25 March 2024
Fife College student Saskia Pomp was recently awarded a once-in-a-lifetime trip to train at a world-class hotel school in Switzerland.
HNC Hospitality Operations student Saskia, from Crossford, spent two days at Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL) thanks to a Hospitality Industry and Tourism (HIT) Scholarship award.
Offered through Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, HIT Scotland funds the annual all-expenses trip for students to take part in the programme at EHL, widely regarded as the best hospitality school in the world.
Saskia was accompanied on the trip by Fife College lecturer Fiona McLeod, who was chosen by HIT to lead and chaperone this year’s group of Scottish students from colleges and universities across the country.
The group took part in a two-day intensive programme which focussed on high-end customer service in hospitality. During the visit, they experienced the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of student-led food outlets, including a fabulous Michelin Star training restaurant.
Saskia and Fiona shared their experiences with staff and students on their return where Saskia spoke about how beneficial it was to interact with those who had a similar drive to succeed in the same industry.
Reflecting on the experience, which will help maximise her potential and give her the edge in the future, Saskia said:
“My experience at EHL was the most fascinating trip I have ever had. Not only did I gain valuable knowledge for my future career, but I also got the opportunity to meet other people who also shared the same passion and drive for hospitality.
“The lectures were very insightful, not only did I learn about how to create value in service but also discovered new aspects about myself. EHL not only opened my eyes to high standards of hospitality but also sparked a newfound appreciation for excellence in all aspects of life.
“I feel so honoured and privileged to have been given this amazing opportunity to study at the world’s best hospitality school. This will allow me to grow as an individual both academically and personally by gaining insights into how I can create value in service and hospitality which will be beneficial for my future career and studies.”
Fiona said:
"The trip to EHL is an opportunity that I will remember for the rest of my career. Not only have I met the most passionate group of students from all over Scotland, including our very own Saskia, but I was also introduced to a level of training within the hospitality industry that I have never experienced before.
“I have returned feeling very privileged and also excited for the career that the students in our hospitality department are away to embark on as this is without a doubt one of the most exciting and rewarding areas of industry within Fife to be part of."
Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Engagement Lead at Fife College, said:
“Saskia’s true passion for the hospitality industry shone through, from her application and interview to her presentation after the trip. She was a truly deserving winner of this special scholarship award.
“We are so pleased to hear what a fantastic boost this experience has given her and excited to see the difference this will make to her future studies and career.”
For further details about Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, visit our scholarships page or email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.