YOUR AMBITION IS INTERNATIONAL. YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE.
Bilingual
Experiential Year
French & English
Dreaming of an international career in hospitality? At Glion, your journey can now begin in both French & English.
Our Bilingual Experiential Year offers a progressive pathway into the English-taught Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business. It combines hands-on teaching in both French and English, together with English language skills development and international exposure.
Strengthen your English language proficiency as you build the confidence to thrive in an international academic environment.
Your future has no borders. Neither should your ambitions.
Fall 2027 intake | Switzerland
Start with confidence. Grow without limits.
Don’t let confidence with English get in the way of your international ambitions.
Glion's Bilingual Experiential Year is designed for motivated French-speaking students who wish to pursue an international hospitality education.
By combining French- and English-language tuition, hands-on experiences and dedicated language lessons, you’ll progressively develop your English skills as you learn the business of hospitality, giving you the foundations to succeed in an international academic and professional environment.
A progressive transition
Launch your Experiential Year studies with classes taught in both French and English, building confidence as you adapt to an international learning environment.
Language for your future
Strengthen your English skills while preparing for future academic and professional opportunities.
Learn by doing
Experience Glion's distinctive educational approach centered on practical learning, professional standards and exposure to the world of hospitality.
Your first international experience
Apply your skills during a professional internship, with opportunities to gain valuable experience in a non-French-speaking environment.
A pathway designed to deliver your international ambitions
Your Glion Bachelor’s degree journey begins with the Experiential Year, providing an immersive introduction to hospitality that combines practical education with professional experience.
The bilingual Experiential Year pathway offers a progressive transition into English-language study while maintaining the academic and professional standards of Glion's Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business.
Step 1 Learn, experience and build confidence
Experiential Year | Semester 1
Your first Experiential Year semester blends classes conducted in French and English languages. Develop practical skills, discover the standards of hospitality and strengthen your language proficiency with our dedicated support.
This pathway is available to both native and non-native French speakers, provided you meet the minimum requirement of B1 level French proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Importantly, the pathway requires a lower minimum level of English proficiency than the 100% English Experiential Year; specifically an IELTS Academic Module overall band score of 5.0, with at least 4.5 in each component. With this score you will be required to complete Glion's Pathway to English Proficiency program.
Step 2 Put your skills into practice
Experiential Year | Semester 2
Take your first steps into the professional world through a 24-week internship. Placements in non-French-speaking environments are encouraged to accelerate language development and broaden your international experience.
Step 3 Continue your international journey
Bachelor of Science | Year 1 onwards
Progress into the 100% English-taught Bachelor curriculum equipped with stronger language skills, greater confidence and valuable professional experience.
To progress into BSc Year 1, you must meet the English-language proficiency requirement of IELTS Academic Module: minimum overall band score of 5.5, with at least 5.0 in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
Please note that the Bilingual Experiential Year provides an alternative entry pathway into the 3-year Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business; it is not a separate degree.
Is the bilingual Experiential Year right for you?
This pathway is designed for ambitious French-speaking students who wish to enhance their confidence with English in order to successfully undertake their Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business studies.
It may be particularly suitable if you:
- Have completed, or are completing, your secondary education in a French-speaking environment, or have an equivalent level of French proficiency.
- Are motivated to pursue an international career in hospitality.
- Wish to strengthen your English proficiency without delaying the start of your degree studies.
- Are ready to embrace practical learning, international experiences and new challenges.
The pathway is open to both native and non-native French speakers, provided you meet the minimum language requirements (see below).
Language requirements
Entry into the Bilingual Experiential Year
- French: Minimum B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- English: Minimum IELTS Academic Module overall band score of 5.0, with at least 4.5 in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
Compulsory Pathway to English Proficiency
Students entering the Bilingual Experiential Year with an IELTS Academic Module overall band score of 5.0 and at least 4.5 in each component are required to complete Glion's Pathway to English Proficiency during the first semester.
This intensive 15-week program is designed to strengthen academic and professional English communication skills through:
- 60 hours of intensive English classes, including small-group sessions.
- 120 hours of guided self-study.
- Personalized teaching and regular progress assessments.
Additional tuition fee: CHF 2,500
Progression into BSc Year 1
To progress into the fully English-taught Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business, students must achieve:
- IELTS Academic Module: minimum overall band score of 5.5, with at least 5.0 in each component (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
Our Admissions team can guide you through the language requirements, compulsory English support and academic progression conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bilingual Experiential Year a separate degree?
No. It is an alternative entry pathway into Glion's Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business, not a separate qualification.
Will I study in both French and English during my first semester?
Yes. The Bilingual Experiential Year combines French- and English-language learning during the first semester, helping you develop your English proficiency and confidence in a structured way before you progress to our fully English-taught Bachelor of Science degree.
What level of English do I need to apply?
The minimum entry requirement is an IELTS Academic Module overall band score of 5.0, with at least 4.5 in each component.
Students entering at this level must complete Glion's compulsory Pathway to English Proficiency program during the first semester.
What is the Pathway to English Proficiency?
It is a 15-week intensive English-language program delivered alongside your Experiential Year studies.
Combining 60 hours of intensive classes and 120 hours of guided self-study, the program helps you strengthen your English and prepare for the language requirements of BSc Year 1.
An additional tuition fee of CHF 2,500 applies.
Do I need to speak French?
Yes. A minimum B1 level of French is required. The pathway is open to both native and non-native French speakers who meet this requirement.
What English level is required to progress into BSc Year 1?
You must achieve an IELTS Academic Module minimum overall band score of 5.5, with at least 5.0 in each component: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Where will I complete my first internship?
You will undertake a 24-week professional internship as part of the Experiential Year. We recommend placements in non-French-speaking environments for those who need to improve their level of English, or in French-speaking environments for those who wish to improve their French.
Will my Bachelor’s degree be bilingual?
No. The bilingual approach applies only to the initial Experiential Year. The subsequent Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business curriculum is taught in English.
Is the Bilingual Experiential Year available for the Bachelor of Science in Luxury Business?
No. The Bilingual Experiential Year is available exclusively as an entry pathway into the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business.
When can I apply?
The Bilingual Experiential Year is planned to commence with the Fall 2027 intake. Contact our Admissions team for details about availability, application deadlines and entry requirements.
