination and participants was ideal. We all know what Ethiopia is going through ... The participants were fantastic. They were exactly as a teacher would describe a "dream class". They were all fluent in English, so communication was not a problem, knowledgeable hoteliers so the examples and discussions were always focused on real life situations and dedicated to the course: never missing one second of the class; engaging in all discussions and activities; undertaking all the reading (cases and articles) needed for further in-class discussion; challenging some of the concepts introduced, something that lead to excellent debates which built the learning process further up; appreciating the opportunity for learning that was given to them by the programme.
		Prof. Paraskevas checking on assignments
The host organization (Starwood Hotels & Resorts) went out of their ways to provide excellent facilities for the course and really impressive coffee breaks and lunches (never felt that I was in Ethiopia in that aspect). This was an additional boost to all participants, showing the host's sincere commitment to this programme. Needless to say that I was really 'spoilt' by the hospitality showed to me by the hosting organization. But I never felt that I was treated differently from any other guest in the hotel, it was just that the staff and the management were genuinely hospitable and -believe me- this comment comes from an academic who has worked in top hotel chains of the industry for almost 15 years.
	As an educator, I really felt that I did something important in Addis and this was shown in the everyday response of the participants as well as in the feedback they gave at the end of the course. The 'thirst' for further knowledge and development is so commendable. But I also benefited myself, having the opportunity to get a glimpse of the "real" Ethiopian thinking, culture and way of life in the discussions I had during the breaks with every single participant. I was taken aback by the level of their depth (educational ad cultural) something that challenges all the stereotypes people may have about the ‘third world’ or the 'developing countries'. This programme was a real eye opener for me and has brought back to surface again some values that my western pace of life had made me forget.

Closing, I feel that I have made some good friends back in Addis and I would certainly look forward to going back again, for this or other programmes. I believe that the Visiting Professor programme is an excellent opportunity for both organizations and academics to make a really valuable contribution to people that have great potential but were probably never be given a chance to use it. Thank you for involving my institution and me personally in this. I look forward to participating in any future programmes..." - Alexandros Paraskevas Senior Lecturer in Operations Management Student Exchange Tutor Oxford Brookes University Business School Department of Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Management Headington Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
Hotels Magazine Editor Jeff Weinstein Gives Praise to the IH&RA Foundation for the Future & Visiting Professor Programme in Hotels Magazine April Edition "Editor’s Diary" Learn more about the IH&RA First Visiting Professor Programme - Click here to see the Presentation IH&RA Salutes Ejnar Sodar, Past IH&RA President, CEO, Nordic Hotels Stockholm AB on His Retirement as Trustee, IH&RA Foundation for the Future On behalf of all IH&RA members worldwide, IH&RA warmly thanks Ejnar Sodar for his passion and dedication to IH&&RA and its charitable Foundation for the Future. Read IH&RA’s letter to Ejnar Sodar upon his retirement as Trustee of the Foundation for the Future here.