Hotel Institute Montreux

About Hotel Institute Montreux

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. 

In addition to a rigorous academic program that teaches key industry skills through experiential learning, we emphasise a comprehensive set of human-centric skills that set our students up for a life of success. Our diverse student body is drawn to us by a passion for business, hospitality, and self-development. Here, they build their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through group projects and real-world immersion.
Because our students are open-minded, culturally engaged, and have a depth of experience from our world-class faculty, they stand ready to assume leadership positions in whatever path they choose.

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.

Bachelor of Business Administration

No matter the business, the customer comes first. When it comes to career opportunities, this three-year degree, awarded in partnership with Northwood University (US), unlocks endless possibilities in whatever path you choose.

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).

Tailor your degree

• Develop an understanding of the human and operational sides of the industry 
• Tailor your degree in hospitality business management by choosing from a range of specializations endorsed and created with industry leaders 
• Acquire hospitality's customer-centric approach to the business world, build mental agility to adapt your new skills in hospitality or industries beyond 
• Embark on three industry internships that will give you a competitive advantage in your future career 
• Graduate with a dual award:

1. Bachelor of Business Administration in Management or Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management by Northwood University and HIM Business School
2. Hotel Institute Montreux awards its own separate degree confirming the successful completion of Northwood University’s BBA program at its campus in Switzerland, and this degree is a formal recognition by Hotel Institute Montreux of the tertiary standards achieved by BBA graduates.

Structure

Year 1: WORLD CULTURAL AND PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS

Year 2: DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Specializations: CHOOSE YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAG

For Term 4, choose from one of our diverse specializations endorsed by some of the world’s most respected business and industry leaders who assist us in creating course content, hold guest lectures, host company visits, assign projects, and offer exclusive career opportunities.

• LUXURY BRAND MANAGEMENT
• FINANCIAL ANALYSIS & WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Year 3: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Choose Your Pathway: BACHELOR PATHWAY COURSES

• Hospitality Management
• Management

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.