Choosing a school or university is one of the most important decisions young adults will make. While every student has their own criteria, we asked our students and alumni to share some tips to make this important decision easier.
In this article, we will look at two things: the location of the school and its size.
Location and international dimension
Do you want to study close to home, in a nearby city or in another country? While staying in your city or region provides some comfort, studying abroad is a unique opportunity to experience the world from a new perspective. Along the same lines, consider checking the percentage of international students at each school. Indeed, with the economy becoming increasingly globalized, being around international students can have a significant impact on your career.
In fact, studying abroad doesn’t just provide exposure to different cultures and worldviews. According to the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) , nearly 90% of students who studied abroad landed a job within six months of graduation. This is especially true for students interested in careers in hospitality or tourism management, as they need to learn about communities different from their own.
Finally, be aware that some schools offer internships abroad as part of their courses. They allow their students to discover the world of work in another cultural environment.
Karim Karouni , Bachelor student at EHL: By studying in Switzerland, I was able to visit more than 10 cities in less than 2 years! EHL students can do internships all over the world. During my operational internship in Dubai, I met exceptional people and learned a lot. I loved this practical experience.
The size of a school can impact your social life, as well as your academic and internship opportunities. Smaller campuses (under 5,000 students) foster a sense of community and limit competition for classes, internships, clubs, and facilities. Not only will you get to know everyone in your class, but you’ll also be more than just another face to your teachers and advisors, who at larger schools tend to lose track of who’s who.
Businesses aren’t built in classrooms. Neither are our students.
The ratio of faculty to student count is important, especially if you value interaction with other students and/or your instructors . Depending on the school you end up choosing and the courses you enroll in, you could end up in a classroom of 15 or a lecture hall packed with hundreds of students. Evidence shows that smaller classes are more likely to be successful academically. Students are also more likely to be listened to and asked questions, both of which are essential for interactive learning.
Anne Treacy-Pelichet, EHL alumna and admissions advisor: I think the relationship with the school of your choice really begins the day a prospective student starts researching the school and continues throughout their life. This may sound a bit extreme, but I think this is where EHL really stands out. EHL is a way of life, a family that grows with and for each student, accompanying them throughout their years on campus, during their internships and even after graduation, when they take their first steps into the professional world. It is also a family whose legacy they continue when they join the alumni network.
