Considering Les Roches Crans Montana? Get the full picture

Whether you’re about to leave high school or are considering a postgraduate course, this Q&A will help you get all the answers you need about Les Roches admissions, programs and student life.

Entry requirements. Scholarships. Everyday life. It all came up in a recent Instagram live Q&A session. We’ve put all the answers together in one handy blog post, so, if you’re thinking about studying at Les Roches, you’re in the right place.

Everything you need to know about life at Les Roches

From admissions to scholarships and student life, it’s all here:

1. What is student life like at Les Roches?

Life on-campus is multicultural and a great preparation for a global career in hospitality. The atmosphere is like one big family, with students bringing their own traditions and views, whilst always being open-minded to new experiences.

The studies are demanding and the standard is high, but it makes achievement much more rewarding. Once the classes are over for the day, there’s lots to do in the form of student-run committees, sports and events to attend. The Student Governance Association (SGA) organizes lots of activities each semester and they are very well supported by the school, with funding and connections made available.

Trips outside of school happen almost every weekend and are mainly organised by the Student Affairs Department. The outings are linked to sport, culture or discovery of Switzerland and cities in neighbouring countries. Learn more about campus life and see what students have been up to on our Instagram and blog.

In the evenings and at weekends, the central European location of Crans-Montana means you have the Alps on your doorstep for skiing or walking, depending on the season. Lake Geneva is a short drive away, and Lake Como, Turin and Milan are just over the Italian border.

2. What’s the accommodation like?

All of our buildings are within a 10-minute walk of the school. We have single rooms and shared double rooms, with a bathroom (some buildings have shared bathrooms), storage space and a desk. All residential buildings have laundry facilities a communal area and WiFi throughout.

Once you’ve made your pre-payment, you will receive an email to book accommodation online as soon as the Housing Platform is open. If you don’t select a room, a room will be assigned to you once on campus.

3. Does Les Roches provide scholarships?

We do provide a small number of scholarships and financial aid packages to help the most motivated applicants. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis and scholarships vary in amount and duration. You’ll find more information on our Admissions page, including details on our Partner Scholarships and course fees.

4. What is the application deadline?

We recommend submitting your application 12-16 weeks before the start date. We have limited space in each intake and process applications as soon as we receive them. By submitting your application as early as possible, you increase the probability of getting accepted.

You can apply and pay your application fee online, or offline, and will be required to submit the first series of documents, including:

– Application form

– CV/resume

– Proof of English

– Academic records

– Copy of Passport

Within two days (undergraduate) or one week (postgraduate) of submitting your documents, we’ll then contact you to complete your application and for your Admissions Assessment. If you’re accepted to study at Les Roches, you’ll receive your Acceptance Letter within one to three weeks of your assessment. After this, you have 15 days to confirm your place.

5. What are the entry requirements for Les Roches?

The admissions requirements for each program vary, although they are similar. A background in hospitality isn’t essential, but the ability to speak and write in English is, as all course material will be delivered in English. We will always do our best to assist students with learning differences, to ensure an equal opportunity to gain acceptance to the school. Find out more about admissions, lower age limits and previous education using our entry requirements.

6. Do you need to learn a new language to study at Les Roches?

All program material is delivered in English and it’s the common language among students, faculty and staff. So, you’ll need to prove your proficiency to be accepted at Les Roches. French is the main language in the area, but you don’t need to speak French as an entry requirement.

The Les Roches campus is a truly multicultural environment, with 100 nationalities represented. You’ll always be able to find someone who speaks your mother tongue, and have plenty of motivation to start learning a new language form around the world! If you’re an undergraduate, language courses are included in the Bachelor program.

7. Do I need a visa and does it cover a full year?

The Swiss student visa is only three months long, which is why Les Roches applies for a student’s residence permit on your behalf . This permit duration is longer than the visa, and its actual length will vary depending on the study program. Internships are normally covered in the permit validity, if the internship is included in the study programme, and if the student remains registered at Les Roches.

8. What are the career opportunities after Les Roches?

Prepare to be in-demand. Graduation from Les Roches is well-respected around the world at leading businesses in hospitality, and beyond. On graduation day, 94% of our students are either employed or continuing studies. Les Roches is ranked number 2 for employer reputation among hospitality institutes worldwide, with companies hiring our graduates for their unrivalled combination of business skills, real-world experience and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Watch employer testimonials on our YouTube channel and read our student success stories. Then learn more about your career opportunities in hospitality.

9. What are the classes like during the Bachelor’s first semester (BBA1) involving Practical Arts?

During the first semester, you will learn all of the practical skills you need for your first internship, your further studies and your career. This practical element allows you to identify where you want to focus within hospitality, and as a manager it will enable you to build stronger relationships with your employees. You’ll be immersed in service, kitchen and rooms divisions. What to expect:

Service

Learn how to deliver excellent service while working in different campus venues – including fine dining, banquet and fast-service situations. Make cocktails and build your understanding of bar and beverage principles through mixology and oenology classes. These are the skills you need to run a real restaurant.

Kitchen

Learn how to handle stressful situations with grace and professionalism, and get a better understanding of running a professional kitchen under the guidance of our instructors. Develop your knowledge of food preparation, safety measures and hygiene standards as you prepare meals for various campus outlets.

Rooms division

Discover what five-star hospitality really means. Experience life as a clerk or front-office manager in realistic simulations in our purpose-built front-office counter. Practice the art of making guests feel welcome, and master industry software programs, planning tools and yield-management techniques.

10. How long are the PGD course, the MBA in Global Hospitality Management and the Master’s in Hospitality Strategy & Digital Transformation?

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) is made up of one semester and one six-month internship. The MBA is two semesters on-campus, with two international field trips. The Master’s is one year on campus plus a six-month capstone project or internship.

11. How often do companies visit the campus with internship opportunities?

Once each semester (twice a calendar year), the Career and Recruitment Day brings 80+ leading brands in hospitality and beyond to our campus. These recruitment teams come to source the very best talent for their internships, MIT (Manager in Training) programs and full-time jobs. You can expect face-to-face relationship-building opportunities and even interviews on the day. Definitely an event that will boost your LinkedIn network, and your career.

Take a look at where you could end up with a Les Roches internship…

@lesroches.eduPaula Otto’s Dream Internship at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora ?? BBA5 student Paula Otto is living a dream many aspire to. She’s currently immersing herself in an extraordinary internship experience as an Events Intern at the renowned Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of turquoise waters and breathtaking natural beauty, this internship is more than just an opportunity to hone her event management skills. It’s a journey that intertwines professional development with the unique cultural essence of Bora Bora, offering a transformative experience both professionally and personally. As she grows in her career under the guidance of one of the leading luxury hotel brands, Paula also savors the paradise that is BoraBora. This is where professional aspirations meet personal awe and where every day is a step towards becoming a seasoned expert in luxury hospitality. Join us in celebrating Paula’s incredible journey, where the office views are as enriching as the learning experiences. ?️? #Internship #FourSeasonsBoraBora #LuxuryHospitality #LesRochesStudent #EventManagement

♬ original sound – ???????

12. What is the alumni network like?

As a graduate of Les Roches, you will join the Alumni Association and instantly connect with a family of over 13,000 alumni in over 130 countries. It really is your competitive advantage when you’re looking to advance your career or try a new challenge.

Meet-ups are regular around the world, at national, regional and international reunions and the online job board gives you access to exclusive opportunities. Plus, if you’re looking for investment or advice for your new startup, one-third of Les Roches alumni are entrepreneurs and will be only too happy to help out a fellow Les Rochian. Learn more about the Alumni Network.

More questions answered…

If you’ve already been accepted at Les Roches, you might want to read our Pre-Arrivals Q&A too, and while you’re here, you should definitely check out the 34 questions new Les Roches students always ask for lots more insight!