In Switzerland, where the majestic Alps cast their shadows over scenic lakes and charming towns, lie seven of the top ten hospitality management schools in the world. Two of these institutions are under the umbrella of Sommet Education, a world leader in hospitality education that unites premier hospitality and culinary art schools from across the globe. Drawing upon Swiss traditions, the group has cultivated a dynamic learning environment that nurtures talent and instills a profound sense of professionalism.
Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, said, “We have a global network of five brands and twenty campuses. Two of the top ten globally best-ranked institutions for hospitality education are under our group, including Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, both founded in Switzerland. Les Roches is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, and we’re committed to setting the benchmark when it comes to quality. We’re teaching the most talented students in the world and offering them a transformative experience – training them to become future leaders and positioning them to work for the best employers in the world.”
At the core of the group’s success is its esteemed academic programs. From undergraduate degrees to postgraduate studies, the group offers a comprehensive range of over 400 programs that blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students are immersed in a multicultural environment, where they engage with industry experts, participate in internships at prestigious hotels, and gain firsthand insights into the intricacies of hospitality management and culinary arts.
Domenget added how Swissness is a key ingredient to the group’s overall success. He said, “Swiss values are embedded across all of our brands. For instance, we offer a high level of personalization and impressive ratios of one faculty member to every fourteen students. Our diverse range of courses also adds to our appeal, offering a one-stop shop, from training with the best pastry chefs in the world to the best managers.”
Another one of the group’s crowning achievements is its esteemed network of institutions. Beyond the two Swiss-based flagship campuses, the group also has the culinary and pastry arts schools École Ducasse, Invictus, and Indian School of Hospitality under its purview. They attract aspiring professionals from every corner of the globe, where students are not merely learners but ambassadors of Sommet Education’s philosophy embracing the art of hospitality.
Domenget continued, “Job readiness is also critical. We have a high student placement post-graduation rate with 90-95% of our students finding employment upon graduation. Our graduate employment rate at Invictus in South Africa is 93%, which is particularly impressive due to the country’s high rate of unemployment, especially for youth. We’re proud to be a significant player in the education sector and export Swiss educational values. Switzerland is known for having many sectors of excellence, and education is absolutely one of them.”
The group also has strong allies in the USA. Sommet Education’s École Ducasse has an academic partnership with one of the largest culinary school brands in the USA, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Escoffier students can experience an immersive study abroad program at École Ducasse’s campus in Paris, France. Domenget stated, “America is a gigantic market for the hospitality, food and beverage, and luxury experience industries. The more we can consolidate relationships in the USA the better.”
Furthermore, the group is launching a new campus in Abu Dhabi later this year. Domenget added, “In September we’ll be opening a new campus of Les Roches in Abu Dhabi as the needs in the Middle East for hospitality education are high. We’re planning on also opening another three campuses in South Africa, and aim to open a campus in Shanghai in 2025.”
Always looking for ways to pay it forward, Sommet Education created its own Foundation, offering scholarships to merited individuals from disadvantaged communities. The Foundation aims to provide tools to help with social mobility and address current employment shortages within the sector. It is striving to create a more sustainable and thriving hospitality sector.
Sommet Education is redefining standards in the field, ensuring its graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive. As the group continues to expand, it will mold leaders in the hospitality and culinary industries worldwide.