What our Alpiner’s Say:

A big advantage of studying on the Swiss Alpine Center program at City Unity Education Group is the fact that one must complete two internships in luxury hotels in two years. 

I had the opportunity to do both of my internships at the Athenaeum InterContinental in Athens where I worked in different departments and while finishing my Bachelor’s degree, I got accepted in their Management Training program. Continuing my professional journey, I went to Sofitel Athens Airport, then Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam and currently in the Conferences & Events Sales of Hilton Amsterdam. 

Building a strong academic base which also gives you the benefit of doing an internship within an international framework, can open a whole new world of opportunities.When it comes to investing in education, studying in an environment where everything runs as smoothly and accurately as the hands of a Swiss watch, Alpine Center is the place to be:

Well-structured curricula with a caring Faculty that carry a strong professional background and provide you with the necessary guidelines to cultivate your skills and knowledge to succeed.I graduated with a Swiss Alpine Center and a University of Wales BA(Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management in 2013.

 3 great years that will always stay in my mind!

John Romaios, Greece

Sandra Preye Nelson Charpidou-BA(Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management

Sandra Preye Nelson Charpidou

BA(Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management 2020

My name is Sandra Preye Nelson Charpidou. I come from Nigeria but I live in Greece since my husband comes from this beautiful country. Three years ago, I decided to change careers and embark on one in the prosperous tourism industry since Greece was and is still undergoing a huge growth, offering great career opportunities.

I joined Alpine Center, the Swiss Business School for Hotel & Tourism Management that offers its programs at City Unity Education Group. The program of study is so comprehensive that now at the end of my studies I can’t just believe how much I have learned about the details that are so important and make a difference in a successful hotel operation. Besides learning about the various departments as Front Office, Food & Beverage, Culinary concepts, the business component taught me how to manage a profitable hotel.

Finance for managers, human resources management, sales and marketing, research, entrepreneurship and business planning including the strategic business project all equipped me with so many skills that I am now so eager to put into practice and build my career! Thank you Alpine for your tender loving care!

Thank you, Mrs Hofmann, for encouraging me and mentoring me all through these three years. I am so privileged to be a graduate of Alpine/City Unity College where I also studied on the Cardiff Metropolitan Bachelor’s degree. I will make you all very proud!

Nelson Charpidou. Nigeria

My name is Roman Chashka and I am from Ukraine.  I was interested in studying hotel management but was unable to attend a program of study on campus!  My next best option was to study online.  I enrolled on the 12 course Hospitality Management Diploma offered by Alpine Center in collaboration with their partner AHLEI. 

I took control of my professional development and studied at my own pace and on my own schedule. Two years later I am so pleased to have learned so much and have earned the prestigious awards from both Alpine & AHLEI.  I immediately received an offer to be placed in the hotel industry by the Career and Placement office of Alpine which I appreciated.

If you are interested in embarking on a career in hotel management, Alpine Center will be an excellent springboard for the start of your career!

Roman Chashka , Ukraine

My name is Samer Al-Kantar and I am a proud graduate of the Alpine Centre, the Swiss Business School for Hotel & Tourism Management.   Being from Lebanon,  I chose to study at this Swiss school’s campus located in Greece.

I specialized in the Rooms Division Department and between 1998 and 2012 I had the great pleasure to work in big chain hotels such as the Marriott, Intercontinental, Rotana, Hyatt, Sheraton & Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East and United Arab Emirates.  I started as a supervisor and made my way up to top management as Executive Housekeeper reporting to the Executive Committee and was responsible for new hotel openings.

After this fruitful experience, I was eager to widen my horizons and explore greater opportunities! I advanced into Facilities Management including Operations & Maintenance at King Abdullah Port, one of the leading ports in the world located in the Arabian Peninsula.  The Port is planning a huge expansion that will make it the biggest port in the world in 2025.  I attribute my success to the principle of Excellence in Service that I have adopted over the years and that has served me well. 

I was listed in the Hotelier Awards Shortlist: Housekeeper of the Year when I worked as Executive Housekeeper, Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach.  Here’s what my employer had to say:  ‘Samer is practical, hard working, loyal, friendly and most importantly comes up with innovative ideas for development of the hotel and staff.

The secret to my success as a Senior Manager is attributed to the many learning experiences that I have acquired and the learnings from leaders such as  J.W.Marriott who said: “Take good care of your employees, motivate them, care about them, and make winners out of them…they will treat the customers right! And if the customers are treated right, they’ll come back!”   I remind my staff that they should have passion for their work:  “If you love it, you have it!   if you don’t do it from the heart, drop it! Live, love and enjoy the journey!”

Samer Al-Kantar, Lebanon

My name is Rachel Elson, I am 21 years old from Zambia, Africa and have recently completed the first year of the International Hospitality & Tourism Management program of study in Athens, Greece and will be performing my first internship at Aegon Hotel, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in the renowned Mykonos island.

When I finished high school, I never imagined myself to be studying in Greece let alone studying to become a part of the hospitality industry, but now I wouldn’t have it any other way. Alpine Center is a perfect place to set you off on the success ladder into the hospitality industry. Being both a theoretical and a practical college it equips you for everything you’ll be needing once you graduate.

I’ve been given the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who soon become like my second family, as well as the doorstep to travel the world both while I study and later when I begin working.

Rachel Elson, Zambia

My name is Reginald Muteiwa, I am 20 years old straight out of the heart of southern Africa, Zimbabwe. I am currently studying my first year of the Swiss Alpine Center Culinary Arts Diploma offered at City Unity and on the road to beginning my first internship at Out Of The Blue Capsis Elite Resort in Heraklion, on the lovely island of Crete in Greece.

I discovered the Swiss Alpine Centre by chance on a seemingly endless search to find the right institution that fit my needs and curiosity into the depth of Mediterranean cuisine and provided a gateway to fully express my love for food. I gained more than I bargained for thanks to the Alpine family with the chance to interact with individuals from different corners of the world and society, network with successful professionals and organizations within the tourism industry and also gain an education like no other that focused on cultivating practical skills, work place professionalism, encouraged full on teaching of all aspects of the hotel and tourism industry not only limited to your field of study and most importantly showed me that the world is an oyster of opportunity open to anyone no matter where you come from or who you are.

It's an added bonus that I had chance to study in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, and made life long memories and friendships that I am truly grateful for. Opa

Reginald Muteiwa, Zimbabwe

Panagiotis Grigoriou-Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management

Panagiotis Grigoriou

Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management 2019

During my 2 years of study at Alpine Center through City Unity I gathered exceptional and valuable experiences which prepared me to work at the most luxurious hotels in the two internships that I had to complete. My first internship at the Athenaeum InterContinental Hotel was excellent as I was rotated in various departments.

Now in my second internship, I find the training I have received at the Four Seasons Astir Vouliagmeni, prior to its opening, most inspiring. I feel privileged and can foresee a brilliant career ahead of me. This is thanks to Alpine’s Swiss philosophy in training and educating future leaders in the industry which focus on blending practical training with classroom theory and at the same time instilling in us a professional attitude that makes us stand out in the crowd.

I highly recommend this college as the best one out there!

Panagiotis Grigoriou, Greece

My parents who come from Hungary but live in Romania spent many summer holidays in Greece, always staying at the lovely Palmyra Beach Hotel.  That’s how I came to learn of the Swiss Alpine Center where I enrolled on my hotel management studies in 2016.

My 3 years of study at Alpine Center/City Unity College were the most memorable years of my life.  I enjoyed the learning experience where classes were interactive and the lecturers highly qualified.  I am now prepared to begin my real-world career.  The most I liked about this college is that students need to complete summer internships in order to practice and develop the skills they have learned during the academic semesters.

I have completed my most unforgettable internship in the luxurious 5-star St Regis Hotel in Doha, Qatar:  a 5 months’ internship filled with challenges, learning new skills and techniques, learning how to deal with demanding customers, and how to continuously be at your best.  The employee environment was excellent.  I trained as a Front Desk agent and Butler Service agent under circumstances that surely made me more prepared for any kind of challenges that I will encounter in my upcoming career.

Furthermore, during my internship in Doha I met the most precious person to me who is my future husband.  I also have to say, that through the help and encouragement of the wonderful Mrs Sybil Hofmann, I succeeded in achieving the goals I have set and will be graduating with a Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management and a BA(Hons) International Hospitality Management from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.

Leila Vuap, Hungary

My name is Meaza Woldeyes and I am from Ethiopia.  I have been working in the hospitality and tourism industry in different parts of east Africa since I was 18 years old.

When I decided to broaden my knowledge in this field Swiss Alpine center was my first choice and I am glad I looked no further.  With my busy lifestyle which made it impossible to attend college classes in person, I needed an education that was designed for people like me.  As a woman the challenges of combining work and study is often underestimated, offering limited opportunities.  Thus, enrolling on a distance learning program with Swiss Alpine Center was ideal for me.

Mid way through my studies I felt the need for an internship outside Africa to experience how five-star luxury hotels operate.  Alpine’s Career & Placement office assisted me in finding an internship at the Ritz Carlton in Tenerife, Spain which was most valuable in building up my career.

I am extremely satisfied with my experience which has taught me discipline and responsibility to plan my daily tasks. The educational materials were easy to read and understand. The course was well designed with relevant modules and information.  The assignments were very practical    This helped me focus on writing and increased my confidence. I am pleased to say that the course provided me with valuable information and improved skills that allowed me to move forward in my career.

The administrative staff at the office and my tutor were just superb.

I am now a graduate with a double Diploma:  the Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hospitality Management from Alpine Center as well as the Hospitality Management Diploma from Alpine’s partners, AHLEI.

Meaza Woldeyes, Ethiopia 

“Swiss Alpine Center, one of the premier Hospitality & Tourism Business Schools in Europe, was my first and final choice when I decided to further my education. Since I am working full-time as a Front Desk Shift Leader with changing shifts I needed to be able to study with flexibility and Swiss Alpine Center gave me that possibility with the Hospitality Management Diploma through distance learning, self-study.

The journey has been long and challenging at times, but exciting too and the support and encouragement I received from the President of Alpine’s International Programs, Mrs. Sybil Hofmann was and will always be remembered because she was there to inspire me to continue at times when I needed someone to push me through and to never stop learning new things!

The Hospitality Management curriculum broadened my theoretical knowledge about the Industry and gave me the tools and skills to better myself. Besides the Hospitality Management Diploma(s) that I was jointly awarded by Swiss Alpine Center and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, I was also awarded The Certificate(s) of Specialization in Rooms Division Management,  and I can finally say with honour and pride that I am now an Alpiner!!

Daniel Likakis, Greece

‘Revenue Management: Maximizing Revenue in Hospitality Operations: an intense, prudent, and focus-oriented course!”

“In my academic and career path until today I took every opportunity to learn and grow. Having an aptitude for sports I studied Physical Education and Sports Science.

Nonetheless, I decided to change my career from the field I initially studied and to gear towards the Hospitality realm, with much of perseverance and mindfulness.

To achieve my goals, I trusted with all my heart Swiss Alpine Center, which provided me great learning opportunities, encouraged me all the way for self-improvement and rendered this lifelong education process an exciting journey that one does not want to end. It was Swiss Alpine Center who offered me the first chance to change my career life, by working in the United Kingdom, at Hilton Hotels and Resorts. It was Swiss Alpine Center and its people that never left my side through this wonderful experience and kept me motivated till now, to be honest. The professional targets and working positions are set to thrive and even more opportunities arise, once you feel confident that you have the sheer fundamentals and enhanced assets of Swiss Alpine Center.

My latest learning exploration and achievement was the certificate of ‘Revenue Management: Maximizing Revenue in Hospitality Operations’. Little can I say about this incredible, intense, prudent and focus-oriented course! Amazing, captivating, compelling! I am currently working in a close field to revenue management and this course is absolutely beneficial! I was deeply excited and eager to read it and study it, even after a hard day at work.

I genuinely believe that this course is most suitable for professionals who want  to see the big picture on how to make a hotel business profitable; it provided the knowledge, skills and competencies required to develop and execute strategic revenue management processes in your organization. Go for it now! It is most required to have an overall overview of this changing working environment we are part of and love to mark our fingertips into.”

The Revenue Management: Maximizing Revenue in Hospitality Operations course is part of the 5-course Sales & Marketing Specialization Online/ Distance Learning

Maria Katsikea, Greece

Hospitality Management was not my first choice but it was my final one. I had already attended two other colleges with completely different majors, environmental sciences in the US and music production in the UK. Besides being an avid music lover, I had a passion to work with the people and help the environment.

I experienced this first hand when I volunteered in various countries both in South East Asia and in East Africa. For me this was an education, something you can never learn in a classroom but only through experiences, mistakes that in the end become life lessons. I learnt more from poor local farmers than my environmental science professor could ever teach me in class. Working more with the local communities in each country, I fell in love with volunteering and at a younger age, hoped I could do this for the rest of my life.

Reality, however, hit me hard and I knew volunteering would not be sustainable for me in the long run. Returning to Athens from Kenya, I made a vow that I will return and continue to help these people whenever I have the chance. Now, I had to think what career path I wanted to follow. I would have never thought hospitality, until my mother and a few friends suggested the idea to me and informed me there was an excellent college for that, right in my home city, Glyfada!

Philippe Charalambopoulos, Greece

The name “Alpine Center” is synonymous with eminent success and high-reaching progress through setting goals and achieving them.  When I enrolled at City Unity College to follow the Swiss Alpine Center program of study in hotel management, I had heard so many success stories about graduates who have soared in their careers.  I was truly motivated and now after having graduated in 2016 with the MSc International Hospitality & Tourism Management degree awarded by Cardiff Metropolitan University, also affiliated with City Unity College,  I have begun to  make my own success story.

I was privileged during my years of study as an Alpiner to have two internships at the Athens Hilton, and upon graduation I was offered the position of Coordinator in the Events & Conventions Department.  Everyday my team and I are responsible for organizing all kinds of events, from small private meetings to international conventions for large corporations.  The diversity of the work makes it so interesting, and the contact with customers and with my colleague is very energizing and motivating.

When I look back at the years I spent at Alpine Center & City Unity College, fond memories of the caring faculty and staff rush to my mind.  From the Academic Dean to each and every lecturer, their commitment to the students’ success is amazing and highly appreciated.  The tender, loving care of the staff from the Admissions Manager, Mrs Anastasia Konstantinidou to the Student Services Officer Mrs Manuela Pasche Alvertos and the Career & Placement Manager, Mrs Pigi Mantzouratou taught us how to be passionate about the people who care about you, and how to do things right!  And lastly, the inspiration given to me by the President of Alpine Center’s International Programs, Mrs Sybil Hofmann is still driving me to achieve even more in my chosen career!  Without her I wouldn't be here today. Alpine Center was, and still is, the best choice I have ever made !

Pavlos Tsouchlaris, Greece

My name is Polina Sepirjova and I am a graduate of Alpine Centre, year 2013.  I hold two qualifications:  A Swiss Diploma in Hotel Management from Alpine Center and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

My first taste of working in the industry came as a first internship in my first year of studies at the reputable Sani Hotels in Chalkidiki where I was a Receptionist.  The first six month of my studies coupled with this internship changed me completely, from a very shy and quite person to a confident and vibrant person, open-minded and patient, responsible and ambitious.

My second internship started at Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world,  where I was employed as a Guest Services Executive, and after just 8 month was promoted to another position – Rooms Controller. This experience is unforgettable. I met many celebrities, shook hands with the President of America, accommodated many Royal Families, and much more. Sounds good? That was just the beginning! My sense of adventure took me further and for the next two years  I was employed by another huge company in UAE, the Emirates Airlines.

I travelled as a  Cabin Crew all over the world and my office was the whole sky. My dream came true! I was in Paris and saw Eiffel Tower, went to the biggest casino in Monte Carlo, climbed the Chinas Great Wall, went to New York City on top of Empire State building, had a walk in Walk of fame in Los Angeles, touched penguins in Cape Town, did bungee jumping in New Zeeland, even tried costume of samba dancers in Rio de Janeiro…among many other exciting things! This whole journey of adventure taught me how to love life, live without any regrets, how to enjoy the moment!

Polina Sepirjova, Russia

My name is Daria Rarenko. Studying for a Master’s degree at Alpine Center helped me acquire work experience in a tourism business  environment and gave me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people of different cultures, and basically to fit easily into the team.

I learned how to take initiatives, be responsible, and become a valuable team member, which is key to a successful career.

I have become very interested and motivated in working as a Project Manager for the M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, and Conventions & Exhibitions) Department in Ambotis Air Services Company.

My responsibilities included planning, organizing and coordinating M.I.C.E Projects in Greece and EU.   I was engaged to work in M.I.C.E projects with an average budget starting from 50.000 to 1.000000 euro with the net profit 20 - 30 %.  Another exciting aspect of my work is my involvement in organizing and coordinating wedding projects with the average revenue starting from 600 - 500.000 euro. 

Greece MA International Hospitality & Tourism Leadership 2013

Alexander Kyramarios-Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management

Alexander Kyramarios

Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management 2010

Education is a must if we are going to move tourism forward in Greece. Having practical experience in the field of travel and tourism, I felt a more theoretical base was needed to progress my career.

This is why I chose Alpine Center for my place of studies. The fresh, exciting and relevant classes offered by Alpine Center suited my needs perfectly. 

Alexander Kyramarios, Rhodes, Greece,  Travel & Tourism Management 2010

When I first came to Alpine three years ago, my expectations were high, and I was the most excited person in the world. Fresh out of high-school with 1000 dreams and I wanted to accomplish them all. I’m happy to say my expectations where not only met, but far surpassed.

I am now finishing my third and final year at Alpine Center, and I feel ready to take my next steps into the world, having accomplished the first of my 1000 dreams: getting an International Hospitality Degree. Thank you President Hofmann, you've been inspirational. The biggest thank you to all my lecturers over the years. You were the best I could ever hope for! 

Phaedra Clarke, Australia, Bachelor’s in International Hospitality & Tourism Management 2010

Alpine center is not just a school that provides you with valuable knowledge and training for your professional life, Alpine is an experience that will change your life forever. This goes far beyond the very capable, professional and always helpful academic staff, the intensive on-campus training programs and the challenging industry placement.

From day one we learned to always push ourselves beyond excellence and then push some more. Its true what they say about the alpine formula: ALPINE= Professionalism + Education + Personality. 

Ammar Rifai, Syria, Bachelors in International Food & Beverage Management 2010

“My name is Zoi Boikou, i am 29 years old and i come from Greece. i have been working in the tourism industry for 5 years in Athens and on the Greek Islands. 

As i was wishing to gain more expertise in the tourism sector, especially in event management, i decided to enroll on the Online Event and Conventions Management Specialization Program.

Due to high workload and difficult schedule, i was looking for an online program that would enable me to study and take the exams at my own pace. Although it is a distance learning course, yet you feel that the people from Alpine Center are always there willing to help you. Special thanks to Mrs Sybil Hofmann and Mrs Vicky Jakupovic for always supporting me during my studies. 

My learning experience was beyond expectations. I obtained a sound grasp of the global event industry and advanced my skills in event management. These skills gave me a competitive advantage and enhanced my professional development. 

I highly recommend the Online Event and Conventions Management Specialization Program of Alpine Center as it is very flexible and at the same time a milestone for those who want to specialize in the very profitable sector of tourism and events.”

Zoi Boikou, Greece

Patrick Loutfi-Spa Management Specialization

Patrick Loutfi

Spa Management Specialization 2010

Alpine Center provides courses that cover a wide and valuable range of issues concerning the spa industry and how to operate a spa facility efficiently and effectively.

The core courses went into detail about theoretical aspects of managing a spa such as retail, maintenance, operations, information technology, and front and back offices. The teachers are highly qualified and enthusiastic and experienced within the field, adding a very unique element to the world-class learning environment. 

Patrick Loutfi, Canada, Spa Management Diploma 2010

Alpine Center has provided me comprehensive foundation in order to succeed in the hospitality industry. My experience was exceptional; both academic and practical classes gave me the confidence to implement my knowledge and fully commit myself into a bright and successful future.

I would highly recommend Alpine Center to potential students who wish to build a career in the challenging world of hospitality, and to gain international work experience. This summer I will be doing my internship at the Ritz Carlton in Dublin, Ireland!

Irene Kapetanaki, Crete, Greece, Hotel Management 2010 

Alpine Center gives great opportunities to its students, and as a Culinary Arts graduate I really want to thank all the teachers as they have done the best job.

Alpine Center is a great place which helps students from all over the world get involved in the hospitality industry. The experiences we got here and the people we met will be memorable for a lifetime. I really will miss Chef Ruedi and the atmosphere of Alpine! 

Yana Garbuz, Russia, Culinary Arts Diploma, 2010

I decided to go into the culinary industry in the last year of high school. After living in Hong Kong for so many years, I decided study abroad. Luckily, my mother has a friend whose son studied at Alpine two years ago. That’s how I learnt about this college.

As soon as I came here, I was delighted to learn that most of the people's first language is not English, and I feel safer already to be here. The faculty and students are very nice. I’ve loved my time here in Alpine. The course subjects were very interesting, specific in their aims and broad in their teaching. Assimilating into a new culture and environment was as fun and rewarding as the academic work was challenging.  

Rhonda Leung, Hong Kong, Culinary Arts Certificate, 2010

I am pleased to convey my sincere appreciation and fulfillment regarding my academic voyage at Swiss Alpine Center (SAC) at the City Unity College campus in Greece, where I pursued both the Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management and the Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Bachelor's degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management.

My decision to select (SAC) stemmed from its esteemed reputation in the realm of hospitality education. The institution's dedication to delivering a comprehensive curriculum, complemented by practical training, perfectly aligned with my career aspirations in the hospitality sector.

Throughout the span of three years, SAC not only imparted theoretical knowledge but also nurtured essential practical competencies crucial for thriving in the ever-evolving hospitality sector. The faculty's unwavering commitment to cultivating a global outlook proved invaluable, particularly for an international student like me.

During my time at SAC, I cultivated an entrepreneurial mindset, aligning with my goal to contribute to my family business in Kosovo. I'm excited to apply my knowledge to grow our enterprise and seek out expansion opportunities. I am confident that the education and experiences garnered here will serve as a sturdy bedrock as I venture into the next phase of my career journey.

I was attracted to the Swiss Alpine Center's (SAC)programs at City Unity College due to its extensive industry ties. Being born and raised in Greece, I know that my country provides access to dynamic hospitality markets and valuable networking opportunities. As a result, it was an easy decision.

The student experience at SAC is truly memorable and unique, whether through group moments or engaging in social events. By integrating practical courses, knowledge is not only enhanced but also closely mirrors genuine real-world experiences.

Participating in Career Day was an incredible opportunity, offering insights into my desired career path. Meeting influential figures, understanding the requirements, and feeling motivated to pursue my objectives made it truly an inspiring experience.