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Frequently Asked Questions!

Why is France the ideal country to study Hotel Management?
For over 10 years, France has proudly retained its n°1 position as the world’s preferred tourist destination with visitors exceeding 78 million tourists every year. France has an unequalled expertise in the hospitality industry, tourism management and consequently in the area of high level education. France is renowned for its culinary arts, its gastronomy, its warm welcome, its hospitality and its luxurious hotels. Being educated in France and more particularly at Vatel is undeniably a mark of quality.

How international is Vatel?
Vatel is extremely international!! We can boast about 50 nationalities living and studying side by side at the Vatel Nimes campus. The programmes at Vatel Nimes are taught in English. The teaching staff consists of both French and international lecturers.

Is it true that students do their practical classes in a real hotel?
Yes, that’s right, students do their practical in the 4 **** “Hotel Vatel” which is adjacent to the school. There are two restaurants in this hotel: Les Palmiers and Le Provencal. Students get to work alongside professionals in all of the hotel’s departments. This is obviously an ideal learning environment for students whereby they get to put into practice all their theoretical knowledge.

How many students are there per class?
There are around 25 students per class. Smaller classes mean that the teaching staff has more time to dedicate to students.

Can I work part-time during my studies?
Under French law, international students enrolled in an educational institution may work parttime during their studies for a maximum of 84 hours per month during a period of 9 months. However, they must first obtain temporary employment authorisation.

What is provided in the rooms?
Residential accommodation consists of 200 rooms all equipped with free Internet access. In a standard single room, there is a shower, hand basin, a corner closet, and a desk, a single bed with a mattress, sheet, pillow, pillow case and a bedcover which are all supplied for the duration of your stay. The toilet is outside the room and you will share it with 4-5 students. There is a central heating system installed in the student hall of residence. So, you do not need to bring a heavy quilt, but it is suggested that you bring a light blanket for cover.

Is it possible to live off campus?
You can do this only after the first academic semester. You can rent an apartment on your own and cook for yourself. Please check with the Student Service Centre for further information.

What items of clothing should I bring?
You will be wearing uniforms, it is suggested that you bring some light coloured shirts (white, light green, blue, pink…), light coloured stockings (for girls), dark-coloured socks (for boys), and 1-2 pairs of comfortable black shoes to match the uniforms. You may also bring some formal apparel for certain occasions and some casual wear for holidays and free time.

What are my chances of obtaining a visa?
Since 1997, almost 99.8 % of the visas applied for a Vatel programme have been accepted worldwide!

What has Vatel organised for my health and my safety?
We offer the following services:
• Patrols of the surrounding areas
• Incident investigations
• Response to unusual incidents
• Caretaker’s presence in case of any problem
You are responsible for the safety of your own belongings. It is strongly suggested that you lock your doors and windows at night and when you are not in your room.

How are meals organised?
Students normally eat at the school cafeteria everyday. Meals consist of salads, a choice of varied main dishes, yogurt, fruit, cheeses, bread, dessert… Normally, food is cooked in a French way. For hygiene and security reasons it is strictly forbidden to cook in the rooms.

What are the telecommunications tools at my disposal?
Each room has 24-hour ADSL Internet connection (WiFi) free of charge. You can contact your family or your friends at any time using your own laptop computer. There are also some payphones in the residence. Phone cards can be bought in any tobacco shop, bar and post-office downtown. The Student Service Center assists you in getting a mobile phone.

How can I look after my clothes?
A public laundry service is available 24 hours in the residence at a reasonable price.