From Rajkot To Switzerland: How One Journey Shaped My Passion For Business & Luxury

Travelling from Rajkot to Montreux became a turning point in my life. More than just a journey, it marked the moment I stepped beyond the familiar and embraced a new path outside my dream of aviation—a decision that set the stage for my growth in business and luxury. Growing up, business was always something I was exposed to thanks to my family. I think what really sparked my interest was seeing entrepreneurs in action. There was something about the way they worked that I found fascinating. My dad played a role in shaping my perspective. It was through him that I discovered the world of luxury brands.

One thing that really stood out to me was how managing these brands required a mix of thinking, sharp business sense, and innovative ideas. It was like a blend of art and commerce. I’ve always had a thing for luxury watches, and Switzerland, living up to its reputation as the hub of the industry, seemed like the spot to delve deeper into my passion. It wasn’t about going through the books. I wanted to soak up the culture to surround myself with people who appreciate the things in life, where every detail matters, and perfection is the goal.

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There’s something about a place that elevates precision, craftsmanship, and excellence to an art form that really resonates with me. So I started doing my research, and eventually it took me to the Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM) Business School in Montreux. As I delved into the school details, I was really drawn to its environment. Students from more than 90 nationalities were enrolled, which seemed incredible. The school also placed a lot of importance on real-world experience with things like internships, masterclasses, and opportunities to connect with people in the industry.

This wasn’t about getting a degree; it was about being part of a community that was all about learning and growing together. Arriving in Montreux was a mix of thrill and anxiety; it was a ball game for me since I’d never spent so much time away from home. The faculty, though, went out of their way to make me feel at ease, which really helped me. What really struck me was how down-to-earth the teachers were. They took an interest in each student, offering one-on-one support that made all the difference in getting adjusted to this life.

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Masterclasses with industry leaders really helped shape my perspective. Hearing their stories and experiences was incredibly valuable. It gave me a sense of what I wanted to do in the future. Balancing academics with activities was important to me, so I also started creating content, sharing bits of my student life on social media. It wasn’t just enjoyable. It actually taught me a lot about marketing and storytelling in the digital age. One of the best parts, though, was getting to work with classmates from all walks of life. It added a depth to the experience that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

Montreux stands out as a place for students because it’s safe, affordable, and full of inspiration. Being here has gone beyond learning from books. It’s been able to help me grow as a person, find my confidence, and make memories that will stay with me forever. Studying in Switzerland can be a dream come true for students. If you’re one of them, here are some tips to get you started.

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■ Accommodation: Living on campus can be an idea. The hostels are really handy. A brilliant way to meet other students who are in the same boat as you all, while being close to the action.

■ Finance: When it comes to banking, my college made things easy by helping me set up a bank account. The whole process took a few minutes, thanks to the school's assistance.

■ Transportation: Switzerland's train network is really something. The trains are incredibly frequent, with departures every hour, making it easy to get around. One of the ways to explore the country is with a Swiss Pass, which not only saves you money but also streamlines the whole travel process.

■ Advice: When you're surrounded by students from all corners of the globe and locals, it's pretty easy to form friendships. All it takes is a willingness to be open and get involved in the things that are happening around you.

The author is pursuing a bachelor's in Business Administration at the Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM) Business School, Switzerland