Switzerland in Thailand?

What comes to mind when you think of Switzerland? Luxurious watches? Fine chocolates? Historic banks? Snow-covered ski slopes? As a Swiss national working in Asia, I’m proud of all these claims to fame, but one Swiss signature is closer to my heart than all the others: Switzerland has a reputation for being home to some of the best hotel schools in the world. Today, I’m excited to discuss the Swiss model of education in hospitality and hotel management and where it can be found in Asia. At AIHM (the Asian Institute of Hotel Management in Academic Association with Les Roches), we’re committed to bringing this world-renowned model to Thailand to benefit other parts of Asia and to provide our students with the highest quality of education, training and support.

Bangkok has long been called the Venice of the East, but now a more fitting name might be the Valais of Asia? Find out how we’ve brought the exceptional educational model and standards found at schools such as Les Roches in Switzerland’s Valais region to Thailand, home of many of this century’s most exquisite hotels and a thriving hospitality market that rivals, if not exceeds, the European roots of the hospitality industry.

The Swiss Model of Education in Hospitality and Hotel Management

How is the Swiss model different? The Swiss model of education in hospitality and hotel management is highly regarded around the world for its emphasis on practical training and hands-on experience. This model is built on the premise that hospitality is a service-oriented industry that requires a combination of technical skills and interpersonal abilities. The Swiss model emphasises the importance of practical training, as well as theoretical instruction, to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the industry.

Key Features of the Swiss Model

The Swiss hospitality education model, like the precise timekeeping of Swiss watch, is known for its rigour and attention to detail – two essential qualities in the hospitality industry. Students are trained in areas such as food and beverage management, hospitality operations, customer service, and event management, all of which require a high degree of precision and accuracy. In addition, the Swiss model emphasises the importance of multilingualism, cultural awareness, and social responsibility, which are vital for success in today's globalised world.

Benefits of the Swiss Model

One of the key benefits of the Swiss model of education in hospitality and hotel management is that it provides students with a global perspective. This global outlook is essential in an industry that is increasingly focused on international markets and customers. Students are encouraged to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an understanding of different cultures and ethical business practices.

Whether working with international business partners, serving guests from around the world or managing team members from a diverse range of nationalities, hospitality leaders require a global perspective to succeed – no matter whether their career takes them around the world or close to home or even into other industries. The future-forward skills and perspectives gained in a Swiss-style hospitality management education can be applied to a variety of business sectors.

Our Commitment to Swiss Hospitality Education in Asia

At our school, we're committed to upholding the highest standards of Swiss hospitality education. We offer a range of programmes, from short courses and executive education to a BBA in Global Hospitality Management, that are designed to prepare students for careers in the hospitality industry. Our curriculum combines theoretical instruction with practical experience through internships, apprenticeships, and training facilities directly at the hotel.

In fact, we’re happy to provide our students with additional benefits available only in Asia and through our hotel company partners – in complement to the high-quality Swiss-style hospitality education we deliver from our Bangkok and Pattaya campuses.

Practical Arts Programme in Two Prestigious Hotels

One of the most exciting features of our programme is the practical arts programme, which takes place directly in two of the most prestigious hotels in Bangkok – the Anantara Riverside and the Avani+. This programme allows our students to gain hands-on experience by working alongside hotel staff and serving real hotel guests. This experience is invaluable in preparing our students for the challenges of the industry, and gives them a competitive edge in the job market.

Personalised Guidance and Support

Our dedication to our students extends to every facet of their educational journey – practical and academic, exploring career tracks and hospitality specialties, obtaining internships, networking with hotel industry professionals and executives, and securing jobs as they enter the marketplace.

We're committed to supporting our students every step of the way, from enrolment to graduation and beyond. We provide personalised guidance and support, so that our students can achieve their goals and reach their full potential. We believe that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about developing the skills and mindset you need to succeed in your career and in life.

Join Us on this Exciting Journey

We’re proud to bring the Swiss model of education in hospitality and hotel management to Bangkok, Thailand, and other parts of Asia. Our Swiss-style practical arts programme, which takes place directly in two hotels, is a unique and exciting feature that sets us apart from other schools in the region. Curious to learn more about our programme and the special opportunities available only to students at AIHM? We invite you to explore our website to discover more about our programmes and how we can help you achieve your career goals in the hospitality industry. Join us on this exciting journey and let us help you unlock your potential!