Welcome to Le Bouveret www.ritz.edu

Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz” THINGS TO REMEMBER STUDENT LIFE

Switzerland

Founded in 1291, has almost always been The transport and tourism infrastructures are politically neutral and is now the most politically among the best in the world, making it very easy and stable country in the world. The safe environment, comfortable for visitors to travel around the country. natural beauty, cleanliness, cultural and linguistic Switzerland is centrally located in Europe, giving diversity, and Swiss reputation for excellence and students the opportunity to visit and experience professionalism add to the experience. other European countries.

Small Country, Big Heart Switzerland and Tourism

Consisting of 26 Considered as the cantons (or states), birthplace of tourism, Switzerland is located p eople f rom a l l in the heart of Europe over the world visit and surrounded by Switzerland for its five countries: Italy, natural beauty and F r a n c e , A u s t r i a , outstanding quality Germany, and Liech- of service. This tiny tenstein. The total nation has 5,600 population is approxi- hotels that provide mately 7.6 million, accommodation for of which twenty more than 35 million percent are expatri- guests every year! ates. The largest cities The Swiss hospitality in Switzerland are: industry not only Zurich (centre for welcomes many in- business and finance); ternational visitors Basel (cultural capi- but also employs a tal); Geneva (home truly international of the United Nations work force. This is and International Red reflected in Swiss Cross); Bern (capital hotel management of the country); and schools in terms (Olympic of the curriculum capita l). A lthough offered and the mix Switzerland is a very of the student popu- small country, four lation. In a country languages are spoken: that has some of the German in the north and east; French in the west; most prestigious hotel management schools in the Italian in the south; and Romansh in the south- world, the quality of the country’s human resources eastern region. is second to none, ensuring an extensive supply of highly qualified staff for the industry.

Culture and Leisure www.aseh.ch www.myswitzerland.com Switzerland’s mountains, valleys, lakes and glaciers offer students year-round opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, skating, paragliding, rafting, sailing, mountain biking and horse riding. World-renowned exhibitions and festivals take place throughout the calendar year satisfying all cultural tastes in music from pop to jazz to classical. In short, Switzerland offers an extensive range of sporting and cultural activities.

3 How to Get to Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz”

By Car from: Geneva/Lausanne/Montreux

• Take the A9 motorway direction Brig/Simplon until the Villeneuve exit 16 • Drive for approximately 12 km following the sign to Evian • When entering Le Bouveret, stay on the main road through the village in the direction of Evian and you will find the college on your left-hand side

By Car from: Zurich/Bern/Fribourg

• Take the A12 motorway direction Bern/Fribourg/. In Vevey, follow the sign to Brig/Simplon on the A9 until the Villeneuve exit 16 • Drive for approximately 12 km following the sign to Evian • When entering Le Bouveret, stay on the main road through the village in the direction of Evian and you will find the college on your left-hand side

By Car from: Milan (Italy)/Tunnel Gran San Bernardo/Martigny

• Take the A4/autostrada Milano-Torino and follow the sign to the Gran San Bernardo for 105 km • Merge onto A5/E25 direction Aosta/Gran San Bernardo for 64 km • Merge onto E27 Tunnel Grand Saint Bernard for 35 km • Exit the tunnel (Swiss side), follow the sign to Lausanne for 72 km and take motorway exit 17 to Aigle • Drive for approximately 12 km following the sign to Evian • When entering Le Bouveret, stay on the main road and drive through the village direction Evian, soon the college will appear on your left-hand side

Germany

Basel Zurich

Liechtenstein France Luzern Austria Bern

Lausanne

LE BOUVERET BRIG

Geneva

Italy Milano

4 By Plane

There are three major international airports in Switzerland: Geneva, Zurich and Basel. Geneva Airport is the closest to the school. Flight reservations need to be made well in advance of your starting date, in particular if you start your semester in January (just after the Christmas and New Year holidays), or in July (European summer holidays) as many flights are fully booked early in the year.

All three airports have their own railway station with a regular service to the town of Le Bouveret. Each start of term, a Welcome Desk is set up directly in front of the “Arrivals” exit at Geneva Airport. It is open from 8:30 to 22:30 hrs. Friday until Sunday prior to the start of term. Senior students will welcome you at the desk, help you buy the train ticket and ensure you take the correct train to Le Bouveret.

By Train

Switzerland offers an efficient network of train connections. It is possible to go directly by train from Geneva to Le Bouveret (changing trains in St-Maurice). The ticket costs CHF 44. Trains from Geneva Airport usually depart every two hours and take approximately two hours to Le Bouveret.

Direct trains from Zurich Airport with a change in Lausanne take nearly three hours so we recommend you book your flight through to Geneva even though you may stop over in Zurich.

Train schedules normally change once per year even though in most cases the changes are not significant. Please visit the website of the Swiss Railways (www.rail.ch) to check for updated departure and arrival times. There you will also find interesting information about travelling in Switzerland by train, student passes, European connections, etc.

Half-Fare Train Pass

We highly recommend you to buy the half-fare train pass. This allows you to travel anywhere in Switzerland at half the regular price of a ticket for a train, bus or boat. If you buy the pass upon arrival in Switzerland it will immediately save you fifty percent on your trip from the airport to Le Bouveret. The pass costs CHF 150 per year.

Combined with the half-fare card, you can also buy the “Voie 7” pass that allows you to travel in second class for free after 19:00 hrs. You must be between the ages of 19-25 to be eligible for this pass and it costs CHF 99 per year.

5 Dress Code

“César Ritz” Colleges Switzerland is a business institution and we expect you to dress and present yourself accordingly. When you are scheduled in class or are participating in formal or special occasions, business attire must be worn unless you have to work in the kitchen, service or as otherwise announced. You are advised to be strict with your personal hygiene and your appearance.

When you are not attending scheduled classes or school events, casual dress may be adopted but you are expected to ensure that your clothes suit the school’s business environment. If you are in doubt about whether your attire would be considered appropriate, you should seek advice from a member of the staff.

Male Students You should wear dark suits (blue, grey, brown or black), a classic collared shirt and a tie. Cardigans/pullovers worn under jackets are permitted as long as they are v-neck and the tie is visible. You should also bring black leather shoes with laces, and black socks.

You must have your hair cut to the regulated length above the collar and not coloured. “Skin-head” type haircuts are not allowed due to their unprofessional look and the connotations involved with such haircuts.

Earrings and piercings of any kind are not permitted. You must be clean- shaven at all times or have a well-trimmed beard or moustache when you come to classes or special events. During the term, you may not start growing a beard or moustache, or dye your hair.

Female Students You should wear skirts/dresses/trousers with coordinating/matching jackets and a blouse or top. No skirts/dresses should be more than 5 cm above the knees. No t-shirts, polo shirts and/or transparent clothing are allowed. Cardigans/pullovers worn under jackets are permitted as long as they are v-neck. You should also bring plain, black leather shoes with a small heel, and skin-coloured stockings.

You should refrain from wearing excessive jewelry or the use of extensive make-up, perfume and hair colour. Piercings are limited to one per ear.

Visible tattoos are unacceptable.

6 Don‘t Forget

Generally most items are available in town or in the region and you will be able to purchase whatever you need. You will notice, however, that the prices are usually more expensive than they would be in your country.

What to Bring • At least two business suits to wear to class, training, interviews and special occasions • Minimum of five shirts or blouses with a classic collar and a couple of ties/scarves • Wool scarf, hat, gloves, winter jacket and snow boots (it can be very cold in winter) • Sports clothes and shoes • Pyjamas, nightdresses, bathrobe and slippers • Laptop computer (if you own one it is advisable to bring it along) • Dictionaries • Calculator • 220 volts round prongs/European connector

The school also encourages you to bring your country’s traditional costume and/or formal dress for special events or functions.

Other Items You Might Choose to Bring • Small travel radio, iPod and alarm clock • Hair dryer (220 volts) • Beach towel (Switzerland offers great opportunities to swim in the summer and in winter, trips are organized to thermal spas and heated swimming pools in the area) • Ski or snowboard equipment (there will be plenty of opportunities during your stay to enjoy the slopes and it is also possible to rent ski equipment for the day or the entire season) • Hiking boots (the Alps offer great opportunities for hiking) • Any other sports equipment (e.g. tennis/squash/badminton racket, golf clubs or bicycle) N.B. bicycles must be insured and registered annually and the school does not supply a storage room

We also advise you to bring several passport photos as these will be required for a variety of membership cards and passes.

What NOT to Bring

For safety reasons, you are not allowed to keep or use ironing equipment or cooking appliances in your room (e.g. kettles, heating elements, rice cookers, toasters). Kettles to boil water and microwaves are available in the residential areas. Pets are forbidden in the living quarters provided by the school. Also, it is forbidden to bring or possess firearms, knives or any weapons as well as alcohol other than beer or wine, and illegal drugs. Drugs issued on prescription by a registered doctor are permitted.

7 Administrative Information

Term Dates 2009 summer 13 July - 25 September Fall 5 October - 18 December

2010 Winter 11 January - 26 March spring 5 April - 18 June Summer 12 July - 24 September Fall 4 October - 17 December

2011 Winter 10 January - 25 March Spring 4 April - 17 June

Your Arrival Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz” looks forward to welcoming you between 9:00 and 22:30 hrs. on Friday, Saturday or Sunday prior to the start of the term. You are required to inform the school of your arrival date and time prior to your arrival.

For early or late arrivals you may be charged an extra fee. Should you be unable to arrive during the days and times indicated, please contact the college immediately.

Student Account On arrival at Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz”, the student account of CHF 3,000 paid upon registration will be activated under your name at the college. This account is not subject to interest rates and may not be used for any personal expenses such as telephone fees, fines, outstanding bills or school fees.

The student account of CHF 3,000 is usually sufficient for six months (i.e. two terms of study) for textbooks, service and kitchen uniforms, medical insurance, as well as a student resident (B) permit.

For Culinary Arts students, your knife set and personal uniform should be paid for in cash upon arrival.

After these two terms or once you have left for internship in Switzerland, you will be required to restock your student account to CHF 3,000 depending on the number of remaining terms of study.

English Placement If you are a non-native English speaking student with or without an official TOEFL/IELTS score, upon arrival you will need to take an English Placement Test. Should the score be below the required minimum level, you will be advised to enrol in the English Language Programme. Once the English level is achieved, you will then be allowed to start the programme in which you have enrolled.

If you have a low TOEFL/IELTS score and require English support classes during your first term of study, you will be enrolled in these instead of foreign language classes. This is a no-credit course and does not count towards graduation requirements.

8 Medical Insurance The Swiss law on health insurance makes it compulsory for any resident in Switzerland, except European Community (EU) students, to be insured with a Swiss-based health insurance company. As a student resident (B) permit holder, you will automatically enter into this category and will be therefore covered for health, accidents and travel during your studies and internship in Switzerland by CSS Assurance.

The cost of the insurance for students under 30 years old is CHF 165 per month. A deductible fee of CHF 100 per calendar year applies when you receive an invoice for medical treatment, however, certain prescription medicine is not covered.

If you are a Swiss or EU citizen, you have the possibility to keep your own insurance, provided that you can submit an insurance policy that is approved by the Swiss government. Please provide your EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) upon arrival.

Doctors and Hospitals When you are at the institute, our local doctors are in Le Bouveret next to the town pharmacy and in Vionnaz. To make sure that the related treatment is covered by insurance, you must only use the school doctors or the hospitals in Aigle or Monthey. If you wish to see a different doctor, you should make sure that the college’s insurance will cover the related expenses and make your own arrangements for transport. If possible, appointments should be made outside of class time and must be made through the Head of Housekeeping.

During your internship, if you need to be hospitalized for a planned operation (e.g. surgery) you must be hospitalized in the Canton of . However, if it is an emergency, you can go to the hospital nearest to your in-training location.

At all times, the Resident Assistants are able to provide assistance and further information.

9 Stay Connected

Main Building Housekeeping Basement Laundry/uniforms

Programme Coordinator/ Leadership Programme Director Director of Learning and Teaching

Students’ laundry Training Coordinator and ironing boards Culinary Arts office Escoffier kitchen Academic Director Main Building

Ground Floor Leman Room Back office

Main kitchen Director of Institut Reception Hôtelier “César Ritz” César’s Lounge Administration Main entrance “César Ritz” dining room

Key System Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz” has a key system that enables you to enter all the main doors of the building with your room key. The main doors are locked from 22:00 to 8:00 hrs., but will open with your key.

Cellphones When arriving at “César Ritz” Colleges Switzerland you will be required to purchase a cellphone which is connected to the “César Ritz” Colleges' network (configured only for use in Switzerland). You are allowed unlimited free calling to any of your fellow students, as well as discounted rates on calls abroad. You will be provided with more information about the phone network upon arrival.

Mail System Parents and friends should address their mail to you Internet as follows: Wireless Internet is available throughout the school. First name and Surname (in English) To access the network, you will need to get the SSID Student number (if known) name and password from the IT department upon Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz” arrival. Route Cantonale 51 1897 Le Bouveret Switzerland E-mail Mail is collected in the morning by the class Upon arrival you will receive your own lifelong e-mail representative and distributed in class. address to stay in touch with the “César Ritz” family.

10 Getting Settled

Superior Rooms Superior double and triple rooms are modern and comfortable and have a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms are spacious and furnished with a desk, office chair and sufficient storage and cupboard space. Rooms are also equipped with wireless Internet connections.

Standard Rooms

A number of single standard rooms are available upon request at an additional charge. These rooms have the same features as the superior rooms except that there is a washbasin in the room (the bathroom and shower facilities are shared).

Deluxe Rooms With the same features as the superior rooms, double deluxe rooms offer additional equipment including satellite TV, DVD player, refrigerator and private safe.

All of the bedrooms are non-smoking and are cleaned weekly and restocked with fresh towels and linen. Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis. When the campus is fully booked, off-campus accommodation may be provided.

Laundry Facilities Washing machines, dryers, ironing boards and irons are available for your use in both the main building and the Bellevue building. All machines are operated with prepaid cards that can be purchased at the Reception (Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 hrs.) and Saturdays and Sundays at César’s Lounge.

Resident Assistants Resident Assistants (RA’s) are senior students living on campus whose responsibility is to enhance the overall quality of residential life. They also act as liaisons between the administration and the student body. Please do not hesitate to contact the RA’s if you have any questions about college, social or personal issues during your stay at “César Ritz” Colleges Switzerland. The RA’s are here to help you!

11 On Campus

“César Ritz” Dining TV and Video The “César Ritz” dining room is situated on the On the ground floor of the Bellevue building, you ground floor and is open Monday to Friday for lunch will find a television room fitted with a home cinema and dinner. In the dining room, our second term TV, a DVD player, a Wii and linked to satellite. There students will serve you three-course meals or theme is also a flat-screen TV situated in the César’s Lounge buffets to practice their service skills. where sports events and news are displayed all day long.

The McRitz cafeteria is on the first floor and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the weekend, brunch and dinner are served.

César’s Lounge César’s Lounge is the place to meet people at Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz”. Open all week, it offers all kinds of Piano beverages and a variety of snacks. A piano is available in the Leman Room. If you would like to play, please contact the Reception or the Student Activities Coordinator.

12 Computer Lab and Drop-in Lab Library The computer lab is equipped with thirty personal The library holds over 4,000 books and over 40 computers and all necessary software is installed journal titles. The largest collections are within the including standard programmes like MS Office and gastronomy and hospitality subjects. The library also other hospitality-based packages. More computers are has databases, CD’s and DVD’s. available anytime in the drop-in lab located on the second floor. At the beginning of each term, you are offered a printing quota equivalent to CHF 30. Please note that the computer lab is not available during term breaks unless expressly stated otherwise.

Study Area There is a quiet study area available most of the evenings in the main building where students can benefit from a personal tutor. We also have a student monitoring system enabling stronger students to help their classmates.

13 Getting Around

Public Transportation The Swiss public transportation system is wonderful and allows easy travelling within Switzerland and surrounding countries. From the campus, the train, bus and boat can be reached in less than five minutes.

For more information about train, boat and bus schedules visit: www.rail.ch, www.cgn.ch.

8 Le Bouveret Campus

1 Main building 4 2 Main entry / Reception 6 3 3 Residence Bellevue 7 4 Classrooms 5 Student Club/BBQ area 5 6 Garden 1 10 7 Basketball/volleyball court 11 2 9 8 Soccer field 9 Staff/visitor parking 9 9 10 Bicycle storage 11 Student parking

Parking

If you own or rent a car, you are required to give your car’s registration number to the Reception during check-in to enable the school to identify the owner. This procedure also applies if you purchase a car during the course of the term. You can park your car outside the Bellevue building. Parking lots located directly outside the institute are reserved for visitors and staff. Parking is strictly forbidden along the gravel path leading to the church. Remember to always park with consideration towards other car owners. Blue zone (short stay) parking spots are also available in front of the two banks in Le Bouveret.

14 Within Walking Distance – Le Bouveret Village

Shops Supermarket • Migros • Denner

Other • Newsagent • Hair dresser

Post Office Restaurants and Bars • Bakery • La Lagune • Bellevue • Le Léman The post office is located on the main road (Route • Central Pub • Le Phare Cantonale). It is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to • La Batelière • Le Terminus 11:30 hrs. and 14:30 to 18:00 hrs., on Saturdays from • Le Colibri • Taverne de la Tour 9:00 to 11:00 hrs. and is closed on Sunday. The local • La Fringale • Terrasse du Port post office also offers a banking service. (take-away) • Tonkin Pub

Banks Pharmacy During the induction period, bank representatives The pharmacy is located on the main road in will visit the school to register students who are Le Bouveret, just three minutes walk from the school. interested. As a bank account holder, you will receive The pharmacy is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a bank card that can be used to withdraw cash at to 12:00 hrs. and 14:00 to 18:30 hrs., on Saturdays from all banks in Switzerland as well as ATM machines. 8:00 to 12:00 hrs. and 14:00 to 16:00 hrs. On Sundays Should you wish to transfer money in and out of the pharmacy opens for emergencies from 11:00 to Switzerland, you can do so through your bank account 12:00 hrs. via Western Union. The local “Banque Cantonale” is located on the main road in Le Bouveret, just three minutes walk from the campus. Also along the Leisures main road is the “Raiffeisen Bank”, next to the pharmacy. Both banks have an Le Bouveret offers a wide ATM for cash withdrawals range of activities nearby available 24 hours per day. and all year round. You might like to discover “mini Switzerland” at Cost of Living the Swiss Vapeur Park or feel the sun of the Depending on your lifestyle Caribbean at Aquaparc and the country you are (to get one free entry from, you should budget a ask the Reception). minimum of CHF 300 per During the summer month for living expenses to season you can dive allow you to enjoy not only into the outdoor the school but also the Swiss swimming pool or lifestyle. any- time you wish and participate in water sports.

15 Having Fun

Student Committee The aim of the Student Committee is to represent the entire student body. The committee works closely with the Student Activities Coordinator to promote and improve your quality of life. Some of the responsibilities of the Student Committee are to organize extracurricular activities and speak on your behalf.

Remember that you are encouraged to suggest acti- vities that would interest you to the Student Commit- tee or the Student Services. Chances are a fellow stu- dent may also be interested. Get involved and enjoy the experience!

More activities may be found on www.ritz.edu under News.

Social Activities Events and excursions are scheduled regularly to help enhance your life outside the campus environment. This gives you the chance to develop your professional knowledge and discover the country where you are living through such excursions. Some of these include but are not limited to city excursions in and out of Switzerland as well as sporting trips.

Theme nights and special events happen regularly. The most famous celebrations include the Icebreaker party, the Oriental Moon Festival, and the summer BBQ.

Hot Places The surroundings of Le Bouveret offer other ways to enjoy your stay at Institut Hôtelier “César Ritz”. As a student, you will enjoy meeting your friends in Montreux at the Pravda Bar and the Black Pearl Club as well as in the summer taking part in the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival (www.montreuxjazz. com). Mid-term and birthday parties are also organized by the Student Committee from time to time in Lausanne’s clubs such as the Red Club, the D!Club and the Mad.

16 Student Club The Student Club, the famous “Dog & Lamppost”, is located next to the Bellevue building and is run by the Student Committee. It is generally open on Friday and Saturday nights.

Check the screen regularly at the Reception as it lists a variety of themed parties and events.

17 Sports

We believe that giving you an opportunity to Bicycles participate in physical activity allows you to fully develop your potential. You will, therefore, have Do you feel like a bike ride around Le Bouveret? The the opportunity to take part in several sports and school has a number of bicycles available for loan activities on campus even daily if you wish to do so. through the Reception. All bikes must be signed in and out. You can cycle anywhere in the area and there are plenty of good paths to try out. It is recommended that for your own safety, you check the Team Activities bike thoroughly before using it as the college will not be liable for any resulting injury. There are facilities to practice soccer (football), cricket, basketball and volleyball at the institute. The soccer field, which also serves as a cricket pitch, is situated at the back of the school. Fitness Room

We also have the use of an indoor basketball court A fully equipped gym is available for students in the at the Ecole des Missions, situated about 300 basement of the Bellevue building. The gym is open meters from the campus. See the Student Activities daily from 8:00 to 22:00 hrs. Also, on the first floor Coordinator for any information and make use of the Bellevue building, there is a work-out room. of these facilities.

18 Pool Table, Ping-Pong and Table easily accessible by public transport. Ski trips Soccer are organized by the school on most weekends when snow conditions permit. In general, there is some- You can play pool, ping-pong and table soccer in the thing for every taste including tobogganing, skating, Games Room on the ground floor of the Bellevue hockey, ice climbing and mountaineering. building. This is for general student use and we ask you to treat the equipment as though it was your own. Summer Activities Winter Activities There are many hiking trails around the school and the surrounding area. The mountainous region is Although Switzerland is known as an all-seasons beautiful and perfect for such adventures. Summer tourist paradise, it is really during the winter months skiing is also available and very popular so real ski that the country has a truly breathless array of delights enthusiasts can quench their desire to ski twelve on offer. From December until April, Switzerland months a year. The area is also great for mountain provides the best opportunities for winter sports biking and horseback riding. Because Institut Hôtelier in the world. There are numerous world-class ski “César Ritz” is located next to Lake Geneva, it offers resorts, many of which are located close to the school a great opportunity for students to enjoy swimming, (Portes du Soleil, Villars, Verbier, Chamonix) and are sailing, waterskiing and canoeing.

19 What Students Say…

“ Life at “César Ritz” Colleges is very dynamic and internationally diverse; an environment that welcomes you as a family member for life. ” Philippe Cavatore (Germany)

“ The cultural mix is very interesting. It gives me the opportunity to learn something firsthand that I could never learn from a book. ” Christine Onunda (Kenya)

“ Imagine an idyllic landscape with beautiful lakes, snowy peaks and green meadows as far as the eye can see. Many might think it’s the perfect holiday getaway but for me, it’s the place I’ve called home for the past two years – Switzerland. ” Johan Bin Nasir Yeo (Malaysia)

“ Student life is never boring thanks to the Student Committee that organizes a host of events such as hiking trips, sports days, movie nights, parties and much more. ” Nataliya Kopailova (Russia/Kazakhstan)

Institut Hôtelier ”César Ritz” Route Cantonale 51 1897 Le Bouveret - Switzerland Tel. +41 24 482 82 82 - Fax +41 24 482 88 99 05/09 Photos: Emo Photo The content of this publication may change at any time without prior notice. Design: Aquatre, Lausanne