York College of PA Creates International Work Experience Program in United Arab Emirates Thanks to Alumnus

York College of Pennsylvania students will travel to the United Arab Emirates and work for four weeks in restaurants and hospitality operations owned by an alumnus through the recently established Dubai International Practical Experience Program.

The Program was created through the generosity of Sanjay Parekh, who graduated with a business administration degree in 1996 and an MBA in 1999. Parekh currently works with a multinational oil and gas company based out of Dubai. In addition, he owns a number of hospitality-related businesses there.

“Dubai is a world-class tourism destination with outstanding hotels, restaurants, and tourism attractions,” said Fred Becker, Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management. “We are excited and grateful for this opportunity to allow our students to gain international practical experience in the Sunset Hospitality Group’s unique up-scale lifestyle restaurants.”

York College students majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management will serve alongside an international staff in Dubai. They will work 35 to 40 hours a week, with two days off, and have a supervisor who will provide them with daily work assignments and instructions.

Many of the costs, including roundtrip airfare to and from Dubai, will be paid by Parekh; students will be responsible for items such as study abroad fees and international health insurance. Before arriving in Dubai, participants will learn about working and living in a Middle Eastern country. At the conclusion of their program, they will receive a grade for their work experience.

In addition, Parekh wants other international students to experience the benefits of a York College educational experience, and to that end has established The Sanjay Parekh International Scholarship Fund to financially support international students attending YCP. “The main objective,” he explains, “is to allow these students to gain access to a world-class American college education.”