Choosing to study hospitality or hotel management is often a strategic decision for students interested in careers within the global service industry.
Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in Switzerland and France
Switzerland and France stand out as destinations offering world-class education in this field. Their long traditions of excellence, focus on professionalism and service culture, and integration of business management within practical learning make them leading choices for future hospitality professionals.
The prestige of Swiss and French hospitality education
Swiss hospitality schools have earned an international reputation for blending academic study with hands-on training. Students not only learn the theoretical foundations of management, marketing and finance, but also gain practical experience through placements and real-world service environments. This dual approach produces graduates who are both technically competent and operationally confident.
France, meanwhile, is known for its refinement in gastronomy, luxury brand management and high standards of service. French hospitality education often integrates culinary arts, event management, and tourism leadership with a focus on elegance and customer experience. Students in France gain insight into a culture where hospitality is deeply rooted in tradition, creativity and style.
Admissions and interviews
Entry to leading hospitality schools is competitive and often includes interviews to assess motivation, communication skills and cultural awareness. These interviews, conducted either online or in person, allow schools to evaluate a student’s potential to succeed in a service-driven industry. Some institutions also include written tasks or group activities to observe teamwork, initiative and professionalism.
Essential soft skills for success
Hospitality is a people-centred profession. In addition to academic ability, students are expected to develop a range of interpersonal and professional skills essential to the industry:
● Interpersonal and Communication Skills: the ability to engage confidently, adapt tone and build rapport.
● Cultural Awareness and Global Mindset: working effectively with international guests and colleagues.
● Resilience and Composure: remaining calm and solution-focused under pressure.
● Leadership and Teamwork: motivating others and maintaining service quality.
● Adaptability and Initiative: anticipating guest needs and exceeding expectations.
● Professionalism: demonstrating courtesy, empathy and reliability at all times.
These skills are often cultivated through internships and placements, where students gain first-hand experience in customer-facing environments.
English language requirements
Because many hospitality programmes are delivered in English, language proficiency is an important entry requirement. Most institutions specify minimum scores in IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent tests. For instance, École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) expects around IELTS 7.0 for its main programmes, while other Swiss schools such as Les Roches or César Ritz typically require IELTS 5.5–6.0. French institutions such as Vatel or Institut Lyfe set similar standards, with higher requirements at postgraduate level.
A pathway to global careers
Graduates from Swiss and French hospitality schools go on to careers across the world - from hotel management and tourism consultancy to event planning, brand management and luxury services. The combination of strong academic grounding, cultural awareness and professional discipline prepares students to meet the expectations of international employers. Studying hospitality in Switzerland or France represents more than a qualification: it offers immersion in two cultures renowned for service excellence, providing students with both the technical expertise and the human skills required for success in a global industry.
All information correct at the time of writing.