Kendall College Selected as Exclusive U.S. Provider of China's New Professional Training Program for Attracting and Retaining Chinese Consumers and Tourists

CHICAGO, Dec. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Kendall College, ranked the number one program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in hospitality management by Chicago's leading hotels (TNS Global Survey, 2013), has been selected as the exclusive U.S. provider of continuing education for a new Chinese government and industry-endorsed professional training program offered to organizations in the hospitality, retail and tourism industries.  The program, China Ready, prepares businesses and individuals for the opportunities and challenges of engaging with China and the Chinese consumer through a curriculum of 12 core learning modules taught by Kendall College and a globally recognized certification.

"Kendall College has a rich history of preparing students for success in business and hospitality management through an innovative curriculum that balances traditional theoretical learning with modern practical application and real world experience," said Kendall President, Emily Williams Knight. "We are excited to partner with China Ready and to help organizations and professionals in the U.S. strengthen their businesses.  Specifically, we are committed to helping these organizations develop an aptitude for responding to a growing international market, as this is a foundational component of the innovative curriculum we already provide to our students at Kendall."

Selected for its established network of partners and sister institutions around the globe, Kendall College's expertise in preparing students for global careers is evident in its robust and innovative curriculum and its diverse student body.  Approximately 17 percent of individuals pursuing a degree at Kendall are international students, representing nearly 50 countries, with the largest percentage of these students hailing from Asia (10 percent) and enrolling in the School of Hospitality Management.  International students constitute 35 percent of the hospitality program's student body at Kendall.

"China Ready is very proud of our partnership with Kendall College," said Global Executive Chairman for China Ready, Garry Crockett.  "Kendall is an acknowledged leader in tourism and hospitality education.  With their global footprint, the institution was an obvious choice for us and we trust the esteemed faculty of Kendall College to deliver both the China Ready individual training and the business accreditation."

China Ready launched in the U.S. with a networking breakfast and educational presentation for Chicago's business community this fall, hosted at Kendall College. 360 CHICAGO, the 94^th floor observation deck in the John Hancock Center and home to the TILT attraction, holds the distinction for being the first organization in the nation to earn China Ready accreditation. With total annual visitation topping half a million visitors from more than 30 countries, 360 CHICAGO plays a key role in helping to grow the city's international tourism. In addition to its China Ready accreditation, 360 CHICAGO will soon open an office in China to continue attracting and engaging its key audiences.

"At 360 CHICAGO, we operate locally and we think globally to ensure a world-class experience for all of our guests," said Nichole Williamson, general manager of 360 CHICAGO. "To achieve China Ready distinction, thorough trainings were held at every level of business from sales and marketing to onsite operations, and today, we are best prepared to welcome and engage our many Chinese visitors. We are extremely proud to be the first China Ready attraction in the nation and we look forward to continuing to expand our international reach."

For more information about the Kendall College School of Hospitality Management, please visit kendall.edu.  For more information about China Ready, please visit: chinareadyandaccredited.com.

About Kendall College:
Kendall College, founded in 1934 and located in Chicago, Ill. offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 1,800 students. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities to give students in business, hospitality and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. Kendall College was ranked the No. 1 program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in hospitality management and culinary arts in a survey of hiring managers at Chicago's leading hotels and Michelin Guide restaurants (TNS Global - 2013 Survey). Kendall College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit www.Kendall.edu.

Kendall is part of the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 80 campus-based and online universities in 28 countries. For more information, visit www.laureate.net.

About 360 CHICAGO

Located on the cusp of Lake Michigan, 360 CHICAGO sits in the heart of the city, one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile®. With unparalleled views of the lake and the city skyline, it delivers a unique perspective of Chicago. Travel & Leisure Magazine named 360 CHICAGO one of the "Best Views in America." Guests can enjoy 360-degree views spanning four states, as well as interactive learning opportunities, all accessed by one of the fastest elevators in the country. 360 CHICAGO is open 365 days a year from 9am – 11pm. For more information, visit www.360chicago.com.

SOURCE Kendall College

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