Switzerland—a synonym for graceful style and quality. Much like anything, the Swiss develop an appreciation for their hospitality, and the work that goes into is impressive. It is easy to see why they would prefer hospitality and have a natural efficiency doing so, as it requires precision, quality, and detailed attention to excel—all very Swiss traits. When you count in the show-stopping landscape and Swiss politeness, it’s hard to think of a reason why Switzerland wouldn’t have been the go-to tourist spot in the 18th century.
There are many reasons to study hospitality in Switzerland, some of them being their internationally acclaimed schools and world-class education. We know Switzerland is a beloved place for tourists nowadays, so let’s see how that came to happen and how students can benefit.
How Switzerland Became a Hospitality Hotspot
With years going by fast, the transportation system has facilitated for people to access Switzerland easily. Consequently, this brought more Swiss hotels to meet the demands of the rising number of tourists. As History Today states, the quality and quantity of hotels in Switzerland translated into the country, becoming a traveler’s first choice nearing the end of the 20th century.
All of this happening fast led to the birth of the first ‘hotel management school’ in Lausanne in 1983. Back in the day, the school had just a bit over 20 students and a limited curriculum. The school now has over a thousand students from over a hundred different countries worldwide, and it continues to be at the top.
When you picture the past Switzerland harbors and how early the interest in hotels started, you can create a general idea of why it’s the place to be when it comes to studying hospitality. But, there are other factors directly linked to the fame and merit of Swiss Hotel Management Schools.
Benefits of Attending A Swiss Hotel School
There are many pleasant side effects of studying hospitality in Switzerland. Apart from the obvious – getting to munch on their delicious chocolate and fondue – we have their take on diversity, culture, opportunities, and everything in-between.
Starting from the fact that this is a country with years of experience in its portfolio, per Grad-Dreams, Switzerland also comes with the most effective system for studying hospitality in the world. Hence the status their schools hold. Plus, on the social side, you’ll be working and studying with many people from different parts of the world, which can help your ‘people skills’ long-time.
Another thing you can benefit from is the internship opportunities that will come up. They’re not limited to Switzerland, so who knows what country they can take you to. And while that can look good on your travel calendar, it also affects your cultural and professional growth.
Best Swiss Management Schools
We talked about the first steps and oldest institutes, but that isn’t all that makes Swiss hospitality schools rank among the world’s highest. Sure, it being part of their culture may have served as a head-start, but as mentioned before, their significance lies elsewhere. It’s actually their ability to stay up-to-date and adapt their programs to fit a more modern learning way.
Besides the importance of applied learning, the recipe for their success is created in balancing the theoretical and the practical. Plus, most Swiss hospitality schools are private, so the government does not restrict their ability to change programs however they see fit. Apart from their success, they are also home to diversity and have English taught programs. This is why most require some level of English proficiency.
Disclaim: The following list of higher education does not represent a ranking.
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne
EHL Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne is an ambassador for traditional Swiss hospitality and has been a pioneer in hospitality education since 1893 with over 25,000 alumni worldwide and over 120 nationalities among its students.
EHL is a hospitality management school that provides undergraduate and graduate programs at its campuses in Lausanne, Singapore, and Chur-Passugg, as well as online learning solutions.
The university of applied sciences is ranked n°1 by QS World University Rankings by subject, and its gastronomic restaurant is the world’s only educational establishment to hold a Michelin Star for two consecutive years.
| Duration of Study (The Bachelor program) | 4 years (including one year of work experience) |
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Glion Institute of Higher Education
Founded in 1962, Glion Institute of Higher Education is alive and well today and continues to be one of Switzerland’s best hospitality schools. Glion’s staff are mostly from the hospitality industry, typically former business-owners, managers, and teachers.
The Glion campus is a practical learning center with two functional fine-dining restaurants. They have campuses in Glion and Bulle in Switzerland and London in the UK.
| Duration of Study | 3.5 years |
| Requirements | IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 500 |
| Yearly Fee | CHF 24,000 |
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education
Founded in Switzerland in 1954, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of hospitality, tourism, and event management. They have campuses in Switzerland, Spain, and China, providing a unique learning environment to a culturally diverse student body, in which more than 100 different nationalities are represented. The institution follows the Swiss model of hospitality education, with experiential, hands-on learning built into the fabric of the study programs they offer.
Les Roches is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditation agency. The institution was ranked among the world’s top three institutions for employer reputation in hospitality and leisure management by QS World University Rankings.
| Duration of Study (Bachelor) | 3.5 years (includes 2 x 6-month internships) |
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| Yearly Fee (Crans-Montana, Switzerland campus) | CHF 17’757 (averaged out on the 7 semesters) |
Business and Hotel Management School, Lucerne
Business and Hotel Management School was founded in 1998, and it is located in Lucerne’s heart. BHMS promises skill and personal development, alongside opportunities for internships and achieving career goals.
This school is s certified by an EduQua, and it is a member of the conference of Swiss Colleges of Higher Education. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in Hotel Management, Culinary Arts, and Masters in Hospitality and Global Management.
| Duration of Study | 3 years |
| Requirements | IELTS 5.5 |
| Yearly Fee | CHF 19,100 |
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland
This institution is part of the Swiss Education Group—an alliance of internationally-celebrated schools that specialize in hospitality, business, and culinary arts. César Ritz College has provided international hotel and tourism management education since 1982.
They have programs in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, and Global Hospitality and Tourism Industry. Their approach combines the best of a practical and academic curriculum, which equips students with skills and empowers the forward-thinking mindset to become a successful entrepreneur.
Apart from the excellent programs Cesar Ritz Colleges has on the table, its campuses have something for everyone too. You can choose from Le Bouveret, dedicated to all summertime lovers to city life enthusiasts in Lucerne. The one located in Brig-Glis dedicated to those who seek a more traditional Swiss life.
| Duration of Study | 3 years |
| Requirements | IELTS 5, TOEFL 500 |
| Yearly Fee | CHF 32,100 |
EHL Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality
EHL Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (the school belongs to EHL Group just as the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne) delivers Swiss-accredited federal diplomas of vocational education and training and of higher education in its 19th-century spa-hotel in Chur-Passugg, Graubünden, to Swiss and international students from 20 countries.
EHL Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality offers a professional pathway to the EHL Bachelor. It begins with the Swiss Professional Degree (also called Dipl. Hôtelière-Restauratrice/Hôtelier-Restaurateur HF), a hospitality management program taught in English with Swiss federal accreditation. Professional Degree graduates are eligible to top-up their degree with a Direct Entry Bachelor program.
| Duration of Study (the Swiss Professional Degree) | 3 years + two 6-month internships |
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Hotel Institute, Montreux
Hotel Institute Montreux offers a blend of traditional Swiss hospitality and contemporary American business studies to help you grow in your chosen profession. A good option for those torn between the American and Swiss schools.
There are accommodation options available in three campus buildings, depending on the year of study. With teachers who represent a cross-section of industries from all over the world, students get to prepare for their future careers through academic rigor and expertise.
| Duration of Study | 3 years |
| Requirements | IELTS 5 or TOEFL 500, OOPT |
| Yearly Fee | CHF 44,970 |
IMI University Centre
IMI University Centre is located on Luzerne’s shores, offering their students academic success with a great view. Plus, if you’re looking to spend less time at school, they fall on a shorter program period, with an average of two and a half years.
The small classes and a wide range of courses provide knowledge and practical training for students’ future careers. In 2020, IMI was ranked 11th best hospitality school globally in QS rankings.
| Duration of Study | 2.5 years |
| Requirements | IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 525 |
| Yearly Fee | CHF 22,150 |
Swiss Hotel Management School
With two campuses in Switzerland, both in Palaces located in Caux and Leysin (one of them being a former palace hotel), SHMS combines the Swiss hotelier heritage with a forward-thinking, tech-led curriculum. While each of their campuses offers a distinct experience, they are focused mainly on practice and giving you the skills needed in the hospitality world.
| Duration of Study | 3 years |
| Requirements | IELTS 5 or TOEFL 500, OOPT |
| Yearly Fee | CHF 28,450 |
Sources:
historytoday.com/miscellanies/switzerland%E2%80%99s-nation-hoteliers
gdx.in/blog/which-are-top-countries-to-study-hospitality-management
Looking for an hospitality summer program in Switzerland for my 19 yrs old son, not longer than 2 months