6 Reasons Why You Should Study Hospitality Management in Lyon

Students at Institut Paul Bocuse can put their culinary skills to the test in contests such as les éthiques toques, where you are only able to use sustainably-sourced and eco-responsible recipes. While other students who want to better their wine knowledge, for leisure or for work, can join Les Pépins – a wine tasting club, also at Institut Paul Bocuse.

Recently, a number of bachelor degree students at Institut Paul Bocuse have taken part in several competitions, including the Professional Aoste Chef competition, French Hotel & Catering Directors’ Club competition, and Escoffier Young Talent competition where they’ve been able to showcase their knowledge, creativity and talent in the world of culinary arts and hospitality management.  

In just 10 years’ time, the World Tourism Organization (WTO), predicts the number of international tourists will reach almost 2 billion.

With the hospitality and tourism industry growing at a rapid rate – and France continuing to attract tourists from all over the world – it’s not surprising that, after graduating, many students who study in Lyon decide to stay and search for job opportunities close by.

Whether you eventually work in food and beverages, hotels, spas, or events, “in this industry you need to be kind, patient and diligent. You should also enjoy being hands on, active and engaging with people,” said Kai.

“In my opinion, the common characteristics of great professionals and managers in the hospitality business include a spirit to serve, encompassing understanding of the value chain, business competence, and people skills,” he adds. 

At Institut Paul Bocuse, students have the opportunity to meet with over 800 leading partner company contacts, where they can speak to industry professionals in culinary arts, as well as the restaurant and hotel industries.

Although many degree programs in France are taught in English, including those at Institut Paul Bocuse, studying and living in Lyon will see your language skills develop in no time – something which Kai considered “a crucial asset for success in the hospitality and tourism industries.

“Speaking a foreign language provides insight into a culture and empowers me to engage and relate to its people, which is essential in the service industries,” he added.

Ok, so this point may not be specifically related to hospitality management, but in between seminars, workshops and training, you’re going to want to make the most of studying in the most visited country in the world.