Sonja and Allan Johnston (parents)
Our daughter Peta is studying fashion marketing and communication at IED, Barcelona. ... more

Gerri Strevens
Head of Careers Macleans College, Auckland
Visited SEG October 2007: A number of our students look at overseas options and this was an opportunity to see ... more

Marie Macquet
Careers Advisor, Villa Maria College
Careers Advisors Trip 2007 to SHMS: What a privilege to be a VIP in the hands of some of the finest schools ... more

Ginny Stainton
Careers Advisor, Takapuna Grammar School, Auckland
Visited SHMS September 2007: On my recent trip to Europe I was able to arrange an opportunity to visit the SHMS campuses ... more

Sonja and Allan Johnston (parents)

Our daughter Peta is studying fashion marketing and communication at IED (Istituto Europeo di Design), Barcelona. Ever since Peta was small she has s been passionate about fashion clothes, and accessories, but with no creative desire to design. Through her college years and especially as a 7th former she showed great potential in business studies.

We believe that this 3 year course will develop many of the business skills required, will continued to fuel her passion and more importantly hold her interest as this 3 year diploma is ‘wrapped around’ fashion.

When researching IED Barcelona, we discovered that this institution was established 40 odd years ago, with a sound track record of preparing graduates for the businesses community. We especially liked how the lecturers continue to work in their field of expertise whilst teaching part-time; thus offering the students the latest methods and trend happenings in the market place.

The combination of course options (interior design, advertising, exhibit design, transport car design) and ability to cross credit between these creative disciplines and able to continue studies in Milan, and Turin further enhance the IED options.

When reviewing New Zealand undergraduate degrees that could have been of interest to Peta none were able to offer the ‘whole package’ as does this course at IED Barcelona. Our biggest concern then was: would any of these courses sufficiently hold her interest long enough for her to successfully complete them?

Peta will always have a point of difference receiving her tertiary education in a country other than New Zealand or another English speaking country. Living in Spain, having to cope with another language, and cultural will further enhance her tolerance of others, and develop adaptability, and flexibility.

Studying at IED is allowing her to establish an international network community of friends and acquaintances which will prove invaluable when as graduates they begin their careers in the global work place.

Gerri Strevens
Head of Careers Macleans College, Auckland
Visited SEG October 2007

A number of our students look at overseas options and this was an opportunity to see what was available in a country which is well known for its focus on hospitality and tourism training. I also wanted to be clear about the difference between the four hotel schools which are in four different locations and whether the programmes equated to a University standard.

The locations are quite stunning but more importantly I was impressed with the standard required from the students, the practical component and an understanding that you cannot manage a large hotel without understanding the basics first.

I now understand that there are two links with either the American or the British University system and opportunities to go beyond the Diploma and graduate with the American BBA degree (Dual Major) in Business Management & Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Northwood University) or a British BA (Hons) Degree in Hospitality or Tourism or Events Management.

The students I spoke with said they were well supported and I have no doubt there would be some initial homesickness - but that is common with all students who leave home for the first time. Computers and cell phones make contact with home very easy.
Students may have difficulty becoming fluent in either German or French if they have not studied it previously but there are opportunities to work as hard as you wish to catch up.

The two students I have been involved in sending there have had no difficulty fitting into this environment and other students I spoke to said that their qualification had opened doors for them in very prestigious hotels. It is evident to me now in restaurants who has been trained to Swiss hotel standard and it is something that we could do with more of in this country.

Marie Macquet
Careers Advisor, Villa Maria College
Careers Advisors Trip 2007 to Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)

What a privilege to be a VIP in the hands of some of the finest schools of hotel management and hospitality in Switzerland and to view the 4 campuses on and around the shores of Lake Geneva. Experiencing a taste of the excellence that surrounds the term ‘Swiss Hospitality’ was wonderful.

One cannot help remind oneself that an institution is built not only on reputation, but also on the expertise and never ending attention to detail from people in the industry. It is here at these ‘centres of excellence’ that the students receive their excellent training from tutors that are hand selected and ‘out of the top drawer’.

We were whisked up to Leysin, in the French speaking part of Switzerland, where we were accommodated near the SHMS Mont Blanc and Belvedere Campus – these two being connected by cable car. The first thing that struck me was the diversity of students at this campus and the interaction between them. It was the weekend and this campus was alive. Strict standards of dress and behaviour are required at all times. Students are taught that they are ladies and gentlemen serving other ladies and gentlemen.

Leysin, the largest campus, caters not only for hospitality and management training, but incorporates excellent gym, sports and ski facilities as well. Here I got the impression that you could totally immerse yourself in your studies as well as participate in various outdoor activities, in particular the snow sports.
The ride up to Caux Palace with all its grandeur was again breathtaking, The accommodation here really impressed me once again with amazing views, computer facilities, direct lines and the option of deluxe rooms as well.

On Tuesday we headed for Montreux to visit a campus with a great atmosphere, HIM. This campus has a first come, first serve, policy due to its popularity. They offer a business degree with a hospitality focus, rather than hospitality only. The classes are small, the degree is highly accredited and they offer Post Graduate studies and an MBA as well. More time is spent in the city and the atmosphere is fantastic.

In Neuchatel, IHTTI, we saw a more modern campus housing students again with a good cultural mix. The qualification: Diploma, BA and MA in Hospitality are linked to Bournemouth in the United Kingdom. These students graduate in Neuchatel Castle in the presence of family, friends and other dignitaries.

Every day was met with the finest of cuisine served with the utmost Swiss Hospitality. On the last day we experienced the Swiss Chocolate Train and as it wound its way back into Geneva I realised why the Swiss Hospitality touch is so sought after around the world. Training with the Swiss Hotel Management School will not only give you the best education in hospitality, it will also make you attractive in the international job market. You will have unique experiences on your placements and the ability to graduate with up to 3 internationally recognised qualifications from Switzerland, UK and the USA .

Ginny Stainton
Careers Advisor, Takapuna Grammar School, Auckland
Visited SHMS September 2007

On my recent trip to Europe I was able to arrange an opportunity to visit the SHMS campuses: the Caux-Palace above Montreux and the Mont-Blanc Palace and Belvedere at Leysin.

The campuses are uniquely grand and are situated in a stunningly beautiful area of Switzerland. They offer students a high standard of accommodation.

The facilities are impressive with excellent large cookery training kitchens and food presentation areas.
The students are always expected to be immaculately presented in uniform, business suits and were unfailingly polite and most helpful to us. The teachers are patient but firm in the standards required of their students.

I was very impressed with SHMS and would have no hesitation in recommending it to students as a first class international trainer in Hospitality Management.