Choosing a school or college is indeed one of the most important decisions a young adult needs to make. While each student has their own criteria, we attempted with our students and alumni to provide some tips that might help make this life-changing decision just a little bit easier.
In this article we explore the first two tips: location and size.
Location and internationality
Do you want to be close to home, in a neighboring city or in an entirely new country? There may be a comfort level to staying in your city or state, but studying abroad is a chance to experience the world in a brand new way. Linked to the location,the percentage of international studentsis also to be considered here, as we become an increasingly global economy and that can have a significant impact on one’s career.
In fact, more than the experience of a melting pot of cultures and world views, the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) has identified that nearly 90% of study abroad alumni secured a job within the first six months after graduation. It is especially true for students aiming for careers in hospitality or tourism management that need to acquire knowledge of a community other than their own.
A final consideration here are schools that offer international internship opportunities within their curriculum thus giving their students the opportunity to be confronted to the work life while experiencing a new cultural environment.
Karim Karouni, EHL bachelor student: Studying in Switzerland has allowed me to visit more than 10 cities in less than 2 years! EHL students are able to intern all over the world. During my operational internship in Dubai, I have met amazing people and I have learned so many new things. I truly enjoyed this hands-on experience.
Size
The size of a school can impact everything from your social life to academic and internship opportunities. Smaller college campuses, generally qualified as those with less than 5,000 students enrolled, offer a greater sense of community and less competition for classes, internships, and other clubs and/or amenities. You will not only get to know all your classmates, you will also be more than just a face in the crowd to teachers and advisers who, in larger schools, can easily get overwhelmed and lose track of who is who.
The teacher-to-student ratio is important, especially if you are a student that values the opportunity formore interactions with your fellow students and/or your instructor. Depending on the school you ultimately choose and the classes in which you enroll, you may find yourself in a 15-person seminar or in a lecture hall filled with literally hundreds of students. Historically, small class size has been linked to greater academic success. Students also have greater chance to be heard and to ask questions, both of which are important parts of an interactive learning experience.
Anne Treacy-Pelichet, EHLAlumni and admission officer: I believe the relationship with the chosen school really begins the day the future student starts gathering information about the school and it continues throughout his or her life. It might sound a bit extreme but this is really what distinguishes us at EHL. From the admission's process, during the years spent on campus or internships, after graduation when starting and developing a career, and finally when participating in the school's legacy as Alumni, EHL is really a way of life and a family that grows with and for each student.
Related article: How to choose the right School? Tips from students and alumni - Part 2
