Hotel Institute Montreux

Hospitality – Business Management

A passion for Swiss hospitality and American business management

Since its establishment in 1985, the Hotel Institute Montreux has forged an excellent global reputation thanks to the quality of its hotel management and business programmes, combining Swiss hospitality traditions with American business management practices. Specialisations in finance, marketing and human resources, endorsed by leading experts in these fields, are offered at Higher Diploma, Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

The hotel management school is located in the heart of the lively French-speaking city of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva, with the Alps and the vineyards of Lavaux providing a spectacular backdrop. Known for its Mediterranean-style microclimate, Montreux is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

Hotel Institute Montreux provides a unique professional environment and a supportive learning experience, preparing students for careers in the international hospitality industry while fostering personal development. The business focus of the programmes opens doors to a wide variety of career options.

Hotel Institute Montreux is a member of the Swiss Education Group (SEG), a world-leading hospitality education network, and is 100% Swiss-owned, ensuring that students receive a first-rate Swiss education.

Outstanding programmes from Diploma to Master’s level

Hotel Institute Montreux offers a variety of outstanding academic courses, all taught in English, with qualifications ranging from Diploma to Master’s level.

During the intensive three-year programme, Bachelor’s students acquire in-depth knowledge of food and beverage and rooms division management, combined with international business management skills. Students earn a double Swiss and American degree awarded in partnership with Northwood University (USA).

The Postgraduate Diploma is designed for candidates with extensive managerial experience who are seeking new prospects in the world of hospitality. This comprehensive programme provides students with a broad theoretical understanding of hospitality business management.

The challenging Master’s degree develops hospitality management skills and business knowledge for students seeking executive-level positions in the global hospitality industry.

Professional and academic quality

All programmes comply with the stringent quality standards expected of Swiss institutions.

Hotel Institute Montreux is a member of the Swiss Hotel School Association (ASEH) and the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (CHRIE), and certified by eduQua, the Swiss quality label for further education institutions.

While studying for the Higher Diploma, students can apply for certification from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA).

Classes are structured to ensure that all students interact intensively and receive a high level of individual attention. Diligent academic support allows students to benefit fully from their learning experience. Hotel Institute Montreux has four intakes each year: in January, April, July and October.

For students who need to improve their English-language skills before commencing their studies, the school provides an English Foundation Programme. Students also have the chance to take classes in French, German, Spanish or Mandarin throughout the year.

A perfect balance between theory and practice

All curricula combine theoretical courses with hands-on experience. Graduates are well prepared for the world of work thanks to an excellent understanding of the hospitality industry and extensive practical experience gained through internship placements in Switzerland and worldwide (4 to 6 months during each academic programme).

The Internship Office at Hotel Institute Montreux arranges first-year internships and assists second-year students in finding a placement. Internships are monitored and assistance provided as required.

In-house banquets and cultural events, planned and organised by students, as well as online business competitions and interactive workshops, provide extensive opportunities to put newly acquired skills into practice, develop professional knowledge and make learning fun.

The school’s lecturers hail from around the world and are internationally recognised practitioners with both academic and industry experience. They share a firm commitment to excellence and a passion for hospitality.

Learning from the world’s experts

Hotel Institute Montreux has established strong links with acclaimed industry partners. These provide the school with valuable feedback, allowing programmes to remain industry-relevant and graduates to secure prominent positions on the international job market.

Specialisations in finance, marketing and human resources are, respectively, endorsed by Banque Privée Edmond de Rothschild, a private bank headquartered in Geneva, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the second largest annual jazz festival in the world, and Amathus Hotels, a group of five-star beach hotels and luxury resorts in Cyprus and Greece. Through workshops and guest lectures, students develop solid foundations in global business and benefit from industry professionals’ first-hand experience.

A bright future for hospitality careers

Having benefited from a practice-focused education, Hotel Institute Montreux graduates are particularly successful in the hospitality industry. Twice a year, students are given the opportunity to meet more than 60 hospitality leaders from around the world at the International Recruitment Forum (IRF), organised by SEG in Montreux. This major two-day event is considered an unmissable opportunity, allowing students to network with future employers and explore career opportunities before they complete their studies.

Furthermore, the Hotel Institute Montreux careers team is on hand to offer advice and guidance. The school has also developed an innovative online recruitment platform, connecting international recruiters with the managers of tomorrow and offering students a flying start in the global business.

An inspiring setting for hospitality training

Hotel Institute Montreux offers its students an extraordinary learning experience as well as a warm welcome. The school is housed in four former hotel buildings: Hotel Europe, Hotel Miramonte, Hotel Jura and Residence Rosemont, which have been renovated to provide cutting-edge accommodation and training facilities.

The main classrooms and most of the faculty are located in the academic centre next to the Hotel Europe. Senior students are based in the Miramonte building, a more business-oriented environment.

The public areas of the campus have been decorated with furniture made from recycled aircraft parts, offering students a creative and inspiring environment in which to study and socialise. All rooms on campus are fully furnished to the highest standards. Students may choose between double standard and single or double deluxe rooms with a view. The school boasts three student restaurants, a coffee lounge, a spa, study rooms and a well-equipped academic library along with 24-hour assistance.

Exceptional quality of life in the birthplace of hospitality

Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland offers exceptional quality of life, a safe environment, some of the world's finest landscapes and the cultural heritage of a multilingual population.

Outside of the academic sphere, Hotel Institute Montreux organises sporting and leisure activities on campus, as well as excursions and course-relevant trips throughout Switzerland and Europe.

The train station, post office, shopping centres, cafés, restaurants and bars, as well as the lakeside, are within walking distance of the campus.

The Montreux region is surrounded by major tourist highlights such as Chillon Castle and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lavaux. From Montreux, students can take the GoldenPass panoramic train to the famous mountain resort of Gstaad, or visit the cheese and chocolate manufacturers in Gruyère.

Montreux is located one hour by train from Geneva International Airport, making it very accessible for both local and international visitors.

Broad cultural diversity and an extensive network that goes beyond studies

Each term, Hotel Institute Montreux welcomes up to 550 students from across the globe, creating a multicultural environment in which to study and live,

Hotel Institute Montreux graduates become part of the SEG alumni network, which brings together over 20,000 SEG graduates worldwide. It comprises 28 chapters in 25 countries. Regular meetings allow alumni to stay in touch, network and ultimately enhance their careers.

For further information please contact Ms Jovana Pejcic, Regional Manager Swiss Education Group at jpejcic@swisseducation.com