Your Campus Guide

your campus guide

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STUDYING IN SWITZERLAND

3 Welcome to Les Roches

Dear student,

Congratulations on your acceptance to Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland!

No doubt you have hundreds of questions about what you need to prepare and what life will be like on campus and in Switzerland. This campus guide is designed to answer those questions and put your mind at rest. For any other questions you might have, please do not hesitate to contact our International Enrollment Department who will be delighted to help out.

I would also strongly recommend that you join our Facebook group for new students (sign-up details on the back cover). This is a great way to connect with some of your future classmates and make friends, before you arrive!

Likewise, if you have not already done so, you should check out our student blog on http://blog.lesroches.edu. It gives an excellent insight into what it is like to be a new student at Les Roches in Switzerland.

Good luck with your preparations and see you soon on campus!

Clive Taylor Campus Director

5 Contents

ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN��7 ARRIVAL & TRANSPORT INFORMATION ��8 ◢◢ Early Arrivals ��8 ◢◢ Arrival on Official Days - Between 07:30 - 17:30 ��9 ◢◢ Arrivals After Official Days ��10 CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT ��11 ◢◢ Check-in ��11 ◢◢ Check-out ��11 INDUCTION WEEK ��12

LIFE IN SWITZERLAND ��13 SWITZERLAND OVERVIEW ��15 CRANS-MONTANA OVERVIEW ��16 PRACTICAL INFORMATION ��17 ◢◢ Languages ��17 ◢◢ Weather ��17 ◢◢ Time Zone ��17 ◢◢ Currency ��17 ◢◢ Population ��17 ◢◢ Government ��17 ◢◢ Religion ��18 ◢◢ International Organizations ��18

LIFE ON CAMPUS ��19 DRESS CODE & GENERAL APPEARANCE ��20 ◢◢ Female business dress code �� 21 ◢◢ Male business dress code �� 22 ◢◢ Female casual dress code (weekends & after 18:30 monday - friday) �� 23 6 Contents

◢◢ Male casual dress code (weekends & after 18:30 monday - friday) �� 23 PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE ��24 HEALTH & WELL-BEING ��24 ◢◢ Illness and accidents ��24 ◢◢ Campus well-being ��24 PERSONAL INFORMATION ��25 ◢◢ Dietary Restrictions �� 25 ◢◢ Money and valuables �� 25 ◢◢ Storage of personal belongings �� 25 ◢◢ Mobile phones �� 25 ◢◢ Private Mail and Parcels – postal address of the campus ��26 ◢◢ Telephone calls ��26 ◢◢ Student Identity card ��26 ◢◢ Laundry ��26 ◢◢ Driving ��27 ◢◢ Car / Parking ��27 ◢◢ Room Regulations ��27 ◢◢ Electrical appliances ��28 ◢◢ Security ��28 ◢◢ Sports ��28 ◢◢ Post Bank ��28

LAPTOP REQUIREMENTS ��29 PERSONAL LAPTOP REQUIREMENTS ��30 ◢◢ Bringing Your Own Laptop ��30 ◢◢ Buying a Laptop Through Les Roches �� 32 7

SWITZERLAND

Arrival & check-in

TRANSPORT INFORMATION, CAMPUS CHECK-IN & INDUCTION WEEK 8 Arrival & transport information

In this section, you will find information which helps you to plan your arrival to Switzerland. If you arrive before or after the official arrival days, you may need to stay in a hotel and plan your route to the Les Roches campus. Here, we provide all the information needed to make your first days in Switzerland as pleasant as possible. Please refer to the ‘to do’ documents to find out when your official arrival dates are and the actions you need to take.

EARLY ARRIVALS Students arriving before the first official arrival date may arrange accommodation at any one of the following Les Roches preferred hotels at their own expense. Please be aware that the campus will not be able to accommodate students arriving before the official arrival dates.

HOTELS NEAR GENEVA AIRPORT HOTELS IN BLUCHE/CRANS-MONTANA Mövenpick Hotel Geneva Hôtel du Lac Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215 Geneva 3962 Crans-Montana Tel: +41 (0)22 717 16 03 Tel: +41 (0)27 481 3414 [email protected] [email protected] www.movenpickhotels.com/hotels/geneva Complimentary shuttle bus at airport Auberge du Petit Paradis 3975 Bluche NH Geneva Airport Tel: +41 (0)27 481 2148 Av. De Mategnin 21, 1217 Meyrin Geneva [email protected] Tel: +41 (0)22 989 9000 www.petit-paradis.com [email protected] www.nh-hotels.com Complimentary shuttle bus at airport

*Ask for the Les Roches International School of Hotel Management corporate rate when reserving your accommodation. 9

ARRIVAL ON OFFICIAL DAYS - BETWEEN 07:30 - 17:30

MEET & GREET / TRANSFER ASSISTANCE once it has been retrieved. Should you need assistance, our For new students only, we offer a meet & greet / transfer Welcome Team will be happy to assist you. assistance from Geneva International Airport. LOCAL CURRENCY Upon arrival at Geneva International Airport, please proceed The local currency in Switzerland is the “Swiss Franc” (CHF). to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage. Continue We recommend that you arrive with at least CHF 100.- in through customs and exit into the arrival area where you will cash to cover any immediate purchases that you would like see several welcome booths directly in front of the arrival to make before boarding the train. There are cash machines zone. Please look for the welcome booth marked with Les near the Les Roches welcome booth at the airport as well as Roches signage. Here you will be greeted by a member of a money exchange. the Welcome Team who will sign you in and assist you with marking your luggage for transfer to the school. The Welcome PHONE CARDS, LOCAL SIM CARDS Team will provide you with a written copy of the transfer There is a Relay convenience store near the Les Roches information that you will need and you can enjoy snacks welcome booth in Geneva International Airport where you and beverages while you wait. Usually your luggage will be can purchase calling cards and local SIM cards (pay-as-you- transported separately to the campus, but please be aware go) upon your arrival, if needed. It is a good idea to call you that you may be required to take your own luggage with you parents / guardians once you arrive to let them know that you for your transfer to the campus. have arrived safely.

LOST LUGGAGE TRAVELLING COMPANIONS Should you lose your luggage, you should report this to If you arrive with persons who will accompany you to the the authorities within the airport immediately as per their campus, please be aware that they must pay for their train standard procedure. You must provide them with the name, tickets before boarding the train. The Welcome Team can phone number and address of the school campus where you provide this service. Please note that all accompanying will be, so that they can deliver the luggage directly to you persons should be pre-registered on your arrival form. 10

ARRIVALS AFTER OFFICIAL DAYS

TRAVELLING FROM GENEVA AIRPORT TO TRAVELLING FROM GENEVA AIRPORT TO BLUCHE - BY TRAIN BLUCHE - BY CAR Buy a train ticket to Sierre/Siders and board the train in the The journey by car takes about 2 hours from Geneva to Bluche airport. There is a direct train to Sierre/Siders departing (around 180 km).

every hour until 23:00. The journey takes approximately 2 1. From Geneva airport, take the highway in the direction hours and 20 minutes. of Lausanne (highway signs are in green).

2. Near Lausanne, the sign for Simplon, Gd-St-Bernard Once at Sierre/Siders train station, you need to wait outside will appear. the station and take the bus to ‘Crans-Montana via Mollens’. Bus timetables can be found at www.cie-smc.ch 3. Follow the Simplon signs (via Montreux, Martigny, Sion) until Sierre ouest.

Go through the villages of Veyras, Venthône and Mollens. 4. Exit the highway at Sierre ouest (west) following signs Arriving in Bluche, the most convenient stop is in the centre for Sierre and Crans-Montana.

of Bluche village, opposite the main school building (an 5. Continue in the direction of Crans-Montana, via the alternative stop is at the Funicular, opposite the Post Office villages of Corin, Chermignon d’en Bas, Chermignon d’en in Bluche). Haut and Montana Village.

6. Just after Montana Village, turn right following the sign There is also the possibility of taking the Funicular from to Bluche. Sierre to Bluche. There is a free SMC transfer minibus 7. At the first junction, turn right. Approx. 20m further on, service between the Sierre railway and the funicular station. turn right again. Funicular timetables can also be found at: www.cie-smc.ch 8. Les Roches main building is located 100m further down, Please note: If you arrive after the official check-in hours of almost opposite. 10:00 – 18:00, you will need to stay in a hotel overnight (at your expense) and come to the school the next morning. 11 Check-in & check-out

CHECK-IN CHECK-OUT On official arrival dates, room keys are provided. At the end of each semester, each student must have The student has to sign a content and inventory their room checked with the housekeeper or with form indicating the condition of the room with the another school staff member. The room has to be in housekeeper or with another school staff member. proper condition and must be completely emptied of Please be aware that tuition and other fees must be personal belongings. Further details about check-out settled in order to be able to officially check-in to the procedure will be given during the semester. school. All luggage and private parcels should be sent to the campus directly and NOT to the admissions address. The address of the Les Roches campus is as follows:

LES ROCHES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT YOUR NAME (no nickname should be used) Route des Moulinettes 2 3975 Bluche (VS) Switzerland 12 Induction week

The induction sessions for BBA 1, DIP 1 (HOI) and transfer students (direct entry) to BBA 3 / BBA 4 (HOII / HOIII) take place the week after registration. These sessions are mandatory for all new students to Les Roches and inform students about many important topics including:

◢◢ Scheduling. ◢◢ Academic regulations & standards of excellence. ◢◢ English placement testing (all students need to undertake this to confirm appropriate level of Les Roches studies). ◢◢ Mathematics placement testing (BBA I students only, to establish students level so that remedial classes can be offered). ◢◢ Preparation for all classes in the first weeks. ◢◢ Campus tour and use of facilities. ◢◢ Team building activities. ◢◢ Introduction to faculty and welcome by Program Manager, Dean and Campus Director. ◢◢ Welcome party.

The sessions are designed to help students settle into the school very quickly, familiarize themselves with the surroundings and make new friends.

The mandatory sessions for BBA direct entry students, PG/PGHD and MBA students take place over two days following registration and are based on the distribution of program information and question and answer sessions. Intensive English Language Program sessions are on Monday and Tuesday following registration. 13

SWITZERLAND

Life in Switzerland

LOCAL CUSTOMS, LANGUAGES, WEATHER & CURRENCY 14

Zurich

Bern Fribourg SWITZERLAND

LES ROCHES CAMPUS Montreux BLUCHE

Geneva Sion 15 Switzerland overview

The mention of this beautiful land can evoke a myriad of images – snow-capped mountain peaks, placid lakes and emerald-hued upland meadows that display colored alpine flowers each spring. Nature seems to have a special fondness for this bit of central Europe! Century-old cities and picturesque, charming villages complete this amazing scenery.

Nestled within the breathtaking natural landscape is a spectacular cultural landscape. Baroque monasteries, Gothic abbeys, castles and many other historical structures found at every turn are reminders of Switzerland’s past. The remains of a Roman amphitheater, the painted houses, and the chapels that you’ll find along roads of antiquity stand as silent witnesses to the many people and cultures who have left their mark throughout the course of time. Roads used by ancient Romans as trade routes, taken by pilgrims on religious journeys, and traveled by artists bringing Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque influences into Switzerland are now yours to travel as you discover the beauty the history and the thousands of joys that Switzerland has to offer.

Switzerland benefits from an ideal central location in Europe. The Swiss terrain dips from the world’s highest alpine peaks to verdant valleys and lakes. The northern borders are shared with Germany; France lies to the west; Italy is immediately to the south; and Liechtenstein and Austria form the eastern frontiers. The central part of the Alps provides the dramatic scenery for most of the country. The Rhône Valley splits the canton of Valais, which has a temperate climate that permits vineyards to flourish on its slopes. The Upper Rhine River runs through the eastern section, forming the border with Germany. In the west of the country is the Jura region, the most heavily forested area of Switzerland. More than half of the total land area is used for agriculture, forests cover one- quarter of the space, and the remaining quarter is made up of glaciers, rocks and lakes. For more information visit: www.MySwitzerland.com 16 Crans-Montana overview

Crans-Montana, situated in the heart of the Alps at an altitude of 1500m, is a modern and fashionable ski resort set on a handsome plateau where the air is said to be “lighter than champagne”.

The resort is composed of two village hearts, Crans which is where most of the shopping is located and Montana where sports and other activities are located. In summer golfing, hiking and mountain biking and many other sports can be enjoyed. Winter offers skiing, winter sports and splendid winter walks. Crans-Montana is a second residence to many famous celebrities and diplomats.

The quality and quantity of gourmet-restaurants in Crans-Montana are exceptional. More than 80 restaurants pamper the guest’s palate with culinary delights. The gourmets will not be the only guests to come back again and again. The choice of restaurants is really international. There are of course plenty of restaurants offering typical Swiss dishes.

Furthermore, Crans-Montana is situated near the famous vineyards of Valais. After a day full of activities and a delicious meal, a vibrant nightlife awaits you. Lie back and listen to a professional jazz concert or go clubbing in one of the numerous discos or clubs till the crack of dawn. The casino is waiting for those who are looking for even more excitement. 17 Practical information

LANGUAGES TIME ZONE The four national languages of Switzerland are Switzerland operates on Central European Time German, French, Italian, and Romansh. However, only (CET), which is GMT+1. three of these languages maintain equal status as official languages within the Federal Administration CURRENCY of the Swiss Confederation: German, French, and The monetary unit of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc Italian. (CHF), which is divided into 100 cents. While you are in Switzerland, currency can be easily converted at Native speakers number about 64% for German airports, railway stations, local banks and hotels. (mostly Swiss German dialects), 20% for French The rate of exchange will be best at airports, railway (mostly Swiss French), 6.5% for Italian (mostly Swiss stations and banks; it is lowest at hotels. A fee is Italian), less than 0.5% for Romansh and 9% is made often added for the exchange of service – even at up of other languages. banks.

The German region (Deutschschweiz) is in the north POPULATION and center, the French part (Romandie) in the west Switzerland has a population of around 7.9 million and the Italian area (Svizzera Italiana) in the south. inhabitants. There remains a small Romansh-speaking native population in Graubünden in the east. The Les GOVERNMENT Roches campus is located in the French speaking Switzerland, one of the world’s oldest democracies, part of Switzerland. is a confederation of 26 states, which are known as cantons. Each canton has its own government WEATHER and capital city. Bern is the seat of the federal Temperatures in Bluche vary between -10°C and government with the ‘Bundeshaus’ (House of the +15°C in winter (November to April) and in the Confederation) serving as the capital. The presidency summer between +15°C to +30°C is an unheralded position, which rotates annually. 18

RELIGION Freedom of worship is practiced in Switzerland. Of the population, 35% adhere to various branches of the Protestant faiths. Roman Catholics make up 42% of the population, with the remaining belonging to other faiths.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Switzerland is home to an impressive number of world headquarters of multi-national companies and international organizations such as the United Nations, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization, the International Olympic Committee, and numerous sports federations and non- government organizations. Switzerland also enjoys a great reputation as a venue for international conferences. 19

BLUCHE

Life on campus

SETTLING IN TO MOUNTAIN LIFE 20 Dress code & general appearance

Students must adhere to a professional dress code (practical or academic) from 06:30 to 18:30 Monday to Friday in school buildings, during exams and on weekend duty.

Les Roches provides the practical uniforms for students. However, new students should bring enough black trousers/skirts and white shirts for the first weeks of the program, as they do not receive their practical uniforms for service immediately.

Members of staff can deduct points if your appearance is not up to the expected managerial standards. Information about the dress code is on the notice board outside the Market Place restaurant. 21

SUIT Business suit (dress, skirt or trousers and matching jacket) - NOT separates. ◢◢ Black, grey, navy or dark brown - pinstripe or plain. ◢◢ Suit trousers must be full length, classic in style & not skin tight. ◢◢ Skirt or dress length must be one credit card width above or below the knee. ◢◢ SHIRT OR BLOUSE White or pastel color, tucked in - NO dark colors. ◢◢ No t-shirts. ◢◢ Round neck tops are allowed. ◢◢ Plain V-necked sweaters may be worn under the jacket. ◢◢ TIGHTS & SHOES Skin color, black or dark grey fine tights to match the suit color. ◢◢ Socks may be worn with trousers. ◢◢ Black polished closed-in court shoes, with a heel - no more than 5cm high. ◢◢ Brown shoes with dark brown suits. ◢◢ No ballerina pumps, moccasins or boots. FEMALE BUSINESS DRESS CODE ◢◢ ACCESSORIES Only discreet silk type business scarves allowed. ◢◢ Name tag to be worn at all times. ◢◢ One badge/pin on lapel. ◢◢ No more than 5 pieces of unobtrusive silver or gold jewelry (earring, watch, ◢◢ necklace & ring). 22

SUIT 2/3 piece suit - NOT jacket and trousers ◢◢ Black, grey, navy or dark brown - pinstripe or plain ◢◢ SHIRT White or pastel color (can have pastel stripes or checks), must be tucked in - ◢◢ NO dark colors All buttons on shirt have to be closed ◢◢ TIE Darker color than the shirt - NO fancy motifs ◢◢ SOCKS & SHOES Dark socks to match the suit color ◢◢ Black shoes with black, grey or navy suits ◢◢ Brown shoes with dark brown suits ◢◢ ACCESSORIES Belts must be worn with trousers with belt loops and should match the ◢◢ corresponding show color above MALE BUSINESS DRESS CODE Plain V-necked sweaters and waistcoats (navy blue, grey or black to ◢◢ compliment the suit), may be worn under the jacket NO scarves, jumpers or patterned waistcoats ◢◢ Name tag to be worn at all times ◢◢ White handkerchief may be worn in top jacket pocket ◢◢ One badge/pin on lapel ◢◢ No more than 3 pieces of discreet jewelry (cufflinks, watch & ring) ◢◢ 23

FEMALE CASUAL DRESS CODE (WEEKENDS & AFTER 18:30 MONDAY - FRIDAY) ◢◢ Trousers, skirt, dress, casual shorts, jeans (not torn) ◢◢ Clean T-shirt, blouse, sweater, sleeveless T-shirt and jacket ◢◢ Track suit ◢◢ Heeled shoes, flat shoes, sports shoes for interior use

MALE CASUAL DRESS CODE (WEEKENDS & AFTER 18:30 MONDAY - FRIDAY) ◢◢ Trousers, casual shorts, jeans (not torn) ◢◢ Clean T-shirt, shirt, sweater, jacket ◢◢ Track suit ◢◢ Clean casual shoes, sports shoes for interior use only

All these items must be in good taste (hats and caps are not permitted, nor is wearing sunglasses inside buildings).

Personal hygiene is essential in service professions and it requires continuous attention. Hair must be well groomed. For males, hair no longer than the collar of the suit jacket or shaved head is accepted. During practical classes, beards are not allowed (except for religious reasons where a beard net must be worn in order to comply with hygiene regulations). In other periods, beards can only be accepted provided that they are regularly maintained in a conservative manner and have been grown outside of the semester.

Please note: Les Roches has a very strict general appearance and dress code. This reflects the very high standards in the hospitality industry and is an integral part of the education at Les Roches. For more information see the Standards of Excellence in the Academic Catalog. 24 Professional etiquette

Our campus community consists of over 700 students (over 90 nationalities). While the school has a policy of accepting cultural diversity and lives in accordance with their beliefs and cultural habits, we ask students to respect the diversity of cultures so that their views and personal presentation does not offend others. Students may have to adapt themselves to the demands of a service industry where the impact of their views and personal presentation may be inappropriate if not moderated.

The school seeks to help the students to understand these needs. To lead a decent and proper community life, but more importantly to develop qualities that are essential to hospitality and tourism professions, the management puts a very strong emphasis on student’s professional etiquette during their entire length of studies.

Health & well-being

ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS CAMPUS WELL-BEING Students can always ask for advice and assistance In the interest of the health of all students, Les via our Student Affairs team including the campus Roches is a non-smoking campus with only certain nurse and security (available outside of normal areas set aside for smokers. We have a strict no-drugs working hours). If students suffer from a medical rule, as well as alcohol in moderation philosophy with condition, any medical documentation must be sent the aim to keep the students in physical and mental with the medical certificate during the application well being and focused on their studies. process. Such information is kept confidential however it can be made available to the appropriate professionals, should the need arise. 25 Personal information

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS STORAGE OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS If students cannot eat certain foods for medical or Students can choose to store their luggage with the religious reasons, please inform the school during external storage company ‘Ab-Livrex’ during their registration. To this effect, students must bring an internship period for an additional fee. Costs vary official certificate from their doctor or relevant depending on the length of time the luggage needs to person. be stored and the size of each piece of luggage. Full details and prices will be made available to students MONEY AND VALUABLES before they check-out. The storage of the personal Personal and private insurance, to cover issues belongings must be done by the student. such as damage or theft of personal property are not mandatory but are strongly recommended. The We ask students not to store valuables or money in school accepts no liability for valuables left by the any of their boxes for insurance and security reasons. students in their bedrooms, public areas or in any The school declines all responsibility for any student storage places. We encourage students to put their items placed in storage. valuables in the individual safety deposit boxes in their room. Students are strongly recommended not MOBILE PHONES to keep large amounts of money in their bedrooms. Students may have a personal mobile phone as long Students living on the campus should keep their bags as it is switched off during classes and meal times in a safe place outside class hours. in the campus restaurants. During registration, an English speaking representative is available to set Students personal items are insured up to a up mobile phone accounts (with Swisscom, Orange, maximum of CHF 20,000.-. Students wishing to take Sunrise) or offer roaming features which will enable out additional insurance must do so with their own mobile phones users to operate their existing models insurance company. in Europe. Students who wish to set up an account with Swiss mobile phone companies need a valid All students are provided with a locker and may residence permit before being able to subscribe to purchase a lock from the Reception. any of these roaming features. 26

PRIVATE MAIL AND PARCELS – POSTAL – Friday and is available to take messages for the students ADDRESS OF THE CAMPUS and receive their faxes at the following number: +41 (0)27 485 All private parcels and letters for students should be 96 15. addressed as follows: STUDENT IDENTITY CARD SURNAME + First name (no nicknames) Upon arrival, students will receive a Student Identity Card Student number (provided upon arrival) from the Student Services Office. This card will be useful Les Roches International School when going to the bank, dealing with the local authorities, of Hotel Management shops, access to the buildings after closing time. Please carry Route des Moulinettes 2 this card with you at all times. 3975 Bluche (VS) Switzerland LAUNDRY A free laundry service is available for practical uniforms and Tel (campus Reception): +41(0)27 485 96 00 white shirts and blouses. Fax (campus Reception): +41 (0)27 485 96 15 For personal clothing, laundry machines and dryers are TELEPHONE CALLS available in the common areas of student accommodation. To General calls are taken by the Reception department. use the machines, students need to purchase a laundry card Telephone number to call: +41 (0)27 485 96 00 (Reception) from the reception.

*Please note students are not permitted to take phone calls Bed linens are provided and laundered by the school. Students when they are on duty or in the dining room. must bring their own towels. Ironing boards are available for personal use on each floor but students are requested to Several pay phones, located throughout the campus are bring their own iron. available for private calls and can be used with telephone cards (Swisscom provider only), which are sold at the campus reception. Reception is open between 07:30 to 18:30 Monday 27

DRIVING CAR / PARKING Students should drive carefully at all times, even on stretches Students can bring their own vehicles to Les Roches and must of road they know well. All passengers must fasten their seat register their cars with the Security Department on arrival. belts (front and rear seats) at all times, by law. Remember There is a fee for a parking space (please refer to our Fees, also that drinking and driving may lead to accidents and Terms and Conditions). prosecution by the police. Swiss law is very strict concerning alcohol and speeding. Please note that parking spaces are extremely limited and will be issued on a first paid, first served basis. Unfortunately, In order to travel on Swiss highways, all cars must have a “vignette”. if all available parking is issued, it will not be possible for This tax sticker (CHF 40.-) is available at all border crossings and at students to park their cars on campus. any Swiss Post Office. ROOM REGULATIONS The speed limit in the central pedestrian zone of Bluche Students are not allowed to cook in their rooms or to light is 30km/h. Everywhere else depends on the road signs. In candles. Tea and coffee making appliances (kettle) are general it is 50km/h. It is strongly recommended to have 4 allowed. Failure to follow this rule will lead to points being winter tires and snow chains between November and April deducted. No pets or animals are allowed on campus, nor do when the roads are slippery and dangerous. The main rule we tolerate weapons of any kind. when driving in winter is: SLOW AND CAREFUL. Please note that students who fail to follow the The school reserves the right to refuse a student to bring accommodation standards may be asked to leave campus their car on campus, should they be involved in breaking the accommodation. Please refer to the standards of excellence speed limit in Bluche, which is a violation of the Swiss law. in the academic catalogue for future details. 28

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES POST BANK In Switzerland the electrical outlets require 220 volts. It is advised that students should open a private account Students might need a transformer and /or adapter to use at the local Bank or the Post Office. An English-speaking electrical appliances. Students can purchase them in any representative of the local Swiss Bank and Post Office shop selling electric appliances. will be at school during registration to assist students and give further information. All money, (including most foreign When leaving the room, please make sure that all electric currencies) and Travelers Cheques can be deposited safely at installations are switched off, including the lights. Saving this time. The Post Bank card can be used to withdraw money energy contributes to saving the environment. from the account as well as pay for services, just like a regular debit card, both in Switzerland and abroad. SECURITY The school’s Safety Officers patrols the school grounds. They There is a cash machine located on campus for students to are supported by a private security company. Both are there withdraw money and the school Reception is equipped with to ensure your safety. a machine that allows students to withdraw cash from their accounts which students can use if they have a credit card or SPORTS a Postcard (week-days from 13:00 to 17:00). Access is easy to many ski resorts from Les Roches offering excellent opportunities to practice various winter sports and activities. The school’s sports coordinator will provide the students with a Sport Events Calendar during orientation week which includes different activities such as hiking, swimming, basketball, soccer, pool, table tennis, jogging etc. The Sports Coordinator also conducts classes in our newly refurbished fitness center upon demand. 29

I.T.

Laptop requirements

I.T. CHECKLIST 30 Personal laptop requirements

Students joining Les Roches International School of Hotel Management will need to have individual access to our intranet website, which hosts student information, including support and teaching documents and other learning resources. Students will also require access to the Internet which is vital for access to online library resources, email and project research.

Students may bring their own laptop but it MUST meet the Institute’s specifications as outlined below. Alternatively, students may purchase their personal laptop through Les Roches.

Regarding students’ personal laptops, a choice of two options are available to meet Les Roches’ requirements:

BRINGING YOUR OWN LAPTOP

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS MINIMUM TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ◢◢ One version of the Windows operating system ◢◢ Intel Core i3 Processor (or equivalent) must be installed (only genuine software ◢◢ 4GB Ram licenses accepted) - IN ENGLISH ONLY. ◢◢ 100GB hard disk space available ◢◢ Apple Mac machines can only be connected if ◢◢ Operating systems as listed to the left they have an English system & Office for Mac (All Genuine Versions accepted- English Only) – See website for latest update ◢◢ For Windows machines, Microsoft Office PRO All versions – The IT training courses on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access etc., are based on the 2010 version of Microsoft Office. (N.B. also important for ease of file sharing). ◢◢ Microsoft Internet Explorer ◢◢ Professional Anti-Virus software. 31

I.T. SUPPORT It should be noted that Les Roches does not offer any ◢◢ Contact the manufacturer of your PC and request hardware support for student’s laptops not purchased the phone number and contact information to call through the school. The responsibility of hardware from Switzerland in case you need any repair on your maintenance, purchase of all Software, upgrades and support computer, inquire about expected repair times. Enquire rests with the student. Les Roches can provide students with if your warranty is valid in Switzerland. a list of local suppliers who offer these services. ◢◢ Take a copy of your invoice that states the date of purchase and warranty conditions. On each campus, students have Wi-Fi Internet and email ◢◢ If your computer needs to be repaired, have it repaired access. before you leave. ◢◢ Verify compliance with the Les Roches’ IT policy, more Students are also encouraged to save their files on CD/DVDs, specifically the language and version of the operating external hard disks or USB keys, which need to be checked for system. viruses on a regular basis. ◢◢ As the school only accepts genuine versions of software, please visit www.microsoft.com/genuine to It is important to check the latest IT requirements on our validate your copy of Windows and Office. website: ◢◢ Make sure your computer has all the security patches www.lesroches.edu > Admissions > Accepted Students > for your operating system by selecting ‘Windows’ > Computer Policy ‘Update’ on your computer. ◢◢ Update the drivers of your Wireless card through the In order to make the check-in process as efficient as possible manufacturer’s websites. we would like to draw your attention to the points below and ◢◢ Check your computer for viruses, for example by propose you use this checklist to prepare your computer for using one of these free on-line scanners http://www. the process and assure you don’t have anything missing once kaspersky.com/virusscanner or http://housecall. you arrive: trendmicro.com or http://www.bitdefender.com/ scan8/ie.html 32

◢◢ Make a back-up copy of all your personal files and BUYING A LAPTOP THROUGH LES ROCHES documents to a CD or external hard disk. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase a package ◢◢ Remove any peer to peer sharing software (Kazaa, through the school. It comprises a latest model laptop, eDonkey, Limewire, etc) from your computer, as Les extended warranty and an enhanced support program Roches’ network will not allow this type of traffic for through the school IT team. obvious copyright reasons. ◢◢ If necessary, purchase an “international travel plug The school laptop computer will have at least the following adapter” for your computer power cord. specifications: ◢◢ Intel i7 processor (or equiv.) ◢◢ DVD/RW multi-burner ◢◢ 8-hour battery ◢◢ 8GB RAM ◢◢ 500GB hard drive or SSD ◢◢ 15.6 inch screen (HD Display) ◢◢ Connections: USB 3.0, Card Reader, HDMI Out ◢◢ 3 years international warranty ◢◢ Bluetooth 4.0, Wireless LAN A/B/G/N, 1 GB LAN, Webcam, Finger Print

In order to benefit from the latest choices and prices, the actual model is selected 2 months before each intake. It will be from one of the market leading brands: IBM/Lenovo, Acer, HP, etc. Ordering instructions will be published on the schools website 2 months before each intake:

www.lesroches.edu > Admissions > Accepted Students > Computer Policy 33 Notes

34 Notes

35 your future starts here. LES ROCHES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT

International Enrollment Department Join our Facebook group for Rue du Lac 118 - 4th Floor new students! 1815 Clarens Scan the QR code, or search ‘Les Roches Switzerland for Switzerland new students’ P. + 41 21 989 26 44 [email protected] www.twitter.com/lesrochesnews www.lesroches.edu www.youtube.com/lesrochescast

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WPR-01-3 / 08.13