“The world was already changing rapidly, but the pandemic accelerated it,” says renowned futurist and author Bernard Marr. COVID-19’s far-reaching impacts have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, not just within businesses and industries, but also about the future careers and employment of our children.
Marr posits that adaptability, flexibility and creativity will be among the high-value skills necessary for success in a post-pandemic world. They should likewise be the markers of quality education.
At the onset of the pandemic last year, Les Roches, an esteemed Swiss hospitality institute, moved swiftly to ensure the health and safety of its students. Catering to students of a hundred different nationalities on three separate campuses—Crans Montana in Switzerland, Shanghai in China, and Marbella in Spain—the school addressed concerns about travel and boarding arising from newly-established health protocols, while ensuring that classes continued without disruption. A year on, Les Roches continues to welcome students confidently for face-to-face classes. Each of its campuses observes COVID-19 health measures introduced by public health authorities in their respective countries.
Highly-flexible remote learning options are also available for those still facing travel restrictions.
Beyond the health protocols and well before the pandemic, Les Roches was already enhancing its programs in Hospitality Management and International Hotel Management to adapt to changing global needs by integrating entrepreneurship and innovation in its curriculum.
Glion Montreux campus in Switzerland (Photo from Les Roches and Glion)
These creative program responses are mirrored in Glion, a sister school of Les Roches. Glion’s legacy as a Swiss hotel school enriches its robust bachelor and postgraduate programs in International Hospitality Business, Hospitality, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Real Estate Finance and Hotel Development, and Luxury Management and Guest Experience. Glion’s three campuses—two in Switzerland and one in London—provide rigorous academic and practical training for careers in the international hospitality and experience industries.
“These schools have transformed their curriculums to meet the demands of a post-pandemic economy. These agile and knowledgeable responses to changing conditions are great indicators of a good educational institution,” says Marco Protacio, a Les Roches graduate. “Studying overseas in a school with truly global standards and strong industry partnerships is especially valuable today, as the way we live and work are transforming very rapidly. Those trained with a global perspective and a learning mindset have a unique advantage as they begin their careers.”
Glion students taking a break amid the fabulous view of Lake Geneva (Photo from Les Roches and Glion)
Protacio is a former hotelier turned medical entrepreneur. He is the managing director of Ekthana Philippines, an international education consultancy providing one-stop service for clients considering studies abroad. The company’s flagship, Ekthana Education Services, was founded in Thailand by Ekthana Faisaikram, Protacio’s co-alumnus at Les Roches and a former hotelier himself. Faisaikram is passionate about young Thai students reaching their full potential through world-class education. Recognizing the same possibility in students across Southeast Asia, he invited Protacio to open a branch in the Philippines.
Ekthana Philippines represents some of the world’s leading hospitality and hospitality management schools, including Les Roches, Glion, and Ecole Ducasse in Paris. It also represents a portfolio of many international schools focused on business and entrepreneurship, art and design, such as IED Instituto Europeo di Design, as well as boarding schools in the high school level, such as The American School in Switzerland.
Glion London campus in the United Kingdom (Photo from Les Roches and Glion)
The Philippine team has successfully served students embarking on bachelor and postgraduate programs of schools in Switzerland, Spain, and China. They also assist with foreign undergraduate and summer programs, as well as short courses and school orientation visits.
Ekthana Philippines education counselors guide students through their initial school applications and pre-departure preparation, and provide assistance throughout their studies and internships. An initial consultation typically begins with private counseling (either face-to-face, online, or via email or phone), followed by an assessment, all at no cost to the student.
They may be reached via email at [email protected] or at mobile +639178802581.
