University-Industry Cooperation in Action: A Case Study of the Integrated Internship Program (IIP) in Taiwan

Internship programs are commonly adopted to enhance students' learning. The study evaluated the first integrated internship program (IIP) developed by an educational institution and two hospitality organizations in Taiwan. The duration of the program is six months and student interns take courses, work, and reside in the participating hotel property. Qualitative research method was adopted to analyze the information collected from interviews with the 40 student interns. Each student intern received two one-on-one interviews. Interviewees' responses were recorded on audiotapes and transcribed for intense content analysis. The results suggested that students have different motives and expectations about an internship program. After completing the program successfully, they considered the internship a valuable opportunity and experience to apply textbook knowledge within a business situation, to strengthen their background and resume, and to gain new perspectives regarding the hospitality industry. The study also found that student interns can specifically articulate the types of benefits received from the internship program and provide their views regarding different issues of the program. Based on the findings of the study, suggestions for educational institutions and hospitality organizations were formed. These suggestions can help improve the existing internship programs or provide a good starting point for developing a new internship program. Implementing the findings of the study should help the hospitality and tourism educators and industry organizations reach an effective format of university-industry cooperation for high education.