The HTM Cesar Ritz Swiss Study/Work abroad program is an incredible experience that provides UMass-Amherst Hospitality and Tourism Management Department students the unique opportunity to study at the world famous Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Lucerne, Switzerland.
Interested? View these next steps.
An opportunity to study in heart of the Swiss Alps on the shores of Lake Lucerne and the center of Europe.
Information session video includes Covid-19 regulations.
About the Program
The HTM Cesar Ritz Swiss Study/Work abroad program is an incredible experience that provides UMass-Amherst Hospitality and Tourism Management Department students the unique opportunity to study at the world famous Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Lucerne, Switzerland. Students who study for two terms (Learn6/work6) have the option of being placed in a 4-6 month paid industry position in the Lodging or Foodservice industry in Switzerland or Europe. More than 75 students from the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst have participated in the program since 2005.
Participating students have three options:
- Learn3: A student studies at Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland 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 Colleges Switzerland 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 Colleges Switzerland for 6 months (two terms) and earns 30 academic credits fully transferable for HTM courses and electives, and is then is 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 Hospitality and Tourism Management Department at the University of Massachusetts -Amherst as part of a complete articulation agreement. The transfer of the 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 option 3, Learn6/work6, is required to take two terms of German language classes at Cesar Ritz. During the second six months of the program, the student is placed in a six-month, paid employment position in Europe working in the Hospitality industry. The current rate of pay is CHF 2,000 per month. The work experience fulfills the HTM work experience requirement, and is an invaluable experience for the student in learning about different cultures and working internationally. The work experience component is only available for students studying for two full terms. 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.
For more information, starting your application, and cost of the program, visit the following UMass-Amherst Office of Global Affairs programs links:
UMass: Switzerland: CRCS Learn3 Program click here
UMass: Switzerland: CRCS Learn6 or Learn6/Work6 Program click here
Click on the link to bring you to the International Program 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 user name and then you can begin to work on the application. The application must be completed online via the OGA website application. Try to have everything completed at least one month before the stated deadlines.
Visas
Check with OGA to determine if you will need a visa. Generally, visas are not required for USA 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 sometimes 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 HTM student, visas may be required for any option, and visas sometimes take longer to obtain, so plan ahead.
Cost of the Program
The cost is determined by Cesar Ritz, depends upon 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.
Courses offered and how they transfer back to HTM
Click here to view the list of offered courses. Information in red are suggestions based on feedback from prior students.
As part of the application process, make an appointment to see Emily Ostenson, the International Program Representative for this program. She can be contacted at 413-545-2710 Direct: -8061or eostenson@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.
As part of your application process, once your application is accepted, and to register for your courses in Switzerland, go to the Isenberg Undergraduate Programs Office and see an advisor to plan the courses you will take next semester at UMass, what you will take at Cesar Ritz, and a plan for what courses you will take when you return. Please see an advisor early in the process because they get very busy before registration in March or November. Good advance planning should allow you to get all of the courses you need and graduate on time. Please note that Cesar Ritz does not always offer every course every term. Once you make your selection with Isenberg advising, please e-mail the list to Irem Onder (ionder@isenberg.umass.edu) and she will check on whether the courses are offered during the term that you select.
Isenberg Undergraduate Programs Office
E-mail: undergrad@isenberg.umass.edu
Phone: 413- 545-5610
Room: Isenberg N230
Scholarship Aid
Some additional scholarship aid is available. Click here for the scholarship application.
Info Sessions are offered each September and February to provide detailed information on the program. Like our Facebook page to receive useful information, info session dates, and updates.