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Switzerland & Lake Lucerne Region Vitznau & Lucerne

We are proud to welcome students and visitors to DCT University Center where since 1991, people from all over the world have come to study hotel management, tourism and culinary arts on our campus in the beautiful Lake Lucerne region. It is a privileged place to live and study, with a wide range of outstanding tourist attractions.

DCT’s campus is located in the town of Vitznau, which is at the foot of Mt. Rigi and on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

Situated in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne hosts more than 2.5 million tourists each year to explore the cobbled streets and squares of its medieval “old town”, and to visit its famous wooden bridges and museums. Lucerne also offers endless opportunities for shopping, night-life, and sightseeing. Many music festivals are held here, including the world-renowned Lucerne Music Festival, attracting performers and music- lovers from around the world.

The Lucerne region encompasses the area around the lake where nature is always at hand. Mountains encircle the area; forests and farms connect the picturesque villages; fast-running rivers flow into the many clear alpine lakes. Outdoor activities abound: hiking and biking the trails and mountains, swimming and boating on the lakes, or taking part in almost any sport (skiing, snowboarding, basketball, beach volley-ball, tennis, etc.). It should come as no surprise that the region was voted as having the best quality of life in Switzerland.

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The University Center

DCT was founded in 1991 and had its first intake of 20 international students in January 1992. From this modest beginning, the school has continued to grow and to educate young men and women from around the globe.

DCT University Center is located in a modern hotel building overlooking Lake Lucerne. The classrooms, kitchens, restaurants and other facilities are up-to-date, and equipped with the latest technology to support student learn-ing. Living in this vibrant tourism region is very valuable to students: They can see and experi-ence first-hand the range of hospitality businesses and tourism practices which they learn about in the classroom.

DCT is proud of its highly qualified, motivated and international faculty. DCT instructors have the formal education, industry experience and training in teaching to help students learn both theoretical knowledge as well as current indus-try practices. DCT’s faculty members instruct, guide and develop within students the highest standards essential for success in hotel, tourism, or culinary management.

DCT’s Mission Statement:

DCT’s mission is to provide quality post-secondary hospitality education based upon international standards, combining valued traditions with recent management techniques and methods, to develop graduates capable of meeting Swiss and international hospitality industry demands, and to provide a network for further education and employment opportunities.

To fulfill this mission, DCT strives to meet these strategic goals:

Meet the needs of its students as consumers of its services by offering a range of hospitality programs taught by an enthusiastic multinational team of instructors who are skilled, qualified, and up-to-date in their respective areas of expertise.

Supply the Swiss and international hospitality in-dustries with students and graduates capable of assuming appropriate work responsibilities upon employment, and with the potential to grow and advance rapidly while assisting their employers to do likewise.

Participate in an international network of educa-tional partners jointly offering a variety of further educational opportunities for DCT graduates.

Provide a stimulating, nurturing, and cross- cultural environment conducive to both the academic and personal growth of the student.

Present and follow a framework which allows the student to build self-confidence in making ethical decisions.

Overview of DCT’s Programs:

At DCT University Center, students prepare for a career in Hotel or Tourism Management or specialize in European Culinary Arts.

Students studying hotel or tourism management can choose from shorter programs to earn a Certification or Swiss Diploma, or they can complete Bachelor’s and MBA Degree programs. Depending on their program, they may special-ize in areas such as Spa Management, Cruise Line Operations, or Events Management.

Together with Lynn University’s Switzerland Program, DCT offers a comprehensive time- and cost-effective Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degree program. It gives students the chance to earn both a Swiss Advanced Diploma and an American Bachelor’s of Professional Studies Degree on the DCT campus in Switzerland within an accelerated timeframe.

In DCT’s European Culinary Arts Center, students can choose among 11-week Professional Certifi-cations in areas such as European Gourmet Cui-sine or European Pastry and Chocolate, an Ad-vanced Diploma in European Culinary Arts, or an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management.

For further details on DCT’s various programs including their fee structures, please refer to the flier enclosed at the end of this View Book or email admission@dct.edu.

Mission & Programs

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Our Global Partners

While the academic accreditations that DCT has earned verifies the overall quality of our programs, DCT is honored to have particular articulation agreements that affiliate us with some of the most recognized university programs throughout the world. Articulation indicates that our programs and courses have been carefully evaluated by these universi-ties and recognized as being of superior quality and academic excellence, providing additional transfer credit opportunity.

Academic Excellence DCT is one of the most accredited hotel schools in

Switzerland, ensuring a quality education. More than simply a paid membership, accreditation is an intensive process involving both an inter-nal self-study and an extensive external audit by hospitality industry executives and academic experts. This process ensures that the DCT curricu-la are up-to-date and relevant, and that the faculty is qualified to teach in their specific disciplines. In short, it measures and validates the high quality of all of the programs at DCT.

By enrolling in an accredited institution like DCT, students and parents can be assured that students will be well prepared for a successful future.

DCT has earned accreditation by several important associations:

One of the five top-level accrediting bodies in the USA, NEASC is the coun-try’s oldest regional ac-crediting association. Its mission is to establish and maintain high standards for

all levels of education. NEASC serves more than 2,000 public and independent schools, colleges and universities in the northeastern US, plus schools in more than 65 nations world-wide. DCT has earned full NEASC accreditation at the Diploma level through the Commission on Technical and Career Institutions. Lynn University is fully accredited at the degree-granting level by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS), another one of the five top-level US accrediting bodies.

DCT is institutionally accredited by the Swiss Ho-tel Schools Association, or Association Suisse des Écoles Hôtelières (ASEH), which was formed by the leading Swiss hotel schools, and is com-

mitted to maintaining high quality educational and professional standards. To become an ASEH

member, each school must successfully complete a rigorous verification process, meeting over 100 membership criteria. ASEH ensures that member schools continue to meet these quality standards through regular re-evaluation.

The Advanced Diploma in Hotel & Tourism Manage-ment program at DCT is fully accredited by the Asso-ciation of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs in the USA. The ACBSP mission is to

advance excellence in teaching, and to encourage creativity and innovation. This accreditation allows students to transfer DCT credits to over 500 business schools and universities worldwide and verifies the international quality standards of DCT’s programs.

DCT’s Advanced Diploma in European Culinary Manage-ment (ADECM) was the first program outside the USA to earn full accreditation by the American Culinary Federa-tion’s Accrediting Commis-

sion. Today it is one of only 22 programs – and the only one outside North America – designated by ACF as an “Exemplary Program”. This top ACF accreditation not only verifies the overall qual-ity and completeness of the ADECM program, but it also allows students who complete the ECA Advanced Diploma program to count the credits earned toward establishing or maintaining their own ACF certification.

Local Swiss education author-ities do not have jurisdiction to accredit private post-sec-ondary schools; nevertheless, DCT has been inspected by the Luzern Amt für Berufs-bildung and earned positive

comments on the high quality of DCT’s programs and facilities.

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DCT’s primary affiliations and articulation partners include:

DCT and its faculty members stay up-to-date through memberships in a variety of professional organizations including:

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Why Study at DCT?

By studying at DCT in Switzerland, students benefit from

Internationally accredited programs at a school that is also a member of the Swiss Hotel Schools Association

Multi-cultural experience by studying in an inter-national setting with a diverse student body and faculty

Earning a “Double Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree” which combines a Swiss Advanced Diploma and an American Bachelor’s Degree from DCT’s on-campus partner, Lynn University

Programs that combine classroom study and practical work experience

Highly qualified and motivated faculty

Personal attention and a high level of interac-tion between students and faculty in DCT’s small classes

Living and studying in one of the world’s most popular tourist areas

Modern and up-to-date classrooms and facilities, including student lounge, exercise room and sauna

Living in spacious student accommodations, all with balcony and en-suite toilet with shower/bath

Learning another language: German

Enjoying campus-wide wireless Internet access 24/7, at no additional cost

The opportunity to participate in an International Student Exchange Program with the University of Massachusetts in the USA

Program fees that are comprehensive and competitive

Assistance with internship career placement upon

graduation

Life-long networking through the DCT Alumni Association

Helping Students to Career Success

1. Students build on their personal foundations throughout their studies at DCT to become successful hospitality professionals.

2. While at DCT, students and faculty work together in creating a rich, international learning environ-ment, which cultivates the lifelong skills neces-sary to adapt and prosper in our rapidly evolving professional world.

3. As part of an international education, students are exposed to different cultures. In particular, DCT students learn about Switzerland, its unique in-ternational character, and its exalted place in the hospitality industry. This multicultural experience fosters understanding of other cultures, which is essential for success in the global hospitality industry.

4. Knowing multiple languages is a great ben-efit, particularly for those striving for success in the global hospitality business. The language of instruction at DCT is English and, because DCT is located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, students study German as part of their curricula. This assists them if they engage in a Paid Swiss Internship and can also be a strong advantage as their careers progress.

5. International work experience is also important to hospitality students’ development because they

build a broad base of skills and are exposed to a wide range of practices that may not be common in their home countries. DCT encourages and assists students in finding suitable placements for Paid Swiss Internships so that they can gain this valuable experience early in their careers.

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Facilities & Accommodations

DCT supports students’ learning with up-to-date facilities and technology in the classrooms, restaurants and kitchen labs. Outside the class-room, students benefit from the library and online resources, and the fully equipped computer lab. Free wireless access is available throughout the campus, including in student rooms.

The DCT campus provides students a home away from home. It includes a student lounge open 24 hours a day, where students can relax, play pool, watch movies, and socialize. Students have free use of the campus’ fitness center and sauna.

Students stay in comfortable, large, fully- furnished hotel-style double or triple rooms or junior suites. All rooms are equipped with en-suite toilet, bath and shower, color TV, phone, and refrigerator. Deluxe double and single rooms are available at an additional charge. Weekly linen change is provided by the school and coin- operated laundry machines are available 24/7.

Student meals are included in the standard school fees: three meals per day during the week, and brunch and dinner on the weekends. We also take care to meet any special or religious dietary needs.

Students continuing their studies on campus receive free room and meals during their two-week term break.

Activities

DCT’s Activities Coordinator works with the elected Student Council members to organize a wide range of weekend activities such as skiing, skating and tobogganing in winter; swimming, hiking, biking, tennis and other outdoor activi-ties in the summer; plus a variety of social and cultural events.

New students are asked to arrive at the Zurich Airport on the Thursday, Friday or Saturday before the start of each term. Our Welcoming Committee meets and brings new students to the DCT campus. Upon arrival, students register, check in to their rooms, and are asked to make a free telephone call to their families to let them know they have arrived safely.

DCT conducts a two-day Orientation Session on the Sunday and Monday before the start of classes, which begin on Tuesday. During Orien-tation, students receive a tour of the campus, an explanation on where to find and buy things in Vitznau, a tour of Luzern, information on academic and housing policies, textbooks and uniform pieces, and assistance in opening a bank account.

At the end of each term, a farewell celebration is held for students leaving for internships. Once a year, DCT holds a formal graduation and awards ceremony.

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Internships & Career Placement

Working in the industry is an important com-ponent of most DCT hospitality and culinary programs, and this experience can last up to the same length of time as a student’s on-campus studies. A Paid Swiss Internship is an opportunity for students to apply practically what they have learned in the classroom, developing the hands-on skills necessary to embark on, or continue, a successful career in the hospitality industry.

DCT assists students throughout the entire process, from an initial job search, through a suc-cessful internship, to career placement.

For internships, students can apply for posi-tions from a list of quality Swiss restaurants and hotels provided by the school. DCT’s Head of Industry Training guides students, helping them match their internship interests with the needs of the industry, and once they have begun their training, regularly visits each student at their place of employment.

DCT’s Career Center assists graduating students with international placement. DCT em-ploys an international placement officer who works with students at no charge to help them secure employment upon graduation. DCT also hosts regular Career Fairs that bring top interna-tional organizations to the DCT campus to recruit and hire our graduates.

EMPLOYER COMMENTS: General Manager, Hotel Bellevue Palace (5*),

Bern: “At the Hotel Bellevue Palace we give DCT

students the possibility to put their knowledge from school into practice and to have many new experiences in the hospitality business. Regular and up-to-date training as well as the excellent quality of our services and products are two of our main concerns, and therefore we feel that we provide ideal surroundings for dedicated trainees.”

General Manager, Hotel Ambassador (4*), Zurich: “My experience with DCT students on their

Industry Training is that they have the ability to see the whole picture. They may be working in the kitchen, in service or in housekeeping, but they dem-onstrate an awareness of cost controls; they have a good feeling for our customers’ well-being and what operations involves in the whole scheme of things. They are pretty well trained when we get them for six or nine months. We are very satisfied with our relationship with DCT. The students get good train-ing back at school, and good supervision out here in the real world.”

Alumni Networking

The DCT experience does not stop upon gradua-tion! Students make lifelong friends at DCT and our Alumni Association keeps graduates con-nected to maintain the relationships between all graduates, current students, faculty and DCT friends.

Professionally, the Alumni Association facilitates networking among DCT graduates, making job opportunities available from around the world. Regional Chapters help Alum-ni stay connected with organized social and professional activities.

CRUISES & CRUISETOURS

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Hospitality and tourism is the world’s largest and fastest-growing industry; one out of every nine workers worldwide is employed in hospitality. It is also a multi-faceted field with job oppor-tunities not only in hotels, but also in airlines, cruise ships, travel agencies, resorts, convention and conference centers, event planning, spas, casinos, theme parks, eco-tourism, plus many other related industries.

As the world gets smaller, the opportunities expand for skilled people in this industry. DCT’s graduates are now holding top management positions as:

Hotel General Manager Rooms Division / Front Desk Manager Food and Beverage Directors Restaurant Owner or Manager Guest Relations Manager Accountant Event Planner Training Manager Human Resources Director Hotel Consultant Banquet Manager Airline Station Manager Spa Director Hospitality Educator Convention Sales Manager

Executive Chef Pastry Chef Hotel Operations Manager Private / Executive Club Manager Casino Manager International Finance Manager Tour Director Cruise Line Operations Manager Sales & Marketing Executive Resort Manager and many more…

DCT Contact Details

DCT University Center – Switzerland SeestrasseCH-6354 VitznauSwitzerlandwww.dct.eduadmission@dct.edu

Skype DCTSwissInfoFacebook www.facebook.com/DCTSwitzerlandPhone ++41 41 399 00 00 Fax ++41 41 399 01 01US phone +1 (617) 381-4328

Overview of Industry Opportunities

For further information, please contact our Admissions Office, a local DCT Representative, or visit our website. DCT’s application documents, Catalog, Flier, CD and View Book are available free of charge to prospective students and are correct at the time of print, but may change at any time without prior notification. Date of publication: September 2009

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DCT where Dreams Come True