Las Vegas, NV

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Conference Hospitality, Tourism, & Rec

August 2025

Virtuoso Travel Week International Luxury Travel Convention

NHM 468

Dive into the world of luxury travel, and build valuable connections at Virtuoso Travel Week.

4 days travel at
$750 plus tuition

NHM 468
3 Credit Hours

Instructed by
Candis Varnell

Apply by
March 7, 2025

Travel Overview

Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities. 

You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.

What You'll Learn

  • Build a strong foundation for your career by researching and reporting issues and trends in the luxury tourism industry.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the tourism industry through listening to and interviewing industry professionals.
  • Hone your skills by participating in professional development sessions and analyzing valuable information.
  • Evalutate different professions in the industry and their roles in the travel industry.

What You'll Do

  • Meet and interact with industry leaders to appreciate the professionalism and prestige of Virtuoso Travel Week.
  • Network with thousands of top luxury travel professionals from over 150 countries.
  • Attend meetings and presentations, and participate in coversations of travel professionals.
  • Attend receptions hosted by international and national travel suppliers.
  • Learn from international travel marketing specialists, and gain valuable insights.

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

Meet Your Instructor

All Study USA courses are designed and led by Ole Miss faculty. Your instructor(s) will be your first point of contact during your travels and lead you through all the class experiences. 

Candis Varnell

Adjunct Instructor in Nutrition and Hospitality Management
cvarnell@olemiss.edu

I have been an educator since 1994 and a lecturer in Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi since 2005. I continue to gain considerable insight about the travel and tourism industry supported by Virtuoso and Strong Travel, Dallas, TX. My passion lies in teaching others about the immeasurable and provocative travel industry.

As an experienced traveler, international travel, especially to the Middle East is thrilling! Having lived in Amman, Jordan for nearly nine years, I traveled significantly in the Middle East and have a deep understanding of religion, culture and food in the region. Additionally, I have traveled to three continents and fifteen countries. My favorite? Greece comes to mind, but each destination is so wonderfully incredible!

“This unique opportunity for students to mingle with and meet international and national luxury travel professionals will exceed students' expectations.

I enjoy introducing the students to the world of luxury travel that they are unaware even exists and leading them to evaluate future career opportunities.”

– Prof. Varnell

From the Field

Program Details

Open to students in all majors.

Must be Junior or Senior.

Ideal for students majoring or minoring in:

Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship.

Designed for students interested in:

the travel and tourism industry.

Must have approval of department chair.

No prerequisites.

Prior to Departure

Virtual: July 25, 2025

Meet with your Ole Miss instructor and fellow classmates virtually for an introduction to luxury travel and overview of the course.

During Travel

Travel: August 9-12, 2025

  • This course offers an incredible opportunity: flights are provided and covered by a sponsor. Students should take advantage of this cost-saving benefit.
  • Shared accommodations will be provided at the Bellagio (or similar) hotel, offering a convenient base for your stay.
  • Your instructor will share exact meeting times and locations before travel and will be available to you leading up to the course through Blackboard.

At Program End

To close out your learnings from your course, you'll create two final videos describing the convention experience.

Cost of Program

$1,300
Plus Tuition

What’s Included

  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Lodging/Accommodation during travel
  • Select group dinners
  • Conference registration fee

What’s Not Included

  • Tuition
  • Most meals at travel site
  • Personal spending money

Ready to start your academic adventure?

Who We Are

Study USA is a part of the Office of College Programs, within the Division of Outreach at the University of Mississippi.

The Office of College Programs provides innovative academic opportunities for UM students through unique off-campus educational experiences. Programs include Study USA, the UM Internship Experience, and iStudy.

Study USA partners with UM faculty to offer short-term domestic travel programs across the United States, primarily during intersession and summer terms. Courses connect academic content with experiential learning to enhance student engagement.

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