English Foundation for Hospita - Swiss Business

The English Foundation for Hospitality program is a six-month, Greece-based preparatory program designed to boost English skills for students not meeting Alpine Entrance Test language requirements. It comprises modules on hospitality, tourism, English, customer service, and practical experience in food and beverage service. Upon completion, students earn an English Certificate of Achievement and are prepared for further education in hotel management or culinary arts.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The English Foundation for Hospitality program is a six-month preparatory program designed for students who don't meet the English language requirements for the ALPINE Entrance Test and interviews. Its objective is to improve students' English language skills to allow them to progress to the first year of studies in either Hotel Management or Culinary Arts. The program includes intensive English language modules and introduces students to the full programs of study. It leads to a Certificate of Achievement in English. The program is offered in Greece.

Outline:

The program includes the following modules:

Other:

The program is offered by the English Foundation for Hospitality, which is part of the Swiss Alpine Center. The program is described as a "preparatory programme in hospitality and tourism management". Students completing the program are expected to progress to further studies in Hotel Management or Culinary Arts.

About University

Masters

Bachelors

Diploma

Foundation

Courses

Swiss Business School For International Hotel & Tourism Management Education (Alpine Center)

Alpine Center, the Swiss Business School For International Hotel & Tourism Management Education

Overview:

Alpine Center is a global educational alliance specializing in hospitality, tourism, events, and culinary arts management education. It was established in Switzerland in 1986 with a mission to take Swiss hospitality education to countries where tourism was developing. Its flagship campus was established in Greece in 1987 and offers a wide range of programs, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, with a focus on practical application of theory and industry placements. the school boasts a vast graduate network with alumni holding leading positions in the hospitality industry worldwide. The Online Campus in Switzerland offers a variety of hospitality management courses online.

Services Offered:

On-campus and distance learning programs:

Students can choose to study on campus or remotely, catering to different learning preferences and schedules.

Paid industry placements:

Integral to the curriculum, these placements provide students with practical experience in the hospitality industry, putting theory into practice.

Foundation and English courses:

These courses prepare students for the academic demands of the programs and ensure they have the necessary language skills.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The school has two campuses: one in Greece with an operating 4-star hotel and another online campus based in Switzerland. Students can expect a diverse and international learning environment, with opportunities to meet people from all over the world. The on-campus experience in Greece includes access to the hotel facilities and the chance to gain practical experience in a real-world setting.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Pioneering leader in hospitality, tourism, and culinary education:

The school has a long history of providing high-quality education in these fields with an extensive link to the industry, locally and globally.

Vast graduate network:

Students benefit from the connections and opportunities provided by the school's extensive network of alumni.

Practical experience through industry placements:

The focus on practical experience ensures students are well-prepared for the demands of the hospitality industry.

International learning environment:

Students have the opportunity to learn from and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. In the last 38 years, Alpine Center welcomed students from 70 different countries.

Academic Programs:

The school offers a wide range of programs, including:

Hotel Management:

A variety of courses, including BA(Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management and Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management. In 2026 two new programs will be launched: MSc Luxury Hospitality & Tourism Management, and a BSc(Hons) Hospitality and Events Management.

Culinary Arts:

Two types of programs are offered: 2-year Swiss Alpine Diploma in Culinary Arts Management and a 2-year Swiss Alpine Diploma in Culinary Arts Operations.

Distance Learning:

A wide range of distance learning/online courses are available, including 12-course Hospitality Management Diploma Online and 5 Course of Specialization in Rooms Division, Food & Beverage Management, Accounting and Finance, Sales & Marketing, events & Conventions Management, and Spa Management.

Postgraduate Studies:

An MSc in International Hospitality & Tourism Management, and in 2025, an MSc in Luxury Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Spa Management:

Courses in Spa Management are offered online.

Cruise Management:

Courses in Cruise Hotel Operations Management are offered online and on campus.

Foundation & English Courses:

Courses to prepare students for the academic demands of the programs.

Security Management:

Courses in Hospitality Security Management Career Diploma and Advanced Certificate in Applied Security and Risk Management.

Other:

Total programs

Admission Requirements

Language Proficiency Requirements:

The English Foundation for Hospitality program is designed for students who do not meet the English language requirements of the ALPINE Entrance Test and interviews. The program aims to improve students' English skills to enable them to progress to the first year of studies in Hotel Management or Culinary Arts.

Student Stories

Vivek Kumar

My first year at Alpine proved to be an enriching journey
“During my search for the finest culinary institution, I came across the Swiss Alpine Center. With its extensive list of accomplished alumni worldwide and alignment with my budget, it stood out as an excellent choice. This led me to become a member of the Alpine family. My first year at Alpine proved to be an enriching journey. Being a newcomer to the culinary realm, the presence of renowned and seasoned Chefs as instructors made the learning process seamless and enjoyable. At present, I am immersed in an internship at Kassandra Palace in Halkidiki. The knowledge I acquired at Alpine Center has proven invaluable in this professional kitchen setting, marking my first step into this world. Anticipation mounts as I look forward to rejoining the college for my second year, eager to embark on a global culinary adventure. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Swiss Alpine Center, an exceptional institution for those aspiring to excel in the worldwide hospitality industry.”

Georgios Mylonas

Participating in Career Day was an incredible opportunity, offering insights into my desired career path
I was attracted to the Swiss Alpine Center’s (SAC)programs due to its extensive industry ties. Being born and raised in Greece, I know that my country provides access to dynamic hospitality markets and valuable networking opportunities. As a result, it was an easy decision. The student experience at SAC is truly memorable and unique, whether through group moments or engaging in social events. By integrating practical courses, knowledge is not only enhanced but also closely mirrors genuine real-world experiences. Participating in Career Day was an incredible opportunity, offering insights into my desired career path. Meeting influential figures, understanding the requirements, and feeling motivated to pursue my objectives made it truly an inspiring experience. I advise newcomers to remain open-minded, embrace diversity, and cultivate strong relationships with every member.

Rodney Itayi Zishiri

As I decided to embark on a second career path, it was demoralizing to hear that it would be too complicated to learn a new craft that requires particular skillsets at this stage in my life.
“As I decided to embark on a second career path, it was demoralizing to hear that it would be too complicated to learn a new craft that requires particular skillsets at this stage in my life. Many said that I had missed the window for a future in the culinary arts. But a passion for the art of food preparation, and my mother’s unwavering support would serve as catalysts in my search for the perfect diploma program and opportunity. As I finally stumbled upon the Culinary Arts program at the City Unity College campus in Greece, I knew instantly that I had found what I was looking for. A temporary move to Greece from Zimbabwe could be life-changing…So I went for it! From the word hello, Swiss Alpine Center and its founder, Mrs. Hoffman, were very welcoming and assured me that this was the right place for high-quality education in culinary arts combined with business administration. They answered all my questions and quelled all my doubts. I was ecstatic! The enrollment process was swift and easy. The staff were very responsive to any queries that I had, and they assisted with my visa and immigration processing. This was a very pleasant experience. This institute has renowned chefs, top-class facilities, and an intimate teaching style. The program is centered around experiential learning and organized by knowledgeable chefs with vast international experience, including some with Michelin Star accreditation. The City Unity College campus is located in a beautiful suburb of the Athenian Riviera. Students are both Greek and international, making the environment warm and appealing. The Swiss Alpine Center has been operational for 35 years and has international alumni in top executive positions within the hospitality industry. These alumni help students by sharing their expertise as guest lecturers and also form an indispensable network that students and alumni can leverage to gain internships and opportunities for furthering their culinary careers. I myself was interviewed by an Alpine alumnus for my first internship with a world-renowned hotel, the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Vouliagmeni. The hotel’s Michelin Star restaurant is where I began my commis chef internship, on May 3rd, 2022. I always tell my friends and family about how beneficial attending the Swiss Alpine Center at City Unity College has been for me. I highly recommend it! If you come with the right attitude, I assure you, you will leave feeling transformed, with an increased set of valuable skills that will accompany you for the rest of your life. Skills that you did not have before you walked through their doors! Good luck to all future candidates. Perhaps I’ll have the pleasure of interviewing you for a position in an esteemed culinary establishment in the future!”

Leila Vuap

My 3 years of study at Alpine Center were the most memorable years of my life.
My parents who come from Hungary but live in Romania spent many summer holidays in Greece, always staying at the lovely Palmyra Beach Hotel. That’s how I came to learn of the Swiss Alpine Center where I enrolled on my hotel management studies in 2016. My 3 years of study at Alpine Center/City Unity College were the most memorable years of my life. I enjoyed the learning experience where classes were interactive and the lecturers highly qualified. I am now prepared to begin my real-world career. The most I liked about this college is that students need to complete summer internships in order to practice and develop the skills they have learned during the academic semesters. I have completed my most unforgettable internship in the luxurious 5-star St Regis Hotel in Doha, Qatar: a 5 months’ internship filled with challenges, learning new skills and techniques, learning how to deal with demanding customers, and how to continuously be at your best. The employee environment was excellent. I trained as a Front Desk agent and Butler Service agent under circumstances that surely made me more prepared for any kind of challenges that I will encounter in my upcoming career. Furthermore, during my internship in Doha I met the most precious person to me who is my future husband. I also have to say, that through the help and encouragement of the wonderful Mrs Sybil Hofmann, I succeeded in achieving the goals I have set and will be graduating with a Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management and a BA(Hons) International Hospitality Management from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.

Location

Ambassadors

Gallery