Students are increasingly looking for study programs that teach real-world skills and have direct links to the industries they dream of joining. In fact, a recent QS survey found that 56% of students planning to study abroad prioritise career-boosting experiences over university reputation.
Luxury study abroad programs meet this demand by combining top-class education with practical exposure. Students on such programs may acquire hands-on experience in subjects such as hospitality, fashion, travel and lifestyle and have the advantage of learning in smaller, personalized classes.
What sets these programs apart is their focus on industry connections. For example, students studying luxury brand management in Paris may intern with brands such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel, experience that gives them a real edge when entering the market for high-end jobs.
What defines a luxury study abroad program?
These exclusive programs stand out for their high-quality learning environment, small class sizes and expert faculty. With fewer students in each class, there is more room for meaningful discussions, mentorship and critical thinking. Students also work closely with academic and industry experts, gaining confidence and practical insights. Some key features of these programs are discussed below.
Exclusive locations with industry connections
Many luxury programs are based in exclusive destinations where luxury is part of daily life. Switzerland, for example, is renowned for both luxury and its world-class hospitality education. According to the latest QS World University Rankings, three of the world’s top four hospitality and leisure management institutions and eight of the top 20 are located in Switzerland. The country’s long-standing reputation for excellence in tourism and business makes it a prime destination for students pursuing global careers.
Real-world learning through internships
There is also a heavy focus on real-world learning. Students gain experience through internships with luxury hotels, global brands and high-end companies. For instance, hospitality students may intern at five-star resorts, while fashion students might work with designer labels. These internships are not just optional add-ons but a core part of the program, helping students build strong career networks early on.
Soft skills and cultural competence
Students learn how to communicate clearly, solve problems and lead with confidence. Many luxury programs also offer language courses, boosting multilingual skills and improving job prospects in international roles. Living and studying with peers from different countries also builds cross-cultural competence, essential in the luxury industry.
Specialized courses for career growth
Many luxury study abroad programs offer specialized career development courses for those with existing professional experience. These programs equip students with targeted knowledge aligned with their current or desired career paths, allowing participants to deepen their expertise while expanding their professional networks.
Open to both graduates and non-graduates with relevant industry experience, the courses focus on niche sectors such as cruise line management, luxury tourism marketing, food and beverage entrepreneurship, and golf management.
Spotlight: Glion’s global approach to luxury education
Glion is a global leader in luxury study abroad programs. Known for its strong values and personal learning environment, Glion delivers a world-class education that offers academic excellence, international exposure and real-world industry experience to shape future leaders in hospitality and luxury. Every part of the student journey is designed to meet the standards of the luxury industry while helping students grow personally and professionally.
Swiss heritage meets modern hospitality
Glion was founded in Switzerland, a country famous for its precision, service excellence and hospitality leadership. The Swiss approach shapes the school’s teaching style, with a focus on attention to detail, structure and a strong work ethic. These values are instilled in students, a solid foundation which gives them the edge to succeed in luxury hospitality and business.
Strong ties with the luxury and hospitality industries
One of Glion’s key strengths is its close industry partnerships. The school works with luxury hotels, event firms and global hospitality brands, giving students real exposure to some of the world’s top companies. These connections often lead to internships, mentorships or job offers with top-tier businesses. Some students also take part in short-term international programs, such as the Maymester Course, which offers intensive learning experiences in global settings.
A global and diverse student experience
With students from more than 90 countries, Glion offers a truly multicultural learning environment. In addition to giving them the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, the experience teaches students how to collaborate across cultures. Students develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication, while also getting the chance to improve their multilingual abilities.
Real-world learning through study terms and internships
The bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at Glion is a great mix of theory and practice. As well as gaining a strong academic platform in the classroom, students gain valuable experience through international hospitality internships and study terms abroad. These are not optional extras, they are core to how Glion prepares students for success in international markets.
A boutique environment with personal support
Glion’s smaller campus creates a close-knit community that creates an environment where students feel supported. Teachers know students by name, making the learning experience more engaging and meaningful. This personal touch is especially valuable for students living far from home.
Personalised career coaching at every step
Careers form a key part of Glion’s hospitality degree programs. From the early stages of their studies, students receive one-on-one career guidance from experienced advisors. They get help exploring options, preparing for interviews and building connections with industry leaders. This tailored support gives students a competitive edge in the competitive luxury sector.
Alanoud Alourfi’s Glion journey
In an interview with The Insider magazine, BBA student Alanoud Alourfi shared why she chose Glion’s BBA in International Hospitality Business. As part of the program, students must complete two six-month internships to apply their classroom learning in real business environments.
“I did my first internship at the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah in Saudi Arabia,” Alanoud said. “It was a really interesting experience because I was actually the first intern for the hotel, so I was kind of the student who had to set the standard for the next students over there. They had really high expectations and I was glad that I was able to meet them.”
Reflecting on her future, she added: “I think that I’ll be able to use my studies by taking what I have learned abroad and adapting it to my own country to realize our 2030 Vision in making the Saudi cities some of the best cities in the world.”
(Source: Glion Magazine)
How Glion compares in a global landscape
Glion is positioned among the world’s top hospitality schools with a strong focus on luxury. This section explores how it compares to another leading institution and what sets it apart when it comes to luxury study abroad programs.
Glion vs. Les Roches: shared values, unique strengths
Among its peers, Les Roches stands out as a school that shares Glion’s focus on hospitality and global learning. As part of the same educational network, Les Roches is known for its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. Its programs often attract students interested in exploring hospitality through business creation and digital transformation.
While both schools value academic quality and international exposure, Glion focuses more on the luxury side of the industry.
Luxury brand strategy as a key differentiator
One of Glion’s defining strengths is its expertise in luxury brand strategy. Students learn how high-end businesses operate, going beyond service to understand brand positioning, customer experience and global trends. These lessons are reinforced through real partnerships with luxury hotels, brands and events companies. The school doesn’t just teach luxury, it connects students with it directly.
Outstanding global exposure
Glion also offers exceptional international learning opportunities. With campuses in different countries and students from more than 90 nationalities, learners engage with diverse cultures and ideas. This constant exposure helps them build global confidence and prepares them to thrive in a wide range of business sectors, not only hospitality.
Glion’s balanced value: luxury, academics and industry access
Glion offers strong academics, exclusive industry access and a clear focus on luxury. This balanced focus makes the school the ideal choice for students who see their future in premium brands, elite service and global leadership.
Careers and outcomes: where luxury study abroad can take you
Luxury study abroad programs prepare students for hospitality careers as well as roles in fashion, travel and event management. They provide the education, skills, experience and connections needed to succeed in some of the world’s most exclusive professional environments. Here’s where your international studies can take you:
Careers in luxury hotels and resorts
One of the most common career paths for students taking these programs is working in luxury hotels and resorts. Graduates often take on roles in guest services, front office management or VIP client experiences. Students enjoying small class sizes and benefiting from hands-on learning gain the confidence and skills to lead with precision and deliver the kind of exceptional service luxury guests expect.
Roles in high-end travel and tourism
For students interested in travel logistics, planning and personalized experiences, luxury tourism offers exciting opportunities. Graduates from luxury study abroad programs often find jobs with private travel agencies, concierge firms or high-end tour operators. Studying across multiple countries helps them understand how to meet client needs in different cultural settings, making them valuable in the global travel sector.
Opportunities in event planning and brand management
Luxury events and brand experiences are rapidly expanding elements of the hospitality industry. Graduates with a focus on event planning or luxury brand management often step into roles that involve organizing high-profile events, product launches or exclusive hospitality campaigns. Through specialized coursework and practical training, students develop the creativity and precision needed to deliver flawless experiences in these spaces where client satisfaction is everything.
Careers in private member clubs and lifestyle management
Luxury hospitality today goes beyond hotels, now extending to managing the personal lives of elite clients. Graduates often find roles in private member clubs or lifestyle management firms, coordinating exclusive services such as private dining, luxury travel, wellness programs and bespoke cultural experiences. Thanks to real-world training, graduates are perfectly prepared to meet the highest service standards and anticipate client needs.
A global mindset for international careers
Graduates leave luxury focused international education programs with a deep understanding of cultural diversity, global communication and leadership. Exposure to different markets, multilingual learning and cross-cultural collaboration give them the confidence to work anywhere in the world. This mindset helps them lead teams, adapt to new environments and build lasting client relationships in the most competitive industries.
Final thoughts: making the right choice
Studying abroad at a premium level involves attending classes while actively investing in your future lifestyle, career and personal growth. These programs don’t simply teach. They connect students directly to the luxury industry, helping them build valuable skills, confidence and relationships that last well after graduation.
What makes these programs special is the overall experience. You’ll learn in boutique campuses with personalized support and gain valuable experience through internships with top luxury brands. The focus on quality education, cultural awareness and career development makes these programs perfect for ambitious students who want to stand out in the global job market.
Picking where to study is a big decision. Rankings can be helpful, but finding a school that fits your career goals and preferred learning style is most important. Whether you dream of managing a five-star hotel, planning luxury events or leading a global brand, your education should push you closer to that goal.
