Student Life

Life as a HOST Student

At Highline, we believe the best way to learn hospitality is to live it. Whether you’re touring the hubs of global travel or networking with industry titans, your education happens just as much out in the world as it does in the classroom.

Work While You Learn: Cooperative Education

Ready to get your foot in the door? Our Cooperative Education program lets you turn your shifts into college credits. Through HOST 140, you earn 1 credit for every 30 hours you work. (Maximum number of credits is 12.) It’s the perfect way to build your resume while finishing your degree.

Where could you work? Our students are currently making employed at:

Aviation: SeaTac Airport is our neighbor! Students work with Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Korean Air.
Luxury Lodging: Gain experience at the Fairmont, Four Seasons, or Hyatt properties across Seattle.
Events & Casinos: Join the teams at Lumen Field (Go Seahawks!), Climate Pledge Arena, or the Muckleshoot Casino.
Cruise Lines: Explore corporate roles with Holland America or Princess Cruises.

Beyond the Books: Experiential Learning

Hospitality is about connection. We help you build your professional network through hands-on community projects and field trips.

Local Impact: Partner with Destination Des Moines to help run major events like Seafair, the Waterland Parade, and the Wine & Art Walk.
Industry Insiders: Connect with Seattle Southside, our region’s lead tourism association, to see how the industry works from the top down.
Real-Time Job Alerts: Stay ahead of the game with the Port Jobs Hotlist, featuring nearly every job opening at SeaTac Airport.

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Build Your Professional Network

We’ve partnered with the world’s leading professional associations so you can attend networking events—often for free! These memberships open doors to international conferences in cities like Orlando, Toronto, and Savannah.

Get Involved: Join groups like Meeting Professionals International or the Cruise Lines International Association.
Hospitality Groups: Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International or Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals.
Conventions and Private Club Management Groups: Professional Convention Management Association or Club Management Association of America.
Travel: Our students don’t just stay in Seattle; they head to major hospitality hubs across North America to learn from the best.

Welcome, Global Students!

If you are joining us from abroad, you aren’t just a number—you’re a vital part of our community.

Your Support System: Connect with International Student Programs (ISP) for help with your transition.
Tailored Advising: We recommend a one-on-one Zoom session with a HOST advisor before you arrive to make sure your pathway is perfectly aligned with your goals.