Institut Villa Pierrefeu (School of International etiquette and Protocol in Switzerland)
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Description of Institut Villa Pierrefeu (School of International etiquette and Protocol in Switzerland)
- ​​​​​Location: Switzerland
- Students age: 18 years old, no upper age limit
The elite institution Institut Villa Pierrefeu (School of International Etiquette and Protocol in Switzerland) was founded in 1954 - until now the school in Switzerland is run by the Neri-Faillettaz family, who acted as founder of the institution. The main goal of the programs is not only to increase the academic knowledge of women (in some courses also men) from all over the world, but also to provide valuable social and business skills and knowledge, to improve the best personal qualities, and to learn modern etiquette, protocol and norms of behavior in many different cultures.
Many students come after the completion of their secondary or university education, others are already active in the business world. The curriculum provides an opportunity to deepen and update existing knowledge, to master the norms of international etiquette and protocol in various situations, to improve understanding of customs and norms worldwide.
Lessons are taught in small classes, many subjects given with “hands-on” practice - this results in an individual approach, giving each student a maximum of personal attention.
The institution has accreditations from leading national and international commissions and associations:
- Association of Private Schools of the Canton of Vaud
- Swiss Federation of Private Schools FSEP and EDUQUA.
All courses are taught in English. There is an intensive 6-week summer course which covers a vast curriculum and several short one-week intensive seminars with a specific theme.
What are the most important questions parents ask when looking for the right Swiss school?
First of all, safety and reliability for children is assessed. They are also looking for extracurricular activities, opportunities to travel around the country and beyond, in general the lifestyle on campus.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Institut Villa Pierrefeu (School of International etiquette and Protocol in Switzerland)
Diploma
A special course lasts 3-6 weeks with an intensity of 36 lessons weekly. Each student can make up personal curriculum to make learning as effective as possible. Lessons can be conducted in English, French or bilingual.
The Diploma program is conducted in the specialty "International etiquette and protocol". The educational course includes the following disciplines and areas:
- European etiquette (4 lessons per week)
Study of good manners, table etiquette and rules of conduct in a restaurant, hotel. Planning the menu for different situations, the rules of serving, table talk, dress code for lunch and dinner.
- Business etiquette (6 lessons per week)
Study of international customs regulations and safety in travel. The rules of business meetings, conferences and business lunches, business official correspondence. Writing a resume. Etiquette of the office, personal and telephone conversations.
- International etiquette of private and business meetings (8 lessons weekly)
Rules of table setting (historical traditions of different countries), behavior at the table; compilation and calculation of the menu.
- Table setting and table etiquette (6 lessons per week)
Correct wine supply, choice of wine and suitable dishes. Serving the table, order in the buffet, caring for silverware and china. Organization and holding of private parties. Serving of tea and coffee table. Maintenance of conversation at the table: permitted and forbidden topics, international permissible protocol, verbal communication (sign language), compliance with the dress code. Practical lessons on the organization of a cocktail party or tea ceremony.
- Decoration of the table and the art of drawing up bouquets (2 lessons per week)
Studying of compositions from fresh and dry colors, selection of colors on a season, a combination with fruit. Studying of classical and modern tendencies, rules of a combination with other subjects on a table (vases, napkins, cutlery, etc.).
In addition, girls can choose for themselves interesting additional electives (10 lessons per week, paid separately) - subject can be:
- Ballroom dancing
- bakery products
- Art
- Housekeeping
- Individual lessons of French
- Cookery
- Winemaking
- PR.
In each class, up to 12 girls are engaged, usually 6 people each.
Dates of the program:
1) Diploma Course:
- Three-week course: from June 19 to July 8, from July 10 to July 29
- Six-week course: from June 19 to July 29.
Arrivals and departures are held from Friday to Sunday.
Intensive Etiquette Seminars
- Age of students: from 21 years
- Dates: March, June, August, October
- Duration: 3-4 years.
At the program, young people over the age of 21 learn the rules of etiquette at the international level, which must be observed at official or, conversely, informal events. Under the guidance of experienced teachers, students whose profession involves frequent interaction with representatives of business or political circles will receive the necessary skills of good etiquette, taking into account different cultures.
The Intensive Etiquette Seminars educational course includes two main seminars that take place at different intervals throughout the year:
- European Art of Dining (March 2-6, June 14-18, August 3-7, October 5-9).
- Exploring Cultural Differences (October 12-16).
The five-day educational section of European Art of Dining is devoted to the study of the traditions and evolution of modern European dining etiquette. Students will get acquainted with different styles of menu design, table setting, coffee serving, will study the design of cutlery, will learn how to combine wine and food, learn about the rules of the dress code, as well as the intricacies of small talk as a guest or, conversely, the owner. The educational course includes:
- 36 academic hours in 5 days
- 4 manuals on traditional cuisine of 4 countries with feedback
- Interactive classes, brainstorming, role-playing games and more.
The second study section of the Intensive Etiquette Seminars program - Exploring Cultural Differences - includes studying international traditions and etiquette customs, the knowledge of which will allow young people from different countries to better understand the characteristics of multicultural behavior and to feel confident in any environment.
Students will learn about the customs and traditions of the etiquette of several countries, learn the rules of small talk with the avoidance of uncomfortable topics, learn which gifts are appropriate depending on the occasion and culture; will get an idea of how to contact your interlocutors at an official event or in an informal setting. Young people will also learn the intricacies of handling different appliances (cutlery, chopsticks and so on). The educational course includes:
- 36 academic hours in 5 days
- 3 master classes in international cuisine
- Interactive classes, brainstorming, role-playing games.
For an additional fee, students can also add individual lessons in different areas to the educational process:
- Diplomatic protocol
- Oenology
- Personal presentation
- Home management
- Practical housekeeping.
For the distribution of individual classes, you can choose weekends or evening hours after workload according to the main educational program.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Residences are located in Glion above Montreux, overlooking Lake Geneva. Students are offered boarding-school style, fully furnished rooms for 2-3 people. A few single rooms sharing the bathroom are also available. Each room has a safe for storing valuables, several have a balcony with a magnificent view of the mountains or lake. Some (older) students also choose to stay at a hotel or rented lodgings off campus, especially when they come with family members.
Meals: Breakfast is included from Monday to Friday for resident students. As it is necessary for table manners and service practice, lunch is provided for all students from Monday to Friday and consists of a European style menu with meat or fish and a vegetarian or vegan menu. Food allergies or restrictions for religious purposes should be announced on the application form.
The cost of living is (for 1 person):
- Residence, double/triple room: 2200 CHF / 3 weeks, 4400 CHF / 6 weeks.
- Residence, single room, sharing bathroom: 2880 CHF / 3 weeks, 5760 CHF/ 6 weeks
- Single room with own bathroom at Hotel Victoria next to school: 4340 CHF / 3 weeks, 8680 CHF / 6 weeks
- All plus Tourist tax 140 CHF / 3 weeks, 280 CHF / 6 weeks
Subjects, specialties
Activities Institut Villa Pierrefeu (School of International etiquette and Protocol in Switzerland)
Interesting events and festivals are held in Monteux, such as the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival (in July) and the Festival of Classical Music in August.
Equipment Institut Villa Pierrefeu (School of International Etiquette and Protocol in Switzerland)
The purpose-equipped buildings of the school are designed for practicing theory learnt in class. In their free time students can also enjoy the school’s swimming pool or use the many sports facilities in the Glion-Montreux area which are very wide and varied:
- Fitness
- Horse riding
- Tennis
- Golf
- Yoga
- Windsurfing
- Aerobics
- Swimming
- Water skiing
The school campus is located just above the famous resort of Montreux, and is surrounded by a large private park.
Facilities and equipment at Institut Villa Pierrefeu (School of International etiquette and Protocol in Switzerland)
The campus of the school is perfectly equipped for effective studying, active leisure and pleasant leisure time during extra-curricular hours. Only 5 minutes walk - and you are already in the foothills, where you can learn skiing or snowboarding, also close to the coast of Lake Geneva, available for water sports (sailing, surfing, water skiing - the school has its boat). Near the campus there are tennis courts, dressage school and riding arena.
The school campus is located just above the famous resort of Montreux, and is surrounded by a large private park.
Admission dates and extra charges
Program Dates 2024:
1) International Etiquette and Protocol
- Full six-week course: June 23 - August 2, 2024
- Part 1 (3 weeks) June 23 - July 12
- Part 2 (3 weeks) July 14 - August 2
2) European Art of Dining 2024
- April 22 - April 26
- June 10 - June 14
- August 09 - August 13
Arrivals are on Sundays and departures on Friday.
The course price already includes:
- Curriculum of the selected program as described in the brochure
- Certificate of attendance at the end of the program
- Contribution to school infrastructure and facilities
- One excursion per three weeks
The following components are paid additionally:
- Registration fee
- Accommodations and some meals (see in the corresponding section)
- Air tickets in both directions
- Transfer in both directions
- Consular fee (paid at the Embassy)
- Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents
- Compulsory medical insurance
- Deposit for extra classes or expenses (non-used part is refundable)
- IVP course and exercise-books
- Transfer from and to Geneva airport
- Additional courses or one-on-one private lessons (optional)
- Examination fee Higher Certificate / Diploma ( exams are optional)
- Personal expenses = vary according to each person.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
camp / language school |
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private school, boardinghouse |
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university |
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Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Institut Villa Pierrefeu (School of International etiquette and Protocol in Switzerland)
Recommendations on when to apply
Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
- we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
Patricia Woodhouse worked as the Principal at Surval Montreux until 2021. She is a London University graduate and has more than 35 years of experience in secondary education. She worked in 9 schools - 7 boarding schools and 2 daytime. She worked with students 4-18 years old: the music director, the head of the residence and the head of the boarding school, the deputy head, the head and the director. She believes that safety is one of the most important criteria when choosing a school.