Hospitality is built on global movement, cultural exchange and service across borders. That’s why international careers are a key feature of the industry.
Studying hospitality gives you the skills to work anywhere in the world in roles that span luxury travel, real estate and brand experience. With its global scope and constant demand for adaptable talent, hospitality offers one of the most direct paths to a truly international career.
What does it mean to study hospitality today?
Hospitality education is no longer confined to learning about managing hotels or restaurants. The field has transformed dramatically over the past decade, creating a more diverse and opportunity-rich educational path.
Beyond hotels: a broader business education
Modern hospitality degrees now function more like specialized business degrees with immediate practical applications. Students still learn operational fundamentals but also quickly advance to more sophisticated subjects, including:
- Strategic management and leadership: theory and strategic planning, learning to manage complex organizational structures and driving business growth
- Revenue optimization and financial analysis: fiscal management techniques, including demand forecasting, pricing strategies and profit maximization, essential for roles in revenue management
- Digital marketing and brand development: training in online marketing strategies, social media engagement and brand loyalty cultivation
- Sustainable Business Practices: ethical leadership and sustainability, implementing environmentally responsible practices that align with business objectives
Many students are surprised by how comprehensive the business curriculum is in today's hospitality programs. The financial analysis, strategic planning and management principles taught are directly applicable across numerous industries, creating versatile graduates with immediately marketable skills.
Learning by doing, not just studying
What separates hospitality education from traditional business degrees is its hands-on approach. Instead of just reading case studies, students can:
- Operate real restaurants open to paying guests
- Plan and execute actual events with real clients
- Manage service teams and handle customer feedback
- Develop business plans for viable concepts
- Compete in industry challenges judged by professionals
These practical experiences build confidence and capabilities that classroom learning alone simply can't provide. By the time students graduate, they've already practiced the skills they'll need in professional environments, making the transition to industry much smoother.
Future-focused curriculum elements
Modern programs have evolved to include forward-looking content that prepares students for emerging industry needs, such as:
- Sustainability practices that balance environmental responsibility with business performance
- Digital innovation, including data analytics, distribution technology and virtual experiences
- Entrepreneurship modules that develop business planning and concept development skills
The result is a practical, versatile education that opens doors across multiple industries while developing the adaptability needed in a rapidly changing world. This explains why hospitality graduates now find opportunities in traditional sectors and across the broader experience economy.
Global career outcomes: where hospitality study can take you
The skills learned in hospitality - leadership, customer intelligence, financial acumen - are in demand far beyond the tourism industry. Graduates today are leading event teams, developing branded residences, managing guest experience or consulting on luxury retail strategy.
Some even pivot into real estate, joining teams that develop and operate branded residences.
What they all have in common is this: they started with a hospitality degree that prioritized business, cultural fluency and real-world experience.
At Glion, this global outlook starts early. Through hospitality internships, students work with brands across continents and often receive job offers before graduation.
Alumni success story: Chidochashe Chola
A notable example is Glion alumna Chidochashe Chola, who despite having a marketing background switched to a successful hospitality and tourism management career. In 2020, amid the global pandemic, Chidochashe embarked on a transformative journey by enrolling on Glion's Master’s in International Hospitality Business program.
After completing her studies, she secured an internship in human resources at Lapita, an Autograph Collection hotel in Dubai.
That internship quickly evolved and she was asked to lead a special workforce innovation project with Marriott, an opportunity that opened the door to her current corporate role in Learning & Development. Today, she supports 394 hotels across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Chidochashe's swift ascent in the hospitality industry highlights the wide range of career opportunities available to dedicated individuals in hospitality management. Her journey is a testament to the value of proactive engagement, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.
Her work now bridges cultures, departments and leadership teams and is an inspiring example of how far a Glion degree can take you.
Check out the range of roles Glion graduates pursue on the hospitality careers page.
The global edge: studying hospitality abroad
More hospitality students are choosing to study outside their home country and for good reason. In a sector rooted in international service, cultural understanding and cross-border mobility, global experience is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s expected.
Employers now seek graduates who can adapt, think globally and work with people from every background. That’s exactly what international hospitality education delivers. It equips students with the soft and strategic skills needed to perform across markets, cultures and industries.
Hands-on experience in global hospitality hubs
International campuses place students in the heart of hospitality capitals, from Switzerland to Singapore. That means they benefit from internships, site visits and live projects with luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and international event venues right where trends are being set.
Pathways to global internships and job placements
Many hospitality schools abroad have long-standing partnerships with luxury brands and major employers across continents. These connections open the door to internships and graduate roles that fast-track students into exciting, global careers.
Exposure to international service standards
Hospitality expectations vary from one region to another. Studying abroad gives students firsthand experience with how service, guest behavior and business practices change across cultures, making them more versatile and capable professionals.
Why Switzerland is still the top choice for international hospitality education
Long recognized as the birthplace of modern hospitality, Switzerland still leads the way in 2025. In fact, seven of the top 10 institutions for hospitality and leisure management in the 2025 QS World University Rankings are based in Switzerland.
That reputation isn’t just an historical quirk. It’s a result of strong industry partnerships, academic rigor and an international outlook aligned with the demands of the real world.
Students gain access to opportunities few other countries can offer, from Swiss-based internships to international placements.
A fusion of business and luxury service training
Swiss hospitality schools are known for combining operational know-how with global business strategy. Students develop skills in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship and experience design, all within a luxury-focused environment. This is what sets Swiss-trained professionals apart in global markets.
Strong industry partnerships and career pipelines
Top Swiss institutions maintain close ties with international hotel groups, luxury brands and global employers. These partnerships frequently translate into internships, guest lectures, company visits and direct recruitment pathways. Opportunities abound for students at Swiss hospitality schools and encompass placements across the globe.
Exceptional quality of life and safety
Studying in Switzerland also means living in one of the world’s safest, most well-organized countries. Clean cities, excellent public transport, and access to nature create an environment that supports academic focus and personal well-being, which are important factors for many international students and their families.
Cross-cultural learning that builds long-term value
The true benefit of studying abroad is the people you meet and the perspectives you gain. A recent LSPM report found that 85% of students who studied hospitality internationally felt better equipped to communicate across cultures and lead in international settings.
You graduate with a respected degree, a global network, proven adaptability and the confidence to lead anywhere.
This is exactly what students describe in 'Why I Chose Glion,' an article in which alumni share how international study boosted their confidence, opened doors and redefined their career ambitions.
Studying hospitality in Switzerland is the gold standard for those pursuing a career that crosses borders. With world-class academics, global industry access and a multicultural campus experience, Switzerland where international hospitality careers truly begin.
What makes Glion a leader in hospitality business education
If you’re serious about building a global career in hospitality, where you study matters. That’s why so many students ultimately choose Glion.
Global campuses and diverse community
Glion has campuses in Switzerland and London, attracting students from nearly 100 countries. This creates a multicultural environment that reflects the diversity of the hospitality industry. Such exposure improves students' cultural intelligence, preparing them for careers anywhere in the world.
Business-first, people-led
Glion’s curriculum focuses on what makes hospitality important in business: strong leadership, data-driven decision making and experience design. Studying a business management hospitality degree enables students to build a deep understanding of finance, strategy, marketing and innovation while still learning how to serve guests at the highest level.
Strong industry connections
With more than 4,000 industry partners, Glion has robust ties with leading hospitality and luxury brands. This network facilitates valuable internships and employment opportunities, contributing to a graduate employment rate of more than 90%. Industry connections also help ensure the curriculum remains aligned with current standards and expectations.
World-class faculty
Comprising professionals and academics with extensive experience, the faculty at Glion has been recognized with industry awards and many have held prestigious positions in leading organizations. Their expertise gives students insights into real-world challenges and trends, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Comprehensive hospitality management programs
Glion offers robust undergraduate and graduate pathways for those pursuing careers in the hospitality sector. The Bachelor’s in International Hospitality Business integrates practical and academic learning and includes professional internships that provide real-world experience.
For advanced studies, the Master’s in Hospitality Business Leadership focuses on strategic management techniques, equipping graduates with the skills necessary for leadership roles in the hospitality and tourism management sectors.
Specialized curriculum with hands-on experience
The programs at Glion are designed to cover essential areas such as revenue management, financial management, event planning and hotel management. Students also gain valuable work experience through internships and applied business projects.
This experiential learning approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to handle the complexities of the tourism industry.
It’s easy to see why Glion continues to set the standard for hospitality business education.
Your hospitality journey starts here
Studying hospitality opens the door to an amazing industry and enables you to build a career that can take you anywhere.
The skills you gain are practical. You learn to manage people, run operations and think like a business leader. And because hospitality touches everything from luxury travel to real estate and brand experience, your options remain open.
Even during global setbacks, this industry finds ways to adapt. That resilience, paired with a culture of innovation, is what makes hospitality a smart choice for the long term.
If you’re interested in building a career that’s international, versatile and full of opportunity, a hospitality education could be the perfect gateway.
