Centres of Excellence

Philosophy

As passionate entrepreneur-educators committed to growth, sustainability, innovation, quality, excellence, best-in-class practices, ethical values and customer centricity, it is our mission to create a ‘school of the future’ with all these attributes and it shall be our endeavor to live up to this promise each day.In doing so, it is our belief that whilst the mainstream academic programs and its collaterals will all be addressed through our ongoing internationalisation, collaboration and other efforts and initiatives, it is perhaps necessary to aid, create and support a larger educational ecosystem. The Centres of Excellence (CoE) can continuously and consistently support, nourish and sustain the mainstream academic programs at a strategic level, and create synergies and long-term stakeholder engagements.

Keeping the above philosophy in the backdrop, we have invested heavily in creating six Centres of Excellence (CoE) to ensure that students become proficient not only in academics and it’s rigorous application but more importantly, imbibe the 21st century global skill-sets that will truly enable them to actively seek and participate in global employment markets and mitigate the risks associated with the employment conundrum.

As entrepreneur-educators, we are conscious of the fact that both technology and innovation are together re-defining every aspect of our lives on a daily basis. Therefore, it is imperative to leapfrog and adopt a progressive, state-of-the-art and catalytic teaching-learning style.

A premise that rests on the creation of the six pillars of the CoE is that learning is an integrated process and that the learning processes can and should be facilitated. The CoE should, therefore, be construed as an ‘institutional grid’ that will facilitate the process of learning and reinforcement.

The objective of each of the CoE, either independently or jointly, is to take young and impressionable minds beyond the narrow confines of the classroom intensive pedagogy and allow them the freedom to soar high in their ‘domain of choice’ through one or more of the following:

rigorous study and its application;
interaction, reflection and introspection;
connecting with thought leaders and industry achievers.

The central idea is to provide them with an enabling environment and facilitate the learning process so that the students can ‘learn on the run’. The learning’s could assume myriad forms- silo based, cross-CoE or just domain based.

The six CoE’s are:

Centre for Culture & International Languages
Centre for Hospitality Research
Centre for Culinary Arts
Centre for India Studies
Centre for Sustainability
Centre for Entrepreneurship development & Innovation

By integrating the hospitality domain knowledge with the best-in-class practices and the six CoE’s, the Servo Hospitality School is truly committed to providing a ‘super premium holistic education program’ that is not just aligned to international standards but more importantly, create pathways to higher order educational programs.

Leading academic institutions all over the world have consistently adapted to the changing needs of the primary stakeholder and the workplace requirements; both institutions and programs have consistently evolved and stayed relevant to the need of the times.

In today’s hyper- connected and polarized times, ethical dilemmas are in sharp focus across sectors-industry-countries. Therefore, one of the universal themes that must be explored in each of the CoE is ‘belief versus action’ or ‘principle versus profit’. Today corporates across the world are grappling with this choice between doing what’s good for the business and doing what’s good for the people. As has been said that ‘in the end, the choices you make become you’.

In summary, when viewed through the Institutional prism, the under-mentioned prismatic perspectives emerge:

Each of the CoE will act as a touch point to help students discover and develop mature and industry relevant perspectives, the needed disciplinary depth and academic functionalities, leading to competitive edge &
Each of the CoE represents an institution owned ‘experience centre’ created to provide a unique, blended and wholesome educational
The 6 CoE’s when integrated as a grid will greatly add to the diversity, richness and contemporiness and as a consequence, the learning’s will be mature, layered and nuanced.
Each CoE represents a distinct value proposition that the institute
Each of the CoE, both independently and jointly will act as ‘strong anchors’ to engage with the local and international community and provide a robust platform for undertaking collaborations, partnerships and alliances on a large
A section of the students want to move up the value chain and seek a different model of education- basically bordering on customisation to suit their distinct needs & The mainstream programs in conjunction with the relevant CoE will help them achieve these objectives.

Objectives

The objectives for setting up the Centres of Excellence (CoE) include but are not limited to:

The six CoE’s if viewed as an integrated ecosystem will provide a high level of educational empowerment to the
The Centres are envisaged to provide a renewed emphasis on hands-on and skill-based
They will provide a robust and sustainable umbrella to nurture tomorrow’s leaders in a well-knit academic
The aim is also to provide a rich environment to inter-alia foster values of independent enquiry, professional pride and creative self-development.
Each of the CoE with its rich thematic content and global relevance when combined with the mainstream academic programs has the potential to help imbibe and build professional values, excellence, character and integrity – the key drivers in the global
Each CoE will, independently and jointly add a distinctive and long-term value-proposition to each of the
The CoE will provide an excellent platform to explore contemporary concepts, trends and technologies in related It will also provide an opportunity to the students to interact and share ideas with thought leaders in academia and industry and thus, develop mature professional perspectives.
They will help drive meaningful connections and conversations within the enlightened student community and between the student community and thought leaders regarding what matters to them the This will help to build and sustain professional networks in the future.
The combination of the mainstream academic programs in conjunction with the CoE (either independently or jointly) will help the teachers and learners discover a set of fascinating differentiated and integrated perspectives across the entire portfolio of our
The Centres will provide a powerful platform to reflect upon and build a set of core values validated through research, interactions and

Student Opportunities

1. Immersion Programmes

‘Immersive learning’ has become an increasingly attractive methodology to a growing number of educators and students across the world as a means to provide authentic experiential learning. Each of the Centres of Excellence [CoE] has an incredibly huge potential to educate, empower and engage with young and dynamic thought leaders through the various outreach programs. The Immersion program in particular affords an opportunity to the participants to immerse themselves in the rich Indian culture. The strands include religion, philosophy, cuisine, languages, martial arts, dance, arts, crafts and music, architecture, literature, attire and mythology.

Typically immersion programs, like all international outreach programs, are bespoke in nature, and seek to combine vigorous academic course work, cultural activities, workshops, seminars and presentations – all designed to improve leadership skills. Participants also invest a predetermined number of hours in the designated CoE viz Culinary Arts, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, India Studies, Hospitality Research and International Culture & Languages. During this period, the candidates undertake cultural research, interact with locals, explore local cuisine, arts, music, dance, attend local events – all with a view to immerse themselves in the culture of the host Country.

The In-charge of the concerned CoE will assist in planning the schedule within the duration of the program, in line with the student’s profile, background, skillsets, expectations and learning goals.

Duration: 6 weeks (extendable upto 8 weeks)

2. Summer/Winter Programmes

This is a focused academic learning group with small batches. The students set precise goals, immerse themselves in a subject or a small cluster of subjects, gain solid grounding in the subject matter and round it off with some professional education. The program will be conducted based on the special needs and requirements of student cohorts and /or an institution in the summer /winter months .

It could cover-

a combination of skills – public speaking, presentation, communication, critical thinking, problem solving and leadership skills.
Skill building programs and recreation programs.
remediation classes in Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts.
a bespoke Culinary program in Indian cuisine to cover North & South Indian cuisine.

Duration: 4 to 6 weeks

3. Student Exchange Programme

Exchange program provides a wonderful opportunity to learn and exchange customs, cultures, perspectives, languages, stories and helps to build connections that not only cross borders but last a lifetime.

We seek exchange partners both from academic institutions and families willing to host Indian students at all overseas destinations. We, the Indian partner, will only be too delighted to host international students within our community.

Ideally , these programs are jointly developed in close consultation between the host and home academic partners and/or families, the needs and requirements of the student cohort that move across the borders and the larger aims and objects of the Exchange program.

Duration: One semester (extendable upto 5 months)

4. India Gap Year Programme (IGYP)

The IGYP affords you an opportunity to take stock of your values, career goals and aspirations and current achievements and contemplate on the next steps in life. The IGYP gives a distinct advantage in as much as you have the opportunity to explore a large spectrum of opportunities in the host Country when compared to the peer group and as such get the benefit of superior exposure and experience.

Basically the IGYP is an opportunity to expand perspectives, which in turn provides direction and helps to focus on college education as well as determine career priorities.

Gap year programs are hugely popular all over the world primarily because they help develop confidence, maturity, independence and a better understanding of social dynamics.

Thus, the learning outcomes of the IGYP will be:

Discover yourself and purpose;
Explore India;
Prepare for University education;
Language & cultural immersion;
Travel.

Duration: Upto 10 months (two cycles of 5 months each)

5. Intern in India Programme

International projects and internships are much sought after as these stand out on a resume, gives a student an edge in the globally competitive job market and helps develop incisive and insightful international perspectives. Viewed in this context, the ‘Intern in India program’ is a preferred choice for such of those students that are looking to discover India and its wide variety of cultures & landscapes.

At present, we offer two models of internships.

Model I:

Under this model, we offer 2 internships for the Hotel and 12 internships for the CoE’s viz 2 each for the 6 CoE’s.

Features: Exclusive Internships + Mentorship Number of vacancies :14

Duration: upto 5 months

Requirement for the Hotel: Hospitality & Tourism Management

Nature of work: Assist the Management and work in the Front office, Marketing, Reception, F&B Production and F&B Services Department. Also assist in analyzing market information, website & social media in an internationally accredited Hotel.

Requirement for the Centre of Excellence: CoE Interns

Nature of work: The interns will prepare and write grants, carry out field level studies and research, report on issues, engage with appropriate developmental agencies and/or assist with promotions for fund raising and/or community outreach events.

Model II

Under this model, the program will seek to combine the elements of Study, Internship and Mentorship.

Features: Study+ Internship+ Mentorship Number of vacancies :25

The program will combine course work at the Hospitality School and guided Internship under the mentorship of a senior Manager of the Hotel . The combination can be customized to suit a student cohort. Likewise, the breakup of academic credits between coursework and internship can be apportioned to suit the curricular requirements of the sponsoring academic partner.

Duration: Upto 10 months (two cycles of 5 months each)

Guidelines for internships:

These are unpaid attachments.
Internships provide professional opportunities aimed to acquire, develop & enhance workplace skills & competencies, experience, expertise and build a professional network.
For details of costs , please refer to the Fee guidelines.

6. Faculty led programs

These programs are designed and managed by the respective international partners and led by a specific Faculty of the partnering Institution. The Servo Hospitality School and the six CoE’s shall provide all the necessary support in terms of infrastructure, facilities and resources to run these programs.

Duration: One semester (extendable upto 5 months)

Additional Information

1. Flexibility in the programmes

Educational institutions and students that enroll into our programs can incorporate specific features into our programs:

Seek greater independence in its design;
Have a wider selection of courses;
Seek greater opportunities to integrate themselves into the local culture;
Plan their own study abroad activities.

2. Medium of Instruction

All the programs will be taught only in English. Opportunities will be given to students to learn the local language as part of the program.

3. Academic Credits

Such of the students that are looking to participate in any of the above international outreach programs and earn ‘academic credits’ as an integral part of their courses, can get in touch with us and we can assist you to translate the credits both into course work and practicum.

4. General Features of all International Outreach Programs

Flexible dates
Flexible duration: from 1 week upto 5 months.
Airport reception, pickup and drop-off.
24/7 emergency travel assistance.
24/7 emergency medical assistance.
Both Individualized & customized content.
Opportunities to participate in all the programs are available round the year.
All programs have a strong academic focus.

5. General Eligibility

Participants for any program should be 18 years or older.
Should give parental consent to participate.
Should be declared medically fit for international travel and participation in outdoor activities.
Should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the start of the program.

6. Fee Guidelines

Fees is payable for all kinds of international outreach programs.
A student will be responsible for all the under-mentioned costs:
travel expenses to and from the program location;
living expenses at the program site to include accommodation, 3 meals, transportation, laundry and all miscellaneous expenses;
program fee
Books & educational supplies;
Passport & student visas;
Independent travel undertaken, if any.

Note:- Expenses will vary widely amongst the different international outreach programs. Regardless of the nature of the program, we can offer you advice to develop a budget and estimate expenses during your time abroad.

Application Process

*Please prepare your resume and the transcripts of all the academic records.

*The resume should inter-alia state the name of the program that you wish to participate in; the field in which you will like to work; a realistic perspective on your career; current abilities and those needing development; your expectations from the program and the key skills that you wish to use during the course of the program.

*The documents duly scanned may be sent to: pranavwalia@servoinstitutions.com

*The program development process will begin as soon as we receive the Resume packet. The Outreach office will establish contact with the Faculty /Coordinator of the sponsoring academic institution to ensure that the academic objectives, expectations and vision are all accomplished.

Collaboration, Partnership and Alliances

Today as we look around, we see a surge in international student and faculty mobility; leading Institutions adding an international edge to all their disciplinary curriculums; increased emphasis on International research Collaborations, Partnerships and Alliances and generally, an expansion of international strategic alliances in all areas.

In effect, joining global academic networks in the form of collaborations, partnerships and alliances is the order of the day and being practiced by all the leading educational institutions worldwide.

It is a recognized fact that institutions of higher education are all under pressure, regardless of the academic discipline or area of research, to accomplish their missions with steadily diminishing resources and in non-conducive environments. As a result, institutions are having to redress their budgets, limit course offerings and in extreme cases, close down their campuses. In this context, shared academic, intellectual and infrastructural resources through collaborations, partnerships and alliances addresses the need to sustain educational missions in the face of reduced funding.

At a strategic level, internationalization of education can be viewed as an educational reform for contemporary Institutions in order to respond to the growing impact of globalization and liberalisation of educational services. Internationalization of higher education contributes many benefits to the academic community. These range from staff development, adding diversity to student’s learning experiences, enriching curriculum development, adding multi- Country perspective to research, international cooperation and inter-cultural development.

The need for internationalizing the curriculum and programs in Hospitality & Tourism is both critical and urgent and it stems from the fact that graduates of Hospitality & Tourism have to be prepared for careers in a globally competitive business environment, calling for skill sets in cross-cultural management and communication apart from advanced technical skill sets.

The goals of internationalization of education include (but are not limited to):

gain inter-cultural skills;
is the only mode to catalyse growth and development of Institutions, academic research and development of pedagogic tools;
widens employment and employability opportunities and gives access to global markets ;
the process of contributing to knowledge development has a ‘multiplier effect’ leading to improved research, improved competencies thus, leading to improved teaching and learning
-both the parties to the collaboration, partnerships and alliances have access to, amongst others, a diverse and enriched pool of data, expertise, experiences, skill-sets and problem solving techniques.
-implicit in the idea of any form of collaboration is the fact that the shared understanding of how and what each partner is trying to achieve accelerates the pace and adds dynamism to the process.

In summary, collaborations, partnerships and alliances adds to the knowledge transfer processes and significantly aids the process of institutional building.

Invitation for seeking Collaborations, Partnerships and Alliances:

The four key elements contributing to our internationalization efforts are:

Students
Faculty
Curriculum development
International collaborations, alliances & partnerships to engage in outreach

The Servo Hospitality School and the six CoE’s are looking forward to actively forge productive, long-term and mutually beneficial collaborations, partnerships and alliances in all the aforementioned
Interested individuals, researchers, educational institutions, corporate bodies & NGO’s are requested to send in their Expression of Interest (EOI).

Contact us: Please address your proposals to: pranavwalia@servoinstitutions.com with details of the nature of the collaboration, partnership & alliance that is sought.