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Stories
Stories
Over the years, more than 80 passionate volunteers have contributed their time and expertise to EHLsmile’s projects around the world. On this page, you will find a collection of their testimonials — personal stories that bring to life the challenges, memorable moments, and lasting impact of their volunteering journeys.
From opening new hospitality training schools to mentoring students and supporting local communities, these stories highlight the unique ways in which each volunteer has helped empower vulnerable youth through education and training. Together, they reflect the spirit of EHLsmile: sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and making a difference that lasts well beyond the classroom.
Laure
Laure
Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School (Cambodia), 2023
Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School (Cambodia), 2023
Laure dedicated six months to designing a full-year curriculum and study plan, working closely with teachers, students, and alumni to ensure it met the real needs of the school community.
Ombéline
Ombéline
ROPKA Vocational Training Center (Nepal), 2022
ROPKA Vocational Training Center (Nepal), 2022
Ombéline supported ROKPA by coaching students for internships, organizing workshops, enhancing hospitality standards, and helping launch the new academic year for incoming trainees.
Isabelle
Isabelle
Bodghaya Hotel School (India), 2019
Bodghaya Hotel School (India), 2019
Isabelle's mission was to enhance the food & beverage facilities, and come up with ways to increase revenue during the low season.
"So far it is great to see the passion, commitment and positive attitude of the students. The technical skills are improving daily."
"So far it is great to see the passion, commitment and positive attitude of the students. The technical skills are improving daily."
- Andreas
- Andreas
Jean
Jean
Bodghaya Hotel School (India), 2019
Bodghaya Hotel School (India), 2019
Jean was involved auditing the school’s fund management, reviewing teachers’ performance, and overseeing the launch of the new restaurant during his volunteering experience at the Bodhgaya Hotel School in 2019.
Mahé and Chanelle
Mahé and Chanelle
Bodghaya Hotel School (India), 2018
Bodghaya Hotel School (India), 2018
Stay tuned about this story!
Andreas
Andreas
ROPKA Vocational Training Center (Nepal), 2018
ROPKA Vocational Training Center (Nepal), 2018
Andreas’ mission was to support ROPKA in implementing vocational hospitality training programs while strengthening partnerships to ensure nationally recognized certification and high job placement for students.
"One of the greatest challenges was adapting to the complexity of the local culture; it was not always easy at first, and I quickly learned that things often moved at a slower pace than I was used to. This experience taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of respecting local ways of working—learnings that continue to guide me today."
"One of the greatest challenges was adapting to the complexity of the local culture; it was not always easy at first, and I quickly learned that things often moved at a slower pace than I was used to. This experience taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of respecting local ways of working—learnings that continue to guide me today."
- Gaspard
- Gaspard
Victor
Victor
Bodghaya Hotel School (India), 2017 ROPKA Vocational Training Center (Nepal), 2018
Bodghaya Hotel School (India), 2017 ROPKA Vocational Training Center (Nepal), 2018
Victor one year in total volunteering at two of EHLsmile's projects: Nepal (ROPKA Training Center) and India (Bodghaya Hotel School).
Gaspard
Gaspard
Pimali Hospitality Training Center (Thailand), 2015
Pimali Hospitality Training Center (Thailand), 2015
Gaspard dedicated eight months after graduation to launching the Pimali Center, overseeing everything from construction and team recruitment to curriculum design and operational setup.
Adrien
Adrien
Bongde Insitute of Hospitality and Tourism (Bhutan), 2014-2016
Bongde Insitute of Hospitality and Tourism (Bhutan), 2014-2016
Adrien played a key role in EHLsmile’s international outreach by volunteering to open and support hospitality training schools across Bhutan, Thailand, India, and Nepal, empowering local youth through education and career opportunities.
"Through EHLsmile, every EHL alumni has competencies to contribute anywhere in the world. When I meet local graduates from the schools we opened in developing countries, many now have families, children, and jobs that allow them to support their loved ones. "
"Through EHLsmile, every EHL alumni has competencies to contribute anywhere in the world. When I meet local graduates from the schools we opened in developing countries, many now have families, children, and jobs that allow them to support their loved ones. "
- Adrien
- Adrien
Tina
Tina
PSE Vocational Training Institute (Cambodia), 2005-2006
PSE Vocational Training Institute (Cambodia), 2005-2006
Just days after graduating from EHL in June 2005, Tina left for Phnom Penh to set up the Front Office training, where they developed the curriculum, trained the local teacher, built a training hotel facility, secured internships, selected the first students, and supported the teacher throughout their first year.
Angelique
Angelique
PSE Vocational Training Institute (Cambodia), 2004
PSE Vocational Training Institute (Cambodia), 2004
Angélique’s mission in Cambodia was to organize and supervise the linen room and housekeeping training, train Khmer instructors, and implement quality standards while adapting to cultural challenges, ensuring proper use of new equipment, and creating clear procedures for both staff and students.
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