HOUSTON, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thirteen Peruvian hospitality students earned degrees from the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management on Dec. 20, 2013, without ever having to leave the comforts of their home country.

They were the first class of graduates from the Conrad N. Hilton College–Lima, an international academic partnership between Hilton College and the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Lima, Peru.

The program is administered by USIL's Center for American Education. After two years at USIL, students can apply for admission to the Conrad N. Hilton College. Once admitted, they spend their second two years completing the University of Houston's curriculum for a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management, with all of their courses taught by UH faculty.

"The Conrad N. Hilton College–Lima is an important program in our goal of expanding to other regions, giving students who cannot come to Houston access to a degree from the University of Houston. The hospitality program at USIL is the best in South America, and Hilton College is among the top programs in the world. It's the perfect partnership and an excellent opportunity for aspiring hospitality professionals in South America," Dean John Bowen said.

Of the 13 Peruvian graduates, at least six already have job offers awaiting them. One student—Claudia Cavero—recently won the prestigious Outstanding Lodging Student Award from the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston at its annual Hospitality On Parade Awards Banquet.

"This is the culmination of nearly three years of work by multiple departments at UH and USIL, and it was well worth the effort. We couldn't be more proud of these students and their accomplishments," Lydia Westbrook, Hilton College's director of international & external programs and program coordinator for the Conrad N. Hilton College– Lima, said.

Thirteen more Peruvian students are expected to earn their degrees in December 2014, and Westbrook said 19 others have applied for future classes.  

Those numbers are expected to grow even more in the years to come.

"With so many students at USIL interested in careers in hospitality, we're excited to be there, providing them with a top-notch education and unsurpassed industry connections—everything our hospitality students here in Houston enjoy," Westbrook said. 

For more information on the Conrad N. Hilton College, visit http://www.hrm.uh.edu.

SOURCE University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management