In this video, Alexander, a bachelor’s student in economics at the Higher School of Economics in Russia, shares his experience participating in a unique academic program that brought him to both HEC Paris and EHL Hospitality Business School. Through this international learning journey, Alexander discovered two complementary worlds: the strategic dimension of luxury management at HEC and the hands-on, people-centered approach to hospitality management at EHL. He reflects on how the teaching style at EHL emphasizes group work, collaboration, and practical learning, offering a different educational experience compared with traditional lecture-based programs. During the program, students also visited iconic hospitality institutions such as Lausanne Palace, where they learned key lessons about service excellence — including why hospitality professionals should never simply say “no” to a guest request, and how luxury brands must carefully balance exclusivity and accessibility. Through these experiences, Alexander gained valuable insights into luxury, hospitality, customer experience, and service culture, while discovering the unique environment and learning philosophy that define EHL. 💡 Key Takeaways ✅ How hospitality education differs from traditional academic programs ✅ Why collaboration and group work are central to learning at EHL ✅ The difference between luxury management and hospitality management ✅ Key service principles learned from industry professionals ✅ Why exclusivity is essential to luxury brand value ✅ First impressions of studying hospitality in Lausanne 📍 Timestamps 00:00 - Alexander introduces himself 00:12 - What did this program teach you about luxury brand management? 00:34 - What does this program teach about luxury brand management? 01:01 - What was your first impression when you arrived on HEC and EHL campuses? 01:16 - What is the one key learning experience you remember? ❓ Who they are 👤 Alexander Zhitnyak https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-zhitnyak-5706a6325/ 🌎 Learn more about EHL The Luxury Hospitality Management Summer School https://gs.ehl.edu/luxury-hospitality-management-summer-school-hec-paris 💬 Question for you: What do you think makes the difference between luxury management and hospitality management? Share your thoughts in the comments 👇 If you enjoy insights about hospitality education and the future of the hospitality industry, like, share & subscribe for more content from EHL Hospitality Business School: https://www.youtube.com/@EHLpublications?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-zhitnyak-5706a6325/