Transferring from AIHM to Les Roches

Many hotel school students dream of a career that takes them around the globe. What could be more exciting than a life spent exploring the world, getting to know different countries and their peoples, seeing extraordinary sights and making unforgettable memories for others?

Whether they aim to work in management and executive roles or to guide their own enterprises as an entrepreneur, AIHM’s hospitality students develop a global understanding of the hotel industry and its career opportunities.

AIHM’s BBA degree curriculum has been developed in academic association with the Swiss institute Les Roches, which consistently ranks amongst the world’s very best hospitality management schools. Les Roches’ leadership regularly audit the AIHM degree programme to ensure it meets the high standards Les Roches expects of its own students. AIHM’s students follow a Swiss model of hospitality education. They enjoy access to global internships. And they meet and learn from hospitality industry leaders.

A unique benefit of our academic association with Les Roches: AIHM students are able to transfer to the Les Roches campuses in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, or in Marbella, Spain, for the final two semesters of their degree and graduate with their BBA from Les Roches.

Curious about the AIHM to Les Roches transfer experience? We spoke with Peerachaya Samruayruen, who completed her first five semesters at AIHM and is now finishing her degree at Les Roches Crans-Montana, Switzerland. She shares her insights on the transfer experience below.

From AIHM to Les Roches: A Student Experience 

How have your studies at AIHM prepared you for your time at Les Roches?

The lecturers at AIHM lay a great foundation of knowledge and experience for us in both academics and practical arts. Since the lecturer-to-student ratio at AIHM is small, it was easier to have a personalised educational experience.

Les Roches and AIHM both offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Hospitality Management with a similar curriculum so the transfer process is seamless. The learning environments are different, and I find that to be a positive. I felt very well prepared by my education and learning experiences at AIHM, and I’ll be graduating having been able to study to hospitality management in two very different environments. Switzerland and Thailand are two of the world’s best places to study the hospitality business, and I’m benefitting from gaining a perspective in both destinations.

Are there any special opportunities or experiences at AIHM that have been especially beneficial to you or that you’re particularly glad to have experienced before moving on to Les Roches?

The Practical Arts studies at AIHM and Les Roches are very different. In Les Roches, it is students serving students. However, at AIHM, we had the opportunity to serve actual hotel guests, which grants us a different experience that I find quite beneficial when going on internships.

Did you experience any culture shocks upon moving to Switzerland?

Yes, as there are over 100 nationalities, each person here is accustomed to different cultures. I have only ever studied in Thailand, so I have never experienced more than 10 cultures within one institution.

Here in Switzerland, I’m experiencing not only Swiss culture; I’m encountering dozens of cultures from around the world. It’s exciting and eye-opening.

How does the student lifestyle in Switzerland compare to the student lifestyle in Thailand?

In Thailand, as AIHM is in the heart of Bangkok, there are many places to visit and many things to do. Here in Les Roches, we are situated in location that’s gorgeous but somewhat more isolated. We’re located in the mountains with beautiful scenery. The city is not too far from us, but not as easily accessible as in Bangkok.

Additionally, the weather is drastically different. Anyone planning to come to Les Roches must be sure to prepare appropriate clothes for the cold weather.

One really great thing Les Roches offers us as students is the chance to travel and explore. The school offers trips every weekend to different places in Switzerland and even other places in Europe—at a very affordable price. It’s a great opportunity for international students to unwind and discover more about the place around us.

I do have to say I miss Thai food though. There isn't much of it here so I’ll have to wait until I return home. I get the chance to enjoy a lot of delicious Swiss dishes, but there’s always something special about your own home’s food.

Switzerland is a beautiful and amazing country—and so is Thailand. What do you miss most about your time at AIHM? What is one of the AIHM memories that you cherish and think about now that you’re completing your degree in Crans-Montana?

I miss the people the most. When I was at AIHM, we were studying with certificate students as well, all of them gave us great insight into the industry and are amazing people. The classmates who are studying the CIHA and ACIHM management certificates tend to be hospitality professionals who already have experience in the industry and have decided to further their education. I remember we could sit and talk for hours and have a nice meal afterwards to end the day. Learning and bonding with them is one of my fondest memories, and I am glad that other cohorts have the opportunity to study with them as well.

Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of Global Hospitality Education

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