Institute of Tourism Studies

Explore International Hospitality Through Study Abroad

As part of the Bachelor in International Hospitality Management, students can enrich their learning with a mobility experience at two leading institutions: Institut Lyfe in Lyon, France, and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland.

At Institut Lyfe, students gain hands-on experience in hospitality and gastronomy through unique facilities like a Michelin-starred application restaurant, a sommelier training cellar, and a mixology bar. Located in Lyon, the world capital of gastronomy, the city offers a rich cultural life, excellent food, and easy travel connections across Europe.

At Haaga-Helia’s Haaga campus in Helsinki, students enjoy a relaxed, collaborative learning environment in one of Europe’s greenest capitals. From discovering Finnish traditions to witnessing the Northern Lights, students benefit from both academic and cultural experiences.

This international exchange prepares students for global careers while immersing them in two vibrant European cultures.

Information about Institut Lyfe

Inspired by renowned chef Paul Bocuse and hotelier and businessman Gérard Pélisson, Institut Lyfe has a strongly rooted identity and provides training on the hospitality and food service sectors. Including a 1* Michelin gastronomic application restaurant – open to the public – Institut Lyfe also has a cellar dedicated to apprenticeship in sommelier, an application bar to learn mixology.

For more information about the student life at Institut Lyfe click here: Student experience | Living in Lyon | Institut Lyfe

Information about Lyon, France

Located at the heart of Europe, Lyon offers a variety of dynamic activities: museums, festivals, concerts, mountains, lakes, shopping, parks, cinema and much more. Lyon is a highly connected area and has a transportation system of 130 bus lines, 4 metro lines, 3 funiculars and 5 tram lines. Lyon’s two train stations are also connected to Spain, Luxembourg, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, making it easy for a mini getaway. Since the city is also connected by cycling paths, it is accessible and cheap to navigate around.

Did you know?

Lyon is recognised as the world capital of gastronomy and has made cooking into an art and a way of life with a strong culinary tradition.

Traditional foods include:

Salade Lyonnaise

Tablier de Sapeur

Coussin de Lyon

For more information about Lyon gastronomy and associated French culinary vocabulary click here: Culinary Journey into Lyon Gastronomy - French Moments

Information about Haaga-Helia, University of Applied Sciences

As part of the Bachelor in International Hospitality Management, students need to complete a three-month studies mobility experience at Haaga Helia. University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland. Haaga Campus, known as the Hospitality campus, is one of the five (5) operating campuses of Haaga-Helia, and is in the green Haaga district in Helsinki. Students can reach the campus by bus or by train, depending on the area.

For more information about transport and arrival information, click the following link: Arrival information, Haaga Campus | Haaga-Helia.

Information about Helsinki, Finland

Finland’s southern capital, Helsinki, is the largest and most populous city in Finland. Being named as the European Capital of Culture in 2000, Finland is known for its distinctive architecture, rich sauna culture and numerous green spaces. The Finnish Language is a Uralic language and has loanwords from Swedish, German, and Russian. Finnish literature and arts are rich in folklore, mythology, and modern innovation.

Traditional foods include:

Hernekeitto

Also known as Pea Soup

Paistetut Muikut

Also known as Fried Vendace

Leipӓjuusto

Also known as Bread Cheese

Testimonials

Students Feedback

“My Erasmus+ experience at Institut Lyfe has been enriching, inspiring, and challenging. I would highly recommend this experience to any culinary student because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you grow both professionally and personally. Be open to learning new techniques, embrace different ways of working, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, take the time to explore the local culture and food scene – it will inspire you in ways you never expected. Lastly, stay organised and manage your time well to balance both learning and enjoying the experience!”

Chantelle Gatt

Institut Lyfe, France

“My experience at Institut Lyfe has been informative, easy-going and enjoyable. It has been interesting to learn the fundamentals of French cuisine, as though going back to how it all started. I am also delighted to be experiencing a different teaching style for theoretical modules, compared to what I am used to in Malta, not to mention meeting lecturers from around the world, not just France. My advice to future students would be to stay open-minded; the best way to get the most out of experiences like these is to go into them as though you know nothing.”

Nirvana Falzon

Institut Lyfe, France

“Studying at Haaga-Helia has truly opened my eyes to the incredible impact that technology, especially AI, can have on the future of hospitality. From smart service systems to data-driven guest experiences and sustainable operations, the courses have given me a forward-thinking mindset. I now see my future career not just as managing people and operations, but as leading innovation, implementing smart solutions, and using AI to enhance both efficiency and the guest experience. This journey has made me more confident in my ability to navigate and shape the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.”

Sophie Diacono

Haaga-Helia, Finland

“My Erasmus experience at Haaga-Helia University in Helsinki has had a meaningful impact on both my personal growth and my professional development within the hospitality management industry. The future-focused subjects, such as Artificial Intelligence, FoodTech, and Creative Tourism, encouraged me to think creatively, apply innovative tools, and consider how I can implement modern approaches within the hospitality field. Working with international students helped me improve my leadership and communication skills, especially in group settings with different cultural perspectives. For any hospitality student considering a similar mobility programme, I highly recommend embracing the opportunity. Engage with the local student community, take part in events, and don’t shy away from challenges, they are the moments where you grow the most. Ultimately, Erasmus isn’t just an academic journey; it’s a life-changing experience that prepares you for a global and dynamic career in hospitality.”

Laura Spiteri

Haaga-Helia, Finland

Explore International Hospitality Through Study Abroad