International Internships, Language Competency, and Employability: Perceptions of and Gaps Between Students and Industry Stakeholders

Abstract

This study systematically reviewed enhanced employability and language competency in the context of international hospitality internships. A multi-method research design was applied to analyze the perceptions of student interns and industry practitioners. Research methods included a questionnaire, interviews with practitioners, and focus group meetings with students. The quantitative techniques used were importance-performance analysis (IPA) and stepwise regression analysis, and the qualitative approach used was thematic analysis. Results showed that both groups’ perceptions of employability were closely aligned, though gaps existed regarding perceptions of language competency: practitioners felt interns should improve language competency to strengthen employability; conversely, students perceived their language competency as adequate and emphasized their progress. The analysis also indicated that stress management skills and innovation capabilities significantly impacted students’ willingness to remain in the industry. Educators are advised to make joint efforts with hospitality practitioners to help students in improving language competency, communication abilities, and professional knowledge, with the aim of increasing retention rates; as for students, they are advised to partake in language practice that is more interactive and grounded in contextually-relevant content, in order to enhance their professional knowledge and competencies, and to aid them in better navigating the international workplace.