At LAS, we believe in the power of experiential learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Recently, our Economics and Business Management students had the opportunity to engage with industry experts through two incredible field trips—one to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva and another to the incredible Gstaad Palace. These visits provided invaluable insights into global trade, luxury marketing, and real-world business strategies.
Grade 11 and 12 Economics students went on a fantastic trip to the headquarters of the World Trade Organization in Geneva. This visit allowed them to deepen their understanding of international trade policies and the diplomacy that help shape global commerce. As part of the visit, students attended a private lecture by one of the WTO’s 700 secretariat members. This session provided deep insights into the role of the WTO in maintaining fair and open international trade. The speaker explained the process countries must go through to join the WTO, as well as the policies in place to resolve trade disputes between nations. The lecture was very relevant to their students, as they have been exploring international free trade agreements and their impact on developing and underdeveloped countries.
Beyond these discussions, students gained a clearer understanding of how global trade rules are enforced and how the WTO works to prevent trade restrictions that can hinder economic growth. The session also sparked interesting discussions about the challenges and controversies surrounding free trade, particularly for countries with emerging economies.
Our Grade 12 Business Management students explored the world of high-end hospitality with a visit to Gstaad Palace, one of Switzerland’s most iconic five-star hotels. This exclusive experience offered a deep dive into luxury marketing, customer positioning, and branding strategies that have helped the hotel maintain its status for over a century.
One of the highlights of the visit was exploring the hotel’s three renowned restaurants, each with its own atmosphere and culinary identity. The students also had the rare chance to tour some of The Palace’s most prestigious rooms and suites, ranging in price from CHF 2,000-3,700 per night. Witnessing firsthand the detail and service offered at this level of hospitality furthered their understanding of pricing strategies in the luxury market.
Beyond the tour, the students attended a private Q&A session with the promotions and events team. They came well-prepared, having done prior research on Gstaad Palace’s market positioning, customer demographics, and high-profile clientele. Discussions were about the hotel’s collaborations with international schools and celebrities who frequent The Palace, as well as the evolving strategies used to maintain its prestigious reputation.
These recent trips to Geneva and Gstaad show our commitment to providing students with immersive educational experiences. By stepping out of the classroom and into real-world settings, our students gain valuable knowledge, inspiration, and practical skills that will serve them in their future careers. We look forward to continuing to build partnerships with industry leaders to offer more opportunities like these. By integrating experiential learning into our curriculum, we make sure LAS students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic global economy.
