Workplace & on-campus conduct

This program is designed to prepare you for the realities of working in the exciting world of international hospitality. That’s why internships are an essential part of the curriculum and why becoming familiar with European workplace culture is so important. There are high standards of behavior and professionalism expected in working environments and these need to be maintained during your studies as well as on campus.

Adhering to the rules and respecting the hierarchy will mean you get the most out of the program, will prepare you better for the real world of work and will ensure your experience is as positive and harmonious as possible.

Dress Code

At Les Roches, your appearance speaks volumes about your professionalism, values, and readiness for the world of hospitality. Our Professional Image Policy serves as a guide for students and staff to uphold the standards of excellence that define our community.

This policy applies to all members of Les Roches—students, including those visiting during internships, and staff. It extends across all campus spaces, indoors and outdoors, and when representing Les Roches in partner businesses.

Professional Image Policy →

Workplace hierarchy

Fellow employees at your internship – regardless of department or position – and Les Roches faculty are professional colleagues, not household staff, and must be treated with respect at all times.

Communication style

You should expect polite but direct and professional communication in European workplaces. Feedback is given directly and is designed to enable you to improve professionally rather than being a personal criticism. Accept and embrace the feedback provided positively to allow you to improve professionally.

Negotiation

Students should not attempt to negotiate or push back excessively on decisions made by campus or staff and management while on internship. The rules are the rules and are not up for discussion.

Engagement

Students must respond to all emails and attend all meetings requested by potential employers, careers service or faculty team. If you need support to do this professionally, please approach Career Services. Ignoring emails, missing scheduled meetings and failure to follow up are treated as serious disciplinary matters and will be dealt with accordingly.

Code of conduct

Students are expected to adhere to the Les Roches code of conduct at all times: on campus, in their accommodation and at their internship placement.

Serious misconduct

Drug use, property damage and persistent non-compliance are taken extremely seriously and will result in immediate escalation. This includes during the internship period and may result in potential suspension.

Attendance

Attendance at all classes, sessions and shifts and punctuality (arrival 5-10 minutes early) is mandatory. This extends to internships as well.

Disciplinary warning system

There is a structured, three-strike escalation process and there are no exceptions to this.

Strike 1: formal warning

Strike 2: second formal warning with consequences outlined

Strike 3: removal from the program

Smoking

Smoking in Europe is highly regulated, so please make sure you respect the restrictions on campus, in non-smoking accommodation and at your internship workplace. While on internship, you may only take smoking breaks with prior management approval and in the designated areas.

This program is designed to prepare you for the realities of working in the exciting world of international hospitality. That’s why internships are an essential part of the curriculum and why becoming familiar with European workplace culture is so important. There are high standards of behavior and professionalism expected in working environments and these need to be maintained during your studies as well as on campus.

Adhering to the rules and respecting the hierarchy will mean you get the most out of the program, will prepare you better for the real world of work and will ensure your experience is as positive and harmonious as possible.

Despite the hierarchy, European workplace culture is characterized by mutual respect among colleagues, a direct, polite and professional communication style and an environment of honest, constructive feedback. Neither the workplace nor the campus are places where decisions are up for negotiation or pushback, though students are expected to respond to emails from managers or faculty promptly and politely.

Attendance at all classes, sessions and shifts during internships is mandatory, as is punctuality (arrival 5-10 minutes early). In addition, smoking is highly regulated in Europe, so if you are a smoker, make sure you familiarize yourself with the restrictions in the workplace.

Please note: campus staff and faculty are your point of contact for any questions or issues. Students should not contact their corporate sponsor or employer to try to change decisions made by Les Roches and/or the employer.

For more details on the specific terms and conditions on campus and in the workplace, click here.