The Programs

How do I apply to PDP?

• Apply online - PDP January 2010
• Submit print application together with your curriculum vitae to us at cni-execed@ntu.edu.sg or fax to +65 6794 9796. Print application for January 2010 to be uploaded soon.

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What are the requirements to enroll in PDP?

PDP participants must have been employed full-time in the hospitality industry, or a related field, for a minimum of two continuous years prior to applying to the program. There are no employment requirements for online courses, however, knowledge of the hospitality industry is helpful.

While many cultures enrich the CNI experience, English is the language of instruction in PDP. To participate in and benefit from the courses, participants must have well-developed communication and reading comprehension skills. If a participant's English language skills preclude active and full involvement in the classroom sessions, he/she may be removed from the program.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Although you can apply to PDP up to 7 days prior to the class, it is favorable to apply as early as possible in order to secure your first choices in courses, and sufficient time to prepare for your travel requirements, if necessary. You must also be sure to complete your pre-course assignment before the start of class.

There is no deadline for online courses. These are available year-round.
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What are the English requirements to attend PDP?

English is the language of instruction in PDP. While we do not require a minimum TOEFL score to attend and participate in and benefit from the courses, participants must have well-developed communication and reading comprehension skills. If a participant's English language skills preclude active and full involvement in the classroom sessions, he/she may be removed from the program.
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Can I attend more than one course during the same timeframe?

No. Each course is three intensive days: a pre-course assignment must be completed before class begins, and homework or group work will be assigned each of the first two evenings. As a result, it is intended that participants only attend one course per three-day session.
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How do I earn a Certification?

PDP Certifications
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Can I apply a course I attended 7 years ago toward a Certification?

No, you have up to four consecutive years from the completion of your first course in a Certification sequence to apply that course toward a Certification. That means, if you attended PDP in 2002 and completed the first course in the sequence on June 28, 2002, you must complete the Certification no later than June 28, 2006.
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Can I apply a course to more than one Certification?

No. Some courses are listed as requirements for more than one certification. Effective 2007, you may double-count one such course toward the completion of a second certification. We will also entertain the possibility of course substitutions toward certifications in future years.
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Can I mix and match venues to get a Certification?

Yes. You may elect to complete a Certification at a single venue or by combining courses from any of our classroom locations or our online offerings. Certifications may be completed in a single year or spaced out over two, three or four years from the date you complete the first course of the Certification.

Please note that two online courses are equivalent to one classroom course. Additional details are available here.
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How much does each course cost?

Course costs are designated by location.

▪ Singapore: US $2,500*
▪ Ithaca: TBA

*inclusive of prevailing Singapore GST.
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What is included in the course cost?

The PDP classroom course fee includes everything required for the class work including notebooks, articles, note paper and pencils, and CDs for those courses requiring them. Lunch and breaks are also included. Please note that breakfast is not included in the cost of the course.
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What incentives are available?

The Early Full Payment Incentive will be applied when program fees are paid in full by the specified dates below.

Sorry, there are NO discounts to online courses.

The US$500 Early Full Payment Incentive supersedes the Special Corporate Pricing.

Special Corporate Pricing will only take effect after November 16, 2009. Participants are requested to apply online to avail of the special corporate pricing.

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When do I have to pay?

You may now submit a secure online payment here. The invoice or order number furnished by the Office of Executive Education in CNI upon your submission of application and course fees are needed when making a secure online payment. Note that a deposit of US$250 per PDP Singapore course is needed to secure your place.

More about CNI Payment Modes
More about PDP Ithaca, NY course fees and payments

The deposit is nonrefundable if cancellation takes place within 30 days of the start of your first course.

Sorry, there are NO discounts applied to online courses.

FINAL PAYMENT

Final payment of all fees is due on December 17, 2009 for PDP January 2010 courses. Please be aware that you will not be given access to the pre-course assignment until payment in full is received.

▪ Singapore - December 17, 2009
▪ Ithaca, NY - TBA
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What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept the following:

• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX)
• Bank draft
• Wire Transfer
• Checks made payable to
  "Nanyang Technological University"

Please note that all credit card payments must be made online.

What are the details for a wire transfer do you require?

Payee: Nanyang Technological University
Name of bank and branch: OCBC Bank (NTU Branch)
Bank Account: 7339-537-010027-001
Swift Code: OCBC SGSG
Description: Example - PDP January 2010 Singapore and invoice number.
Head office address: 65 Chulia Street, OCBC Centre, Singapore 049513
 

Ensure that the above details are included in your wire transfer in order to complete it in a timely fashion. If your wire transfer has not been credited to the proper account, you may be prohibited from attending classes.

More about Wire Transfers

It may be as long as four weeks for our office to receive notification that your wire transfer was successful. Banks often subtract a fee for processing a wire transfer. Please ensure that the amount of your wire transfer is sufficient to cover the cost of the Professional Development Program, as well as the bank's wire transfer fee, to avoid having a balance due on your account. All balances must be cleared before the first day of the program.

What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel up to 30 days prior to the start of the program and receive reimbursement for all costs paid. The minimum deposit of US$250 per PDP Singapore course, will be forfeited if cancellation takes place within 30 days of the start of your first class. No reimbursements will be made if cancellation takes place within 7 days of the start of your first class.
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What are the terms and conditions of my PDP registration?

By registering for PDP, you agree to pay a minimum deposit of US$250 per PDP Singapore course no later than 10 days after your application has been accepted in order to secure your place in the program. Please be aware that your registration is not complete and your place in the program will not be held until the Office of Executive Education at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration receives the minimum deposit. You must pay the balance prior to the start of class.

You may cancel up to 30 days prior to the start of the program and receive reimbursement for all costs. The minimum deposit of US$250 per course will be held by CNI or the Office of Executive Education at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration if cancellation takes place within 30 days of the start of your first class. You will receive no reimbursements if cancellation takes place within 7 days of the program start dates.

Although not mandatory for participation in the program, we ask for your permission to use candid photos of yourself to promote programs offered by the Office of Executive Education at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. We also ask for your permission to use your organization's name to promote programs offered by the Office of Executive Education at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.
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How do I get the pre-course assignment?

The pre-course assignment will be an assigned reading, project, or problem set requiring approximately 2 1/2 hours of study time. You will be provided with a user name and password to access the pre-course assignment 30 days prior to the start of the program or earlier. Pre-course assignment(s) will be posted to the Blackboard website no later than 2 weeks or earlier, prior to the start of your class. You may access the pre-course assignment after full payment has been paid.

Each PDP course has a required pre-course assignment. Completion of this assignment is critical to your full participation in the program.

Access your pre-course assignment(s)

Click on the link and then click on the LOGIN button. Enter your USER NAME and PASSWORD as specified on your confirmation letter and click on the LOGIN button. Once you do so, you may click on the course title(s) under "My Courses" and click the "Assignments" button for each course.
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Is there an orientation?

Prior to your arrival, we will provide you with information regarding your stay and getting the most out of your PDP experience.

Registration will be held at 7:30am on the first day of class on a designated area outside of the Lecture Rooms at the Nanyang Executive Centre. There you will receive your welcome bag containing PDP information. Classes will begin promptly at 8:30am.

When do classes begin and end and can I arrive late or leave early?

Classes begin at 8:30am (08.30 hrs) on the first day and end on the third day at 3:30pm (15.30 hrs). You should also plan to be available the first two evenings for homework or group work. Because of the intensive nature of these courses, those who arrive late or leave early will not earn a Certificate of Completion for the course.
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Can I buy course materials instead of attending class?

To purchase and download other hospitality reference material that may be of value to you, please visit The Cornell Store and click on Hospitality Books Catalog.
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How do I get to Singapore?

Singapore and Nanyang Technological University are served by Singapore Changi Airport. The university campus is about a 40-minute drive from the airport.

Singapore is positioned in the middle of the fast-growing and emerging markets of Asia-Pacific. Singapore's Changi Airport is one of the world's busiest airports and is connected with 4,064 weekly flights, by 83 international airlines to more 180 cities world-wide. Singapore's excellent connectivity, strategic location, world-class infrastructure make arriving and traveling extremely easy.

If you would like access to maps for Singapore and/or the Nanyang Technological University campus please visit the Nanyang Executive Centre Web site referencing visitor information at www.ntu.edu.sg/nec.
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Can you make flight arrangements for me?

We regret that we are not able to arrange your travel. Participants are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel to Singapore.
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Do I require a visa?

The Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has advised that visitors who have been granted short term Social Visit Passes at the Singapore checkpoints can pursue a short course during their stay in Singapore without having to apply for a separate Student's Pass.

The exemption will apply to short courses that the visitor is able to complete within the validity period of the initial Social Visit Pass granted to him at the Singapore checkpoint or 30 days, whichever is shorter.

Those who wish to pursue a course that may extend beyond the duration of the Social Visit Pass granted at the checkpoints are still required to apply for a Student's Pass. Each application will be considered on the merits of the case.

You may wish to view the list of countries whose nationals require entry visas into Singapore from the ICA Website.

These visitors will require either a business or social visit visa to enter Singapore which needs to be applied prior to their visits to Singapore. Visa can be made at the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or at our office through a local contact. Each application will be considered on its own merits.

Please visit the website www.mfa.gov.sg/consular under "Missions Worldwide" for locations of the Singapore overseas missions. Visitors are advised to liaise with the Singapore Overseas Mission direct for detailed procedure, if the application is to be submitted at the mission.

Upon arrival in Singapore, visitors are generally granted a 14 to 30 days Social Visit Pass if they are able to meet Singapore's entry requirements, which include, holding a valid travel document with at least six months validity, entry visas (if applicable), confirmed return/onward tickets, sufficient funds for the period of stay in Singapore and entry facilities, including visas, to their onward destinations. The issue of a pass is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the time of arrival in Singapore.
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What happens once I arrive in Singapore?

There are several ways for you to get to your hotel or Nanyang Executive Centre guest room once you have arrived in Singapore: (Please remember that you are responsible for making your own transportation arrangements at your own expense)

From the Singapore Changi Airport:

By Limousine Taxi
Limousine Service Counter is located at the Arrival Hall. At a flat rate of $35*, limousines will bring you from the airport to any destination in Singapore, and a surcharge of $10 is applied for each extra stop enroute to the final destination. For more updated costs, please refer to the information counter at the Singapore Changi Airport Visitors Information Counters.

By Taxi
Available 24 hours daily, a taxi to any destination can be caught at the taxi stands at the Arrival Hall. The taxi ride costs approx. $24 - $30*, excluding midnight surcharge of 50% of metered fare (midnight - 6am) and airport surcharge of $5* Fri-Sun (5pm to midnight) or $3* at all other times.

*Subject to change. Refer to the Changi Airport website for updates.
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What housing options do I have?

Participants are responsible for making their own arrangements for accommodations and paying for them at their own expense.
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Can I take public transport from Singapore Changi Airport to Nanyang Executive Centre?

Yes. The most convenient way of getting to NTU from Changi Airport is by taxi. Have the taxi driver take East Coast Parkway (ECP), then Pan Island Expressway (PIE) going towards Tuas, and exit the expressway at Exit 36 Jalan Bahar and keep right. Turn right to Jalan Bahar and soon you will see a white road sign leading to the university. Turn left into Nanyang Avenue, and after a long drive you will reach the main gate. Continue along Nanyang Avenue, and immediately after the bus-stop, turn left into Nanyang Crescent. Drive up along Nanyang Crescent, and turn in to the first road on your right and you will notice the prominent Centre.

The ride will cost you from S$25 to S$30 depending on time of traveling, and it will take 40 minutes in smooth traffic. Alternatively, at the Changi Airport taxi stand you can take a limousine taxi, which will cost you S$35 flat to any part of Singapore. This cab has a bigger capacity and it is somewhat more comfortable then a regular cab.

Should you choose to take the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, the Changi Airport MRT station is located outside the Arrival Hall in Terminal 2. Alight at Boon Lay MRT Station, the last stop along the East-West line. This trip will cost you S$1.90 and it will take 1 h 10 min. Then take bus service number 179 or 199 at Boon Lay Bus Interchange next to the MRT station to Nanyang Executive Centre. Thereafter, alight at B05 "Canteen 2" (2731A) if you take bus 179 or B09 "Hall 8" (2720Z) if you take bus 199. The total fare for the entire 1.5 hour journey is approximately S$3.00.
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How will I get to and from class each day?

If you are not staying at the PDP venue - Nanyang Executive Centre - you will be responsible for making your own transportation arrangements to Nanyang Executive Centre at your own expense.
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What is the weather like in Singapore?

Singapore has a tropical climate, warm and humid throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. The monsoon season lasts from November to January, with December being the wettest month. Carry a foldable umbrella as a precaution against unexpected tropical showers. We have a Northeastern monsoon from December to March.
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What is the attire for class?

You should select your wardrobe in consideration of the weather. Attire for classes is strictly casual - shorts and jeans are standard dress in the classroom. Please note that all PDP classroom facilities are on a central air conditioning system. If you come from a warm climate, you may want a light jacket or sweater to wear in the classroom. There will be some photo opportunities and some participants like to plan weekend trips, so you may want to pack at least one business outfit (dress; suit; jacket and slacks; etc.). If you are more comfortable in attire that is customary or traditional in your country, by all means dress accordingly.
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Is there Internet access at the Nanyang Executive Centre on the NTU campus?

Yes. If you wish to bring a laptop computer, the Nanyang Executive Centre's guest rooms are equipped for Internet access. There is no charge when connecting to the high-speed Internet port in your room. (In order to utilize the high-speed service, your computer must have an Ethernet card and network cable. If needed, a cable is available for use in the guest rooms.)
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Wireless Internet access is also available in all the public areas at the Nanyang Executive Centre. There are also public computer stations in Nanyang Executive Centre that provide access to the Internet.

What scholarships are available?

Several regional organizations, such as the Caribbean Hotel Association and the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH&RA), offer scholarship opportunities to their members; but these are neither funded nor administered by Cornell University.

Alternatively, you may want to check with hospitality or business associations within your region to explore possible funding sources.
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Can I obtain education benefits through the Department of Veterans' Affairs and apply them toward PDP?

Yes, the Professional Development Program (PDP) is approved for the training of veterans and other eligible persons in accordance with the provisions of Section 3675, title 38, U.S. Code by the Division of Veterans' Affairs. Eligible persons who enroll in any of the following Certifications can obtain education benefits from the Department of Veterans' Affairs:

See Certifications for more information on available courses.

To receive VA benefits, you must first submit a Form 22-1990. You can obtain a PDF or click here to complete the form online.

Once you have been accepted to PDP, the Office of Executive Education will complete a 22-1999 and submit it to the Department of Veterans' Affairs upon your request.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Robert Hurtle, New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs, Bureau of Veterans Education at (518) 474-7606 or rhurtle@veterans.state.ny.us

More information about Veterans' Education Benefits can be found at www.gibill.va.gov.
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Do you offer online hospitality management courses?

Yes, we do offer. Click here for details.
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Does the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management have a Masters Program?

Yes. You may also be interested in the Masters of Management in Hospitality (MMH) program, which is a one year program at the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management. This is a unique program where students will spend six months in Singapore and six months in Ithaca. The MMH degree is accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB International accreditation confirms their position among the top MBA programs in the country for quality business management education. With their unique emphasis on hospitality and service industries, they can offer their students a specialized graduate management experience of the highest caliber.
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Am I eligible to become a member of the Cornell Hotel Society after attending PDP?

To be eligible to become a member of the Cornell Hotel Society, you must either:

1. Be a Hotel School graduate
2. Attend AMP or GMP
3. Attend 6 PDP classroom courses

Unfortunately, PDP participants are not considered Cornell alumni. This designation is reserved for individuals who have graduated from a Cornell University degree program (i.e., bachelor's, master's, PhD). However, after you have attended 6 PDP courses, you are eligible to enroll as an affiliate member of the Cornell Hotel Society. To find out more about the Cornell Hotel Society, visit here.
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