What makes SHL’s BSc in Hospitality Management different? Hear from the students

“As luxury hotels began appearing across Switzerland, a unique style of hospitality started to take shape: precision, attention to detail, timely service, and discretion. These qualities became the foundation of Swiss hospitality and are why Switzerland is still a leader in the industry today. At the heart of this long-standing tradition is SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern, located in the picturesque city of Lucerne in the heart of Switzerland, nestled between a lake and the mountains. Since 1909, it has been a leader in hands-on hospitality education and today offers two programmes: Professional Bachelor and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Hospitality Management (English). Camille Caujolle, an SHL BSc in Hospitality Management student, and Tabea Erba , a graduate of the programme, share their experiences and insights into campus life, learning journey, life after graduation, and more below. Camille Caujolle What’s it like studying a hospitality degree at SHL? Studying a hospitality degree at SHL is both dynamic and hands-on. A typical day starts with breakfast on campus. After that, it’s classes and practicals. On some days, we have external lectures and workshops on topics like AI and wellness, which help us stay connected to industry trends. Evenings are usually reserved for studying or socialising. What types of assignments do hospitality students work on? Hospitality students work on a mix of practical assignments, industry projects, and presentations. In fact, being hands-on was a key reason I chose SHL. In the kitchen, you learn to prepare dishes and work with different local ingredients. In service, you learn everything from table settings to wine tasting. This hands-on foundation is then reinforced through internships. In August 2026, I will start my second internship at Eden Roc in St. Barthelemy, working in villa rental reservations. What are the benefits of studying at a hospitality management school in Switzerland? The top advantages of studying at a hospitality management school in Switzerland like SHL are its international community and its industry links. Students come from all over the world, which makes it easy to feel comfortable quickly, and through career days, networking events, and excursions, you regularly meet industry professionals to build connections early. What makes Lucerne a great place to live and study? Lucerne offers a unique balance between student life, nature, and quality of life. I have really loved living here from the very start. Surrounded by mountains and the lake, the city provides a beautiful setting for studying while still offering everything students need, from cafés to nightlife. Another advantage of living in Lucerne is the outdoor lifestyle. In winter, the mountains are perfect for skiing, while in summer, the lake and places like the “Seebad” become popular spots to relax. What career opportunities are available after studying hospitality management? Studying hospitality management opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Personally, I see myself in high-end luxury environments. What I find particularly valuable is the mindset the programme develops. You learn to adapt and approach challenges with a problem-solving attitude — qualities essential in hospitality. For Tabea Erba (Class of 2025 graduate), learning alongside classmates from diverse backgrounds and lecturers with real industry experience gave her practical insights she uses in her career today. Source: SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern Tabea Erba Why is practical training important in hospitality management education? Practical training gives you an idea of how the industry works and helps you build confidence early on. SHL’s hands-on programmes and internships were the most useful in that sense. The first part of the programme focuses on hospitality operations, combining theory with practical experience. Later, the focus shifts towards general business topics. This combination makes the experience quite versatile, especially if you’re unsure which direction you want to take. Is it realistic to start a hospitality career in Switzerland? I started at SWISS International Air Lines as an intern in Hospitality and was lucky enough to extend my contract. In the role, I worked on hospitality projects at Zurich and Geneva airports. The internships I completed during the programme were really helpful because they gave me practical experience and industry exposure before graduating. Is studying hospitality management in Switzerland worth it? It is, especially if you are a national of an EU/EFTA state. The hospitality industry here is quite interconnected, and SHL is well known within it. While it does not guarantee opportunities, having that shared background can definitely open doors. As for international students from non-EU/EFTA countries, your ability to work in Switzerland is subject to requirements by the Swiss government . Many international students at SHL progress to careers back home as well as across the globe. Can hospitality management graduates work outside hotels? Yes, in my current position, for example, I do not work directly with guests in the traditional sense. Instead, I focus more on project management, event planning, and cross-functional coordination. These skills were all developed during my time at SHL. Hospitality is also international by nature, which means the skills you learn are transferable. Is SHL a good hospitality school for international students? If you want to go into hospitality and are looking for a programme that combines theory with practical experience, SHL is a great option for international students. It’s also a smaller school, which really changes the overall experience. With classmates, it creates a more collaborative environment, which has led to some wonderful friendships that I still cherish today. With lecturers, the smaller setting makes it much easier to ask questions and receive personalised feedback. These interviews have been edited for length and clarity. Follow SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , YouTube , and TikTok

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