Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Chinese students studying hotel management in Switzerland, highlighting the disparity between high tuition costs and the reality of job opportunities upon graduation [10][28][32]. Summary by Sections Education and Costs - The tuition fees for hotel management programs in Switzerland can exceed 1.5 million RMB over four years, not including living expenses [2][10]. - The comprehensive curriculum covers various aspects of hotel management, but students often feel they lack specialization in any one area [4][5]. Employment Challenges - Graduates often start from entry-level positions, such as internships, and must work their way up, which can include menial tasks [5][6]. - There is a perception of discrimination faced by Chinese students in the European job market, impacting their ability to secure desirable positions [6][12]. Return to China - Many students express a desire to return to China but are apprehensive about the low starting salaries and potential lack of respect in the job market [8][13]. - The article notes that the return on investment for studying abroad may not be as high as expected, with starting salaries comparable to domestic graduates [19][25]. Industry Outlook - Despite challenges in the domestic hotel industry, the global hotel market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.1%, potentially exceeding $1.2 trillion by 2028 [28]. - The hotel industry requires patience and a willingness to start from the bottom, as success is often built over time rather than through immediate financial gain [30][31]. Parental Concerns - Parents investing in their children's education abroad may face significant financial strain, with some viewing it as a gamble on their child's future [22][32]. - The article suggests that for families without existing hotel businesses, the investment may not yield the expected returns, leading to doubts about the decision to pursue international education [24][26].

Group 1 - The topic of "returnees" has gained significant attention since April, with discussions highlighting the mixed quality of overseas-educated individuals and a decline in the perceived value of "returnee" talent [1][2] - The number of returnees seeking jobs in China is expected to increase by 20% in 2024, reaching double the figures from 2018, with average monthly salaries for priority positions rising to 15,440 yuan, up from 11,739 yuan in 2019 [2][3] - New popular study destinations include Malaysia, Singapore, Russia, Japan, and South Korea, with a notable 70% increase in returnees from Malaysia [2] Group 2 - The hotel industry still values "returnee" experience, particularly for managerial roles, where international perspective and cross-cultural communication skills are seen as competitive advantages [3][4] - The global hotel management education landscape is dominated by Swiss institutions, with six out of the top nine schools located in Switzerland, emphasizing the importance of international education in this field [3][6] - The hotel management profession in China has seen significant growth, with over 260 universities offering related programs, although there is a trend of high vocational schools leading in this area [7][9] Group 3 - The demand for hotel management professionals is expected to rise, with a projected 45% increase in managerial positions in first-tier cities and over 20% in second and third-tier cities by 2025 [9][10] - The hotel industry is evolving towards a need for more skilled professionals, moving from a generalist approach to one that requires specialized skills [9][10] - The perception of hotel management as a low-barrier profession persists, leading to a decline in the number of universities offering this major, with 20 institutions planning to discontinue related programs by 2024 [7][9] Group 4 - The importance of practical experience in the hotel industry is emphasized, with a significant correlation between years of service and promotion opportunities [12][13] - Hotel managers require a blend of strategic planning, execution, and crisis management skills, which are best developed through hands-on experience [13][14] - Effective communication and soft skills are crucial for hotel managers, as they spend a significant portion of their time resolving conflicts and building team dynamics [14]