EHL: Study Hospitality in Switzerland

Situated near scenic Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) is an excellent choice for college-bound students interested in business studies. The school offers a unique path to successful careers, and has a strong track record of graduates quickly landing jobs.

EHL is recognized as the world’s leading university in Hospitality and Leisure Management, consistently ranked number one in the QS World University Rankings since 2019. Recently, I attended an open day with my son, and we were highly impressed—not only by the world-class facilities and inspiring professors, but by the strong sense of pride and community evident across the campus. Students expressed how proud they were to be at EHL.

The school’s Bachelor’s in International Hospitality Management is about more than just hotels and restaurants—it’s a business degree focused on management, leadership, and service. The four-year program, taught entirely in English, starts with a hands-on prep year where students rotate through areas like kitchen, service, and front office to build practical skills and confidence. Once in the academic phase, students take core business classes such as accounting, marketing, economics, revenue management, and strategy. They also complete two six-month internships across the world, with EHL offering strong support through career coaching, exclusive job platforms, and major recruitment events.

The campus is near a large national park for outdoor recreation, and is just a short bus ride from Lausanne, which has shops, restaurants, and student-friendly activities. EHL also shares its location with the Swiss University of Technology (EPFL), so there is a genuine college-town feel.

EHL’s international study body hails from over 125 countries, and the university’s alumni network spans the world. Students benefit from direct connections to prestigious companies and luxury brands, including Ritz-Carlton, LVMH, Cartier, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Rolex, Dior, Kering, Nestlé, and Credit Suisse. These relationships open doors to high-level internships, mentorships, and career opportunities.

A great way for high school students to explore whether EHL is the right fit is through the EHL Junior Academy, a one- or two-week pre-university summer program designed for rising Grade 12/Year 13 students. Offered on EHL’s campuses in Switzerland or Singapore, the program offers a dynamic, hands-on introduction to hospitality, business, and global leadership. For more information on this or EHL’s summer or degree programs, speak with your Ivy Options counselor or contact info@ivyoptions.com.

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By Melissa Johnson-Schnyder, Ivy Options Admissions Counselor