About the Program
The Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Cesar Ritz Swiss Study/Work abroad program is an incredible experience that provides HTM students at the Isenberg School of Management the unique opportunity to study at the world famous Cesar Ritz College in Switzerland. Students complete their coursework at the Brig campus of Cesar Ritz. The Brig campus is known for its focus on the hospitality sector and is located in the charming town of Brig, Switzerland. Students who study for two terms (Learn6/Work6) have the option of being placed in a four to six month paid industry position in the Lodging or Foodservice industry in Switzerland or Europe. More than 75 students from the HTM program have participated since 2005.
Participating students have three options:
- Learn3: A student studies at Cesar Ritz College - The Brig campus for 3 months (one term) and earns 15 academic credits, fully transferable for HTM courses and electives, with no participation in the work experience.
- Learn6: A student studies at Cesar Ritz College - The Brig campus for 6 months (two terms) and earns 30 academic credits, fully transferable for HTM courses and electives, with no participation in the work experience.
- Learn6/Work6: A student studies at Cesar Ritz College - The Brig campus for 6 months (two terms) and earns 30 academic credits, fully transferable for HTM courses and electives. During the second six months of the program, they are placed in a 4-6 month paid hospitality operations position in Switzerland or Europe.
The courses in Switzerland are all in English and are fully transferable back to the Isenberg HTM department as part of a complete articulation agreement. The transfer of courses allows the student to participate in any of the three options, usually without delaying or interfering with anticipated graduation dates.
A student who chooses Learn6/Work6 is highly recommended to take two terms of German language at Cesar Ritz. (For students working outside of Switzerland, the language courses can be waived). The current rate of pay in Switzerland is approximately CFH 2,600 per month. Students can also do internships in other countries and payment varies depending on the country. The work experience fulfills the 400-hour HTM work experience requirement, therefore students can take HT-MGT 298W the semester in which they return to UMass from abroad. The work experience is invaluable for the student in learning about different cultures and working internationally. This exciting opportunity helps the student gain confidence and international work experience in a country known worldwide for food service, lodging and tourism excellence. All work experience is paid employment and may include some arrangements for housing. The work experience component is only available for students studying for two full terms.
Application Details
For more information, including starting your application and the cost of the program, visit the following links:
Click on the link to bring you to the Office of Global Affairs’ (OGA’s) site for the program that you are choosing. Information on the program, cost, and other details are found there. You will need to create a UMass Abroad account and then you can begin to work on the application. The application must be completed online via the OGA website application. You should try to have everything completed at least one month before the stated deadlines.
- UMass: Switzerland: CRCS Learn3 Program click here
- UMass: Switzerland: CRCS Learn6 or Learn6/Work6 Program click here
- UMass: Office of Global Affairs: Steps to Study Abroad
Abroad Planning
As part of your academic planning, you will meet with an Isenberg Academic Advisor in the Undergraduate Programs Office. You will discuss requirements to pursue (or avoid) while abroad, course approvals, and how to best stay on track for graduation. You can find detailed instructions about Isenberg’s planning process for study abroad here.
Courses Offered
Click here to view the list of courses offered and how they transfer back to UMass and your HTM degree.
Visas
Check with OGA to determine if you will need a visa. Generally, visas are not required for US citizens if you will be participating in the Learn3 option and will not stay in Switzerland/Europe for more than 90 days. If you choose the Learn6 or Learn6/Work6 option, you will need a visa. The visas can take at least two months to obtain, and you can apply for visas only after acceptance into the program and after Cesar Ritz supplies the embassy with your information and start dates. If you are an international student, visas may be required for any option, and visas can take longer to obtain, so plan ahead.
Cost of the Program
The cost is determined by Cesar Ritz, depends on which program option you choose, and is subject to change. The tuition, fees, room and board are similar to what an out of state student pays at UMass. If you currently receive financial aid, it will usually continue while studying in Switzerland. See the links above for the specific programs to determine the current cost.
As part of the application process, make an appointment to see Ilene Tillman, UMass Education Abroad Advisor for this program. She can be contacted at 413-545-2710 or itillman@umass.edu. If you are receiving financial aid, you will want to coordinate that with her and OGA to determine if you will continue to receive the financial aid while studying abroad.
As part of your application process, please also make an appointment with Dr. Irem Onder, Program Director, ionder@isenberg.umass.edu. Once you make your selection with Isenberg advising, please e-mail the list to Irem Onder and she will check on whether the courses are offered during the term that you select. Please note that Cesar Ritz does not always offer every course every term.
Scholarship Aid
Some additional scholarship aid is available and applications are reviewed by the HTM Department. Click here for the scholarship application.
Info Sessions are offered twice each semester (both in person and Zoom) and provide detailed information about the Cesar Ritz program. Contact Irem Onder Neuhofer for more details.