At PIE – Professional Institute of Excellence, internships are not simply a requirement in the curriculum. They are a central part of the learning journey and one of the most valuable experiences our students gain during their studies. By working in real hotels, restaurants, and hospitality businesses in Cambodia and abroad, students develop the professional skills, confidence, and mindset that cannot be learned in the classroom alone.
Each student completes a full-semester internship as part of the program, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a professional environment while building connections with the industry. Over the years, this approach has proven to be one of the strongest bridges between education and employment.
Hospitality is a hands-on profession, and real growth happens when theory meets practice. During their internships, students work alongside experienced chefs, managers, and service professionals who guide them through daily operations and industry standards.
They learn how to handle pressure during busy service, communicate in multicultural teams, and understand the expectations of international guests. These experiences help students gain technical competence, but also develop discipline, responsibility, and problem-solving skills.
“During my internship, I realized how much I had learned at school, but also how much more I could still improve. Working in a real kitchen made me more confident and more focused on my career.”
— Sokunthea, Culinary Arts graduate
Internships also allow students to discover their strengths and interests. Some find their passion in fine dining, others in hotel operations, bakery, or management. This clarity helps them make better career decisions after graduation.
One of the reasons our internship program is so successful is the strong relationship we maintain with hospitality partners in Cambodia and overseas. These partners trust our students because they know they are trained with high professional standards and practical skills.
In Cambodia, students complete internships in leading hotels, restaurants, and hospitality groups, where they are exposed to real service environments from the first day.
Internationally, our students have the opportunity to train in countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, France, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These placements allow them to experience different cultures, cuisines, and working styles, which is essential for a career in the global hospitality industry.
For many students, this is also their first time living abroad, which contributes greatly to their personal growth.
“Going to Japan for my internship was challenging at first, but it taught me independence, discipline, and respect for details. It changed the way I see my future.”
— Vitra, internship student
Internships are not only about learning — they often become the first step toward a career. Many of our students receive job offers from the companies where they trained, sometimes even before graduation.
A recent example is Hongly, who completed his final-semester internship in France at the Michelin-starred restaurant Château des Pères. After finishing his internship, he was offered a position and is now working in the same restaurant, while also supporting new interns who arrive from PIE each semester.
Stories like this show how internships create real opportunities and long-term professional relationships.
Industry partners frequently share positive feedback about our students, highlighting their motivation, discipline, and ability to adapt quickly to professional environments.
“Students from PIE arrive well prepared and eager to learn. They integrate easily into the team and show strong practical skills.”
— Partner Chef, Internship Employer
Beyond technical skills, internships help students grow as individuals. Living in a new city or country, working in international teams, and facing real responsibilities teach independence, resilience, and confidence.
Students learn how to manage their time, communicate professionally, and adapt to different cultures — qualities that are essential not only in hospitality, but in any career.
Many graduates say that their internship was the moment when they truly understood their potential.
“My internship made me believe in myself. I was nervous at the beginning, but by the end I felt ready to work anywhere in the world.”
— Vicheka, Alumni
At PIE, internships are designed to prepare students for real careers, not only for exams. By combining academic training with professional experience, we ensure that graduates leave the institute with the skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to succeed. The strong feedback from our partners and the success of our alumni confirm that this approach works — for the students, for the industry, and for the future of hospitality in Cambodia and beyond.
On 11 March 2026, the Professional Institute of Excellence (PIE), Phnom Penh, proudly hosted the Escoffier New Era Dinner, an inspiring evening organized with the
Today marks an important milestone for hospitality education in Cambodia. The Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia (ACAC) is officially transitioning into the expanded identity of
On January 23, PIE proudly hosted a special Alumni Night at our campus, bringing together graduates from many different generations to celebrate an important milestone
