EHL Hospitality Business School: How experiential learning prepares leaders across sectors

Swiss learning model blends theoretical principles with practical application.

EHL Hospitality Business School transcends traditional education by embracing a dynamic model that combines academic rigor with hands-on practice and real-world experience. This innovative approach, known as experiential learning, has become a cornerstone of EHL’s pedagogy, fostering a new generation of leaders equipped with business acumen, customer service experience and human-centered leadership skills that stretch into sectors beyond hospitality.

For over 130 years, and as the first hospitality business school in the world, EHL has been a pioneer in hospitality education. In 2024, it was recognized once again as the world’s leading institution for hospitality and leisure management by QS World University Rankings, marking the sixth consecutive year of this prestigious accolade. In addition, EHL Hospitality Business School is also recognized by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) as one of the best business schools in the world.

Swiss Learning Model

EHL’s success is deeply rooted in its Swiss learning model, which blends academic theory with practical application. This educational philosophy ensures that students not only understand hospitality principles but also know how to apply them in real-world settings.

Dr. Achim Schmitt, dean of EHL Hospitality Business School, highlights the significance of this approach: “At EHL, we offer our students a pedagogy based on experiential learning and the teaching of both soft and hard skills. Our campus in Lausanne offers top-notch infrastructures and fully immerses our students in an environment that fosters human interactions.”

A prime example of this immersive learning is EHL’s on-campus Michelin-starred application restaurant, The Berceau des Sens, where students gain firsthand experience in a luxury dining environment. They serve discerning guests and learn the intricacies of high-end hospitality. “The Berceau des Sens enables our students to work during some weeks in a real luxury setting with external guests expecting a high-end fine dining experience,” Dr. Schmitt explains. “This is one of many real-world experiences we offer to our students so they can truly embrace and live luxury beyond the traditional classroom environment.”

Hospitality Skills for Leadership

EHL’s curriculum is designed to develop both soft and hard skills to strengthen core competencies sought after by global companies across sectors. Emotional intelligence, human-centered leadership, communication and cultural agility are emphasized alongside technical competencies like economics, finance, strategy and marketing. This dual focus ensures that graduates are well-rounded professionals capable of leading diverse teams and making informed business decisions. The journey through EHL’s programs begins with a preparatory year divided into two semesters, focusing on foundational knowledge in hotel and restaurant operations, followed by a six-month operational internship. This structure ensures that students build a strong practical foundation early in their education and understand the operational challenges.

• Throughout their studies, EHL students engage in various hands-on activities, including compulsory internships, real-life business projects and industry conferences. These experiences are designed to reinforce classroom learning with practical application.
• In their final semester, students work on consulting projects for real clients, conducting research and offering recommendations that address actual business challenges. Over 600 such projects have been completed with renowned companies like Accor, Nestlé and Audemars Piguet, often leading to job offers for the students involved.

Bridging the Academic and Business Worlds

EHL’s strong ties with the industry provide students with unparalleled networking opportunities. The school partners with prestigious luxury brands such as LVMH and Chopard, as well as health care institutions and consumer brands, bringing industry leaders on campus to share insights and discuss current trends. These interactions allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and build valuable professional connections.

Dr. Schmitt emphasizes the importance of industry engagement: “We partner with many brands whose C-level executives frequently come on campus for their own learning and development as well as to talk to our students and faculty about the industry’s trends and real challenges. This way, they do not only invest in their own careers but also provide our students with hands-on insights, connect with new talent and allow to enrich their own perspectives.”

• EHL’s commitment to experiential learning extends to its master’s and executive education programs, featuring field visits, real-world business projects and direct engagement with industry professionals. These experiences enable students to explore concrete applications in a wide variety of industries and expand their professional networks beyond the academic environment.
• The innovative approach to education at EHL ensures that its graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adept at applying their skills in practical settings. This holistic education model prepares students to become leaders in the hospitality industry and beyond. As Dr. Schmitt notes, “Our curricula are designed to allow students who wish to immerse themselves in the essence of luxury, for example, to specialize through dedicated electives, where they dissect successful luxury brands’ strategies and delve into the nuances of crafting unparalleled experiences.”

As the business landscape and job market continue to evolve, EHL remains dedicated to nurturing talent that can meet and exceed ever-changing demands, ensuring its graduates are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary for success.

Learn more about EHL Hospitality Business School at www.ehl.edu.