Swiss Tourism & Hospitality Management

  Switzerland

Leysin

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer 
Dates: Summer Term

Description: This program is ideal for students who wish to study at a small, international campus set in the beautiful Swiss Alps, conveniently located near Geneva and with easy access to other European cities. Students select from a wide variety of courses taught in English. The university is situated in the Swiss Apls and is ideal for students who enjoy outdoor activities. The city of Leysin offers a host of cultural and recreational activities. The train station is located on campus. Students reside at the Grand Hotel de Leysin.

Courses: This program emphasizes coursework in tourism and hospitality management and marketing. Credit is awarded for both, courses and internships. Courses are taught in English. Internships are available in English and French.

Internships allow students to test their knowledge against real-life situations and gain practical insight into Swiss (and European) professional cultural and community. Placement is based on the student's professional interests and availability of positions. A number of positions are available in English. However, students who have intermediate or better proficiency in French will have more options. Most students are placed with the Nestle Corporation in Leysin. Placements with companies and NGOs are also possible, but require a 1 to 1.5 hour commute. The train station to Geneva and other cities near Leysin is located on campus. The following professional areas are available:   

- Banking
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Human Resources - Information Systems
- International Relations
- Law (international and commerce)
- Marketing - Network Management
- Public Relations
... and other professional areas

KEI views internships as an extension of the academic experience. Internship positions are not paid. Summer students interested in an intensive, 2-month, 240 hour internship in Switzerland should apply through the Swiss Internship Program.

Highlights: Host Institution: Schiller International University was founded in 1964 with campuses in the United States, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. Schiller integrates an international perspective into an American educational model. Student have the opportunity to at different campuses during the course of their degree program. English is the language of instruction all all Schiller campuses. The university is situated in the Swiss Alps and is ideal for students who enjoy outdoor activities. The city of Leysin offers a host of cultural and recreational activities. The train station is located on campus. Students reside at the Grand Hotel de Leysin. The university also offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the numerous academic disciplines.

Host City: Leysin is the gateway to Europe. Nearby are Geneva, Gstaad and Lausanne -- home to numerous organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Red Cross and Nestle Corporation. Milan, Venice, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Heidelberg, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Liechtenstein are within a 6 hour train ride. Leysin is situated near Lake Geneva in the historic Rhone Valley overlooking the Swiss and French Alps. One of the most beautiful alpine resorts in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, the region offers a wide selection of cultural and recreational activities. Leysin is home to numerous educational centers with many Swiss and international students.

Living: KEI students reside at the Grand Hôtel de Leysin. The Hotel was built in the Victorian style in 1892, and recently renovated to accommodate classrooms, guest rooms, library, reading room, bookstore, computer lab with Internet access, dining hall, ballroom, and student café with a TV lounge. Most guest rooms are double-occupancy with stunning views of the Alps. Skiing is only a 5 minute walk away and students qualify for reduced price lift tickets.

Excursions: The program includes day trips to Geneva, Montreaux or other locations in Switzerland to enhance students' academic and cultural experience. In addition, two overnight (3-day) excursions are organized each term to either Rome, Milan, Prague, Monte Carlo, Paris and/or other major city in Europe. These excursions include airfare, ground transportation, hotel, tour of city and entrance tickets to planned cultural activities. Depending on student interest, professional visits can be organized to the United Nations, World Trade Organization, Nestle factory and other companies in Switzerland.

Qualifications: The internship application requires 2 letters of recommendation, personal statement, transcript, and a phone interview. Relevant work experience is also beneficial when finding a placement.

Cost in US$: $10,560 Semester, $21250 Year, $4,880 Summer

Program fee includes tuition, textbooks, transcripts, accommodation, internship placement, on-site support, medical and travel insurance, mobile phone, airport pick-up, field trips, sightseeing and cultural excursions. All forms of federal, state and local financial aid and scholarship awards can be applied towards the program tuition.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to Switzerland Independently Or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. - Please refer to our website for scholarship information.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI)'s Mission Statement: The Knowledge Exchange Institute offers unique study and intern abroad programs for college and graduate students. KEI programs are distinguished by a large selection of major-specific, language and regional studies courses; courses taught in English (all locations); professional internships; transcripts and credit from an accredited university; extensive cultural excursions; housing; pre-departure and on-site staff and support; and attentive service and small groups of students.

Year Founded: 1997