Switzerland leads the world in tourism industry
Switzerland is infamous with the tourism industry. Past and present people visit form all over the world and experience the impeccable quality of service. Countries with just over seven million people it boast 5600 hotels and accommodates a guest list of more that 35 million every year. Due to the country’s claim to fame in tourism, Switzerland is one of the most sought after destinations to study tourism, culinary and hospitality. Over 5000 students from all over the globe can be found studying in Switzerland at any given time. Switzerland was one of the first countries to develop tourism as a major industry. Establishing its first hotel management school over a hundred years ago, it is still the leader for excellence in the hotel industry.
The Swiss Method
Training consists of experiencing the more practical aspect of work until there is a better understanding of the methods used for a successful managerial department. A method that is highly favourable in the hotel industry, but not implemented in many hotel management programs in North America. In recent years, many schools have realised the importance of strengthening business administration and offer both British and US Bachelor’s Degree programs.
Is this job for you?
Certain personality traits are vital for working in the tourism industry. Due to a strong customer oriented atmosphere and alternating work schedule characteristics like flexibility, operational readiness, ability to work with a team, being customer oriented, and the ability to work under pressure are very important. Depending on which area of tourism industry you are working, having an understanding of foreign languages can play a major part. Swiss hotel schools offer a global atmosphere; a proven asset to the educational programs. Approximately 50 nationalities make up the environment at Swiss hotel schools.
Admission for Foreign Students
Foreign applicants are not likely to attain a position in an institution of Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine if they do not hold a Swiss School-Leaving Certificate and a residence permit. There are also definite restrictions on how many places are available in Psychology, Pharmacy, Biology and Geography.
Admission requirements
Basic requirements for entrance to a Swiss University are: usually a minimum age of 18, and a State-recognised Swiss School Leaving Certificate, or a foreign equivalent. All Universities make their own decisions regarding admission.
Entrance requirement
A valid passport is satisfactory for students from other West European Countries. Persons from countries which need a visa must apply to the appropriate Swiss diplomatic representation abroad. Students wishing to stay longer than three months in Switzerland must apply for a residence permit, which must be accompanied by a valid passport, a certificate of admission approved by the University, and a certificate stating that the candidate has the necessary monetary resources to complete their studies.
All universities call for their enrolled students to join a recognised Swiss health insurance plan.
