In a landmark step towards strengthening international academic collaboration in hospitality education, V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE), Goa, has signed two significant international Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading higher education institutions in Portugal.
The agreements were initiated and facilitated by Prof. Irfan S. Mirza, Director & Principal of VMSIIHE, who is currently in Portugal on an academic and institutional collaboration visit representing the institute.
The first MoU has been signed with the Estoril Higher School of Hospitality and Tourism (ESHTE), one of Portugal’s premier institutions dedicated to hospitality, tourism, and culinary education. The second strategic collaboration has been formalized with Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), one of Portugal’s most reputed public universities with multiple internationally recognised academic schools.
The agreements have been signed between Vishwa Saraswati Society (VSS), the parent body managing VMSIIHE, Goa, and the respective Portuguese institutions.
These collaborations are expected to open new global avenues for VMSIIHE students and faculty through:
Student exchange programmes
Faculty exchange initiatives
Joint academic and research projects
Collaborative international studies
Scholarships and cultural exchange opportunities
Technical and scientific cooperation
International exposure in hospitality and tourism education
Speaking about the development, Prof. Irfan S. Mirza stated that these collaborations represent an important milestone in VMSIIHE’s vision to provide global learning opportunities and international academic exposure to its students.
He further emphasised that the partnerships will significantly enhance the institute’s academic ecosystem by promoting cross-cultural learning, collaborative research, and international best practices in hospitality and tourism education.
The MoU with Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA will pave the way for future specialised agreements between VMSIIHE and the constituent schools of the University, enabling focused collaborations in hospitality management, culinary arts, tourism studies, research, innovation, and skill development.
VMSIIHE, Goa, has consistently worked towards building strong international alliances with reputed institutions across the world in line with its commitment to delivering globally relevant hospitality education.
The institute believes that these partnerships with Portugal’s prestigious institutions will further strengthen Goa’s position as an emerging centre for international hospitality education and academic excellence.
