Back 03.09.2026 Blog

What Parents Should Look for Before Choosing an International University

Sending a teenager across the globe for university is a significant milestone.

For parents, the anxiety is understandable. You are weighing physical safety, academic rigour, tuition costs, and whether this investment will actually secure a career for your child. For students, the focus is on independence, discovering new cultures, and acquiring skills that make them stand out in an increasingly crowded global job market.

Bridging the gap between these two perspectives is rarely straightforward. Many education guides offer vague promises about global citizenship. Reality demands clear evidence.

When weighing whether an international university is the right choice, here are the factors every family should assess before signing an enrolment form.

Proven Data Over Vague Reputation

A university location directly impacts graduate outcomes.

Instead of relying on marketing brochures, look at independent international benchmarks. BHMS is proud to be ranked 12th worldwide for Hospitality and Leisure Management and 7th for Employer Reputation. Switzerland consistently ranks 1st overall in the U.S. News Best Countries rankings and 10th globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, reflecting strong institutional performance and high conversion rates of academic investment into productive employment.

These metrics matter. They demonstrate that an educational framework aligns directly with modern industry demands, ensuring that degrees translate into real world value.

Real Internships, Not Just Classroom Theories

Degrees are plentiful. Relevant operational experience is not.

When researching international programmes, examine how the curriculum integrates with actual industry. Does the institution put students directly into professional environments, or does it rely exclusively on textbook case studies?

At BHMS Switzerland, academic semesters are paired with guaranteed paid internship opportunities. Students do not simply learn theory in a lecture hall. They apply it immediately in professional settings across Switzerland and beyond.

Consider the journey of Florentia Tjoa Mung Le, a BHMS graduate. During her BA in Hotel and Hospitality Management, she treated every internship as an opportunity to build grit. She worked across Switzerland, Spain, and Japan, mastering both front and back office operations. As Florentia puts it: "Anyone can start something. The difference is carrying it through with intention, discipline, and grit. But at the end, what truly matters is your ability to make it meaningful to the people."

Today, she serves as a Hotel Operations Manager at Bali World Hotel. Her path demonstrates that while a degree opens the door, it is the combination of international exposure and hands-on discipline that gets you through it.

Safety, Stability, and Swiss Precision

Parents rarely prioritise campus social life as much as they prioritise peace of mind. Personal safety and institutional structure are foundational.

Switzerland is widely recognised as one of the safest environments globally. However, the day to day details truly dictate a student experience. You want a campus that functions with the same reliability as the Swiss rail network.

Cities like Lucerne and Zurich offer a clean, high quality living environment without the security concerns or the overwhelming scale of massive metropolises. When students feel secure in their surroundings, they focus their energy entirely on professional growth. The Swiss culture of precision, not just in timekeeping but in service excellence, becomes an internal benchmark for students, providing a competitive edge that stays with them long after graduation.

Pornpavit’s BHMS Journey

Investing in Excellence & Lifelong Connections

At BHMS, we prioritise both academic rigour and personal growth. Our high standards in culinary arts and hospitality ensure a strong return on investment, equipping students with world-class skills that open doors globally.

Beyond the classroom, students become part of a supportive international community. Our 2026 Culinary Arts graduate, Pornpavit Munikanond, shared that his experience was defined by the deep relationships and lifelong friendships he formed here. His parents expressed great confidence in his future, with his father stating: “His future will be great, that's not only my thought but it's from the experience and history of this school.” They also extended their gratitude for the dedicated care provided to him throughout his studies.

Your Journey to Success Starts Here

We’ve seen thousands of students arrive as nervous teenagers and graduate as confident professionals, and that transition is exactly what we focus on every single day. We know that while studying abroad is a life-changing adventure, it must rest on a secure, practical foundation. That is why we provide not only the hands-on skills your child needs to succeed but also the peace of mind you deserve regarding their safety and career prospects.

If you are ready to secure a place for the upcoming academic intake, we invite you to explore your options and take the next step: