Bachelor of Science in International Sustainable Tourism Management Transnational Degree Programme in Spain & Switzerland 

• Reasons why
  
• Brief overview
  
• What is the International Sustainable Tourism Management BSc programme all about?
  
• What is UN Tourism's role in the programme?
  
• What competencies will be developed?
  
• Collecting practical experience in the internship semester
  
• What kind of support can I get?

1. UN Tourism as a partner organisation is directly involved
2. Global network of professionals
3. High degree of flexibility in the second year

The programme aims to empower future tourism professionals with a broad range of research-based and practically oriented knowledge, raising awareness of the sustainable transformation of tourism and enabling the future-oriented direction of the sector. 

• The curriculum includes a variety of UN-related modules, for instance UN Diplomacy & Tourism and Global UN Tourism Missions & Initiatives, and deliberately embeds the UN's values and global goals throughout the modules. 
• Practice-oriented teaching is carried out via guest lecturers, practical projects with partners, excursions and case discussions. It is both a strength and a priority of HSLU.
• International diversity is integrated in two ways: content-wise and in terms of execution. For example, we address students from all over the world to include a diversity of perspectives and work-related experiences.
• We teach in Madrid, where UN Tourism’s headquarters are located, and in Lucerne at HSLU’s home campus. We can also access a more international panel of lecturers by teaching exclusively in English. 

Learn more about the variety of modules here ->

Questions about student and campus life?
It is particularly valuable to talk to someone who is already studying on the programme. Vanessa Rätz and Michelle Tanner will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact them by e-mail. 

Vanessa Rätz - Student at HSLU
BSc in International Sustainable Tourism Management
→ vanessa.raetz@stud.hslu.ch

Michelle Tanner - Student at HSLU
BSc in International Sustainable Tourism Management
→ michelle.tanner@stud.hslu.ch

UN Tourism (formerly known as UNWTO), as the leading organization in tourism, has not only recognised the need for qualified personnel and therefore high-quality education, but has also contributed to the content orientation of the programme.

UN Tourism is directly involved in several modules, with experts personally passing on their firsthand knowledge to you.

More information about UN Tourism ->

The course management team of the BSc International Sustainable Tourism Management programme is delighted to announce a new programme collaboration with the International Centre Associated to the UN TOURISM ACADEMY in Switzerland, which is run by the Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education (BVIS). This collaboration will expand and strengthen the international orientation and tourism network of the BSc ISTM programme.

Students are prepared for the tourism industry holistically, i.e. the teaching goes far beyond hospitality management, which is already commonly taught. The programme is divided into five core subject areas:

In addition to the subject-specific expertise, the BSc in International Sustainable Tourism  Management develops soft skills. This fosters the individual development of future professionals and managers and entrepreneurs. 

• effective communication
• problem-solving skills
• critical thinking
• teamwork 

The competence goals of graduates are summarised in this overview ->

During the fourth semester, students complete an internship anywhere in the world within the field of tourism. The aim of the internship is to gain subject-specific work experience, apply the theoretical knowledge gained within the first three semesters and then build on these practical insights in the final academic year in order to be one step ahead of the competition when it comes to entering the job market after graduation. 

Students can test their professional orientations and learn how to build professional relationships, integrate into a team and develop skills such as enthusiasm and motivation, self-confidence, adaptability, responsibility, diligence and problem solving in their day-to-day business.

The internship is closely accompanied by coaching in three parallel modules. These modules, entitled Corporate Innovation, Self-Leadership & Reflection and Current Issues in Tourism & Sustainability, take place online in synchronous and asynchronous formats and incorporate the experiences from the internship. Each student is supported by a trainer in the organisation and a coach from HSLU.

Independent accreditations and a renowned rating demonstrate the quality of our university and provide prospective students and partners with reliable guidance. Especially our 5-Star QS Stars rating in the Teaching category highlights our commitment to an excellent learning experience.