Switzerland Related Educational Initiatives That India Can Learn From

Adrian Artimov May 22, 2020

The tourism and hospitality industry is among the largest industries in the Indian service sector. With the growth in the middle class and the increase in international hotel chains, the number of jobs is expected to increase from 41.6 million to 52.5 million within ten years (IBFM). With a growing number of international travellers, Indian hospitality professionals need to cater to international travellers’ expectations. To respond to the industry needs, future hospitality leaders can learn from international institutions that offer a globally-focused curriculum and opportunities to gain experience abroad.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index (2019), Switzerland ranks first on education. It has the capability to attract talents from abroad due to its high regard for the dual vocational and educational training system, combining classroom instruction and hands-on practice.

India has a strong workforce in the service area due to its focus on vocational education. Indeed, students graduating from Indian educational institutions are well-prepared for travel and tourism in India, and if they want to fast-track their careers, graduates will also need to get international exposure by either studying abroad or gaining international work experience. With the growth and skills gap in the Indian hospitality industry, it is also beneficial to include an academic and managerial side to the educational curriculum.

Sommet Education is a unique education group specialized in hospitality management and the culinary arts, committed to delivering an exceptional student experience and developing future talent for the experience industry. Our hospitality management institutions include Glion and Les Roches, with campuses in Switzerland, Spain, China, and the UK, as well as the culinary and pastry schools of Ecole Ducasse across three campuses in France and through partnerships with overseas universities. Here are a few insights on the educational approach we follow:

Our educational approach is based on the Swiss educational system which includes both theory and practice. As a successful hospitality leader needs to understand all sides of the business, we require all our students to complete a practical arts curriculum featuring immersion in key hospitality divisions, such as kitchen, service, and housekeeping. During their program, our students also follow business-related courses such as business development and strategy, management of food and beverage, or corporate finance. This method enables students to develop essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, as well as hospitality operations know-how.

Through our institutions, we offer a unique education model based on a transformative education process, which focuses on developing the full professional and personal potential of a student. As the importance of emotional intelligence and soft skills is increasing, it cannot be overstated in hospitality, a people-centric industry that is based on the delivery of experiences. Managers and their staff rely on sensitivity, flexibility and excellent communication skills to build and nurture guest relations.

To equip students with the skills and experience required to actively shape the future, it is also critical for them to learn from individuals working in the industry. During the Bachelor and Master programs, students spend at least six months working in a company to build practical skills and have a better understanding of the workforce. These internships are the best opportunities for students to apply their practical skills and academic knowledge.

Les Roches already has a well-established reputation in India. Indeed, the institution is known for educating students with practical and managerial skills which lead them onto a successful career path in hospitality. On the other hand, the Glion Institution of Higher Education is seeing a growing number of Indian students interested in the more traditional European hospitality practices and the branding of luxury hotels. With our schools giving students the possibility to design their own journey through our 3 schools and 9 campuses worldwide, we have the potential to guide Indian students into becoming the hospitality leaders of tomorrow.