Paid Practical Training is where the theory meets the 'practise" - click here for the IMI brochure

After each academic semester, students have an opportunity to do a practical training of 5- 6 months in Switzerland (or as an alternative 6-12 months abroad).

Students doing the certificate and diploma courses must complete at least one practical training period, which is part of the course. Higher Diploma,  Bachelor (BA) and MBA students have the possibility of doing management trainings working in duty supervisor, assistant manager or even managerial positions. 

In Switzerland all Trainees are paid. During those 5-6 months of training in Switzerland our students earn a minimum pay of = US$ 2000 per month. During this Paid practical work are no student fees. Our students are placed all over Switzerland. Our Department for Intraining supports the students from the very first week on campus to collaboratively evaluate their wishes and career goals upon graduation.

The services provided by IMI are:
CV Interview - Job interview - Employment contract and assistance during the in-training

During the CV Interview, the Head of Head of Internship Services will individually discuss with each student his/her CV and assist him/her with the updating and formatting. As soon as a potential employer (hotel or restaurant) confirms interest, a job interview will be organized. Students will then be given information about the workplace, and will be prepared for the interview. Finally, the employment contract will be signed by the employer, the student and the school.

Assistance during Paid Practical Training
The IMI Head of Internship Services available for any assistance requested during the In-Training period.

Internship Visits
Student are visited by an IMI staff member, or the Head of Internship Services himself, during his/her training period.

Assistance for second or third training periods
Students wishing to complete more than one training period are encouraged to find their own placement, as part of their Professional Development Planning (PDP). However, the Head of Head of Internship Services remains available for administrative matters. As well, he may assist students for placement.

Internship Report and Certificate
At the end of the compulsory practical training period, the employer fills out a report which is then compiled, together with the student's motivation letter and personal testimony, into the In-Training Certificate. The In-Training Certificate counts as a full credit in the student's academic semester.

Excerpt from the Manchester Metropolitan University end report of 2008 evaluation: In reference to employability, the panel asked the Programme Team how they felt the programmes equipped students for work, having such a high theoretical content. It was explained that the practical experience comes from the periods of in-training (or placement) undertaken by students; at least one period of six months is mandatory. The average number of in-training periods undertaken by students is 2.5. Students find this opportunity very attractive and the Definitive Document makes specific reference to the worthwhile nature of these placements.
Upon completion, students are placed into groups based on experience and discuss their placements within the group.
After the mandatory placement at the end of level 4, students are given a Skills Gap questionnaire which Is used by staff to ensure that the courses remain relevant and complete.
The in-training periods were appreciated by all students as opportunities to practice language skills, become more immersed in Swiss culture and learn self-discipline as well as being a chance to find out which aspects of the Hospitality industry particularly interested them.

Some FAQ's for our students:

Who must do in-training?
All students must do one compulsory in-training (Except Direct Entry; HDC, Postgraduate and MBA students).

Who can do in-training?
All students can apply for in-training.

Where can I do my Paid Practical Training?
The first in-training you take will normally be in Switzerland. If you wish, and subject to availability and performance, you may also do an in-training abroad. Please note, the in-training Department must approve any in-training position.

What kind of job can I do for Paid Practical Training?
Service, Kitchen, Housekeeping, Reception, Travel agency. Depending on level, grades and language skills up to Supervisor position

How long are the Paid Practical Training periods?
In Switzerland the in-training period 6 months (by law), abroad 1 year.

How do I apply for in-training?
You have to hand in all the necessary documents and the e-mail application according to the student's handbook before the deadline. Please note that once you register for in-training the training period automatically becomes part of the course program and must be completed. No late application of in-training will be accepted.

What is the procedure

How is my in-training assessed?
After completing your in-training you hand in the Learning outcomes Report (1500 words) and the employer will hand in the evaluation form.

In-training Certificate
Upon successful completion of in-training you will receive a Certificate of in-training in the form of a letter showing your grade and how it is calculated.

In-training department
Eva Frödin, head of internship services, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and her team