Hospitality News & Business Insights by EHL

How to choose a summer camp? - EHL business news

Written by EHL Insights | Mar 15, 2019 8:30:00 AM

Summer programs give you an opportunity to try new things, learn new skills, meet new people, and of course, have fun. With so many options available, focusing on every interest and industry you can imagine, it can feel impossible to make a decision. 

To help you make this process a bit smoother, we’ve highlighted some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a summer camp:

1. What do you want to get out of it?

This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to lose sight of what you are hoping to gain from an experience when you start learning about all the options out there. 

Some common themes for pre-uni summer camps are academic preparation for university, languages, outdoor adventures, sports, art, STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), and simply having fun with other students.

So what skills are you most interested in improving?  Identifying your own goals first makes it easy to eliminate options.

At EHL, our Junior Academy focuses on building knowledge and skills in these areas:

  •         Inspiration for careers and business opportunities in hospitality, tourism, events, luxury, and other service sectors.
  •         Academic preparation and basic knowledge for business school curriculums.
  •         Soft skills and attitudes for professional and personal success.

2. How is the curriculum balanced?

Once you know what it is you want to get out of a summer camp, it’s time to find a program with those objectives. Comparing curricula is an important step if you are considering a summer camp to explore a potential career or for general university preparation. Even within the same industry, no two programs are going to be the same.

Find out: Will you be learning mostly in classrooms and lectures, or hands-on workshops and activities? How much time is focused on academics versus free time and fun stuff?

The Junior Academy programs at EHL include:

  •         Hands-on workshops and gamified learning, such as our Hospitality Business Simulation and Kitchen Chef for a Day workshop.
  •         Off-campus excursions to visit the regional hotels, fine restaurants, vineyards, and iconic tourism spots.
  •         Team business challenge and classroom time learning and applying knowledge in management theory, marketing, communication, and hospitality trends.

This balanced approach will keep you actively learning and provide a small glimpse into the world of hospitality that classroom lecturing alone simply cannot provide.

3. Is it an international student experience?

When a summer camp program attracts a high number of international students, it becomes more than just a summer camp. It becomes a place that fosters international friendships and cultural awareness through the bond of shared experiences. For students considering a hospitality industry career, cultural awareness and international networking opportunities are invaluable.

At EHL, we have about 3,700 students from around 120 different countries, and the Junior Academy groups are equally diverse, with students from all horizons.

You’ll get to meet EHL Student Ambassadors. They will tell you about life on campus and in the region, the student committees, and answer your questions about EHL.

4. Location Location and fun activities?

When considering a summer camp, the location is also an important consideration. At EHL, we want our Junior Academy students to see the absolute best the hospitality industry has to offer. This is why we offer the Junior Academy in Switzerland, Singapore, and Online.

EHL Campus Passugg, near Chur, Switzerland: Set in a historical hotel in Graubünden, Switzerland’s top tourism area in the Swiss Alps, home to 4 and 5-star hotels and some of the best ski resorts in the country. Excursions include Alpine adventure activities, regional fine dining, a tour of a luxury spa & wellness resort, and visits to local organic produce sources.

EHL Campus Lausanne, Switzerland: The campus is like a modern village above the city of Lausanne, one of the “world’s best small cities” on the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s got state-of-the-art facilities, and it is the ideal location for developing your passion for the hospitality industry.

EHL Campus in Singapore: Set in an urban oasis near the center of Singapore, this campus offers a peaceful learning environment and apartment-style accommodation nearby. Excursions take you into the city to sample Singapore’s famous street-food and fine dining culture, along with it’s iconic tourism sites and experiences.

EHL Digital Campus: >If you can’t take a trip abroad, our online Junior Academy courses introduce you to the teachers and learning methods at EHL, and develop essential skills for the digital world. It includes fun interactive sessions such as a live cooking or cocktail making class.

Choosing a summer camp can be difficult, but if you keep these four considerations in mind, you should be able to find the ideal match for you.