Institut Villa Pierrefeu :: The Original Swiss Finishing School has developped over 50 years a know-how in International Business and Social Etiquette second to none.

 

Courses on our campus in 2022/2023:
Come to learn, apply theory in practice and get feedback from the experts! In our facilities tailored to what we teach!

Now that many schools have given their courses online for several months, teachers and students find that not all subjects are interesting when taught online. Class interaction between teachers and students, exchanging ideas with classmates from many different backgrounds and cultures, are indispensable when attending courses such as the ones we offer at IVP (Institut Villa Pierrefeu). And nothing can replace the hands-on practice and the constant feedback that makes for real progress!

The following intensive etiquette courses are planned for 2022/2023. They will be offered at our facilities.

• October Seminar - from October 24th to 28th, 2022;
• April Seminar - from April 24th to 28th, 2023;
• June Seminar - from June 5th to 9th, 2023;
• Summer Course - from June 18th to July 28th, 2023;
• August Seminar - from August 4th to 8th, 2023;
• October Seminar - from October 23rd to 27th, 2023;

 

Why Institut Villa Pierrefeu

With over 68 years of experience, Institut Villa Pierrefeu is a traditional Finishing School of the type the world expects from Switzerland. Elegant, exclusive and charming, it will prepare you for a role in the business world and society, aiming to help you become more effective in multicultural environments and dealings.

We offer several Finishing programs:

1. 1. Intensive Etiquette Seminar on "European Art of Dining" (1 week) for men & women over 18 years old (no upper age limit).
   
   Starting: October 24th in 2022 or April 24th, June 5th, August 4th and October 23rd in 2023.
   

1. This Intensive Etiquette Seminars is  a very useful 5 day course for anyone wanting to understand multi-cultural diversity and avoid making costly social or business mistakes.   
   
   The traditions, evolution and present usage in the European “Art of dining”, with practice and feedback.
   

2. •European Table manners (French, European & English style)
   

3. •Understand formal table service, settings and styles
   

4. •Refining your knowledge of cutlery and tableware
   

5. •Menu planning and structures, European menu sequences. Food and drink taboos
   

6. •Pairing food with wine
   

7. •After dinner coffee variables
   

8. •Precedence and conversation at the table as well as small talk
   

9. •Business meals and restaurant etiquette
   

10. •Types and styles of invitations, Dress codes for formal and informal occasions
    

11. •Traditions and history of English tea and three other European tea cultures
    

12. •4 dining tutorials at lunch with feedback and practice with "tricky foods"
    

14. Students can reside on campus ("residents") or stay at an hotel or another place nearby and come as "day student".

    CONTACT US 

2. 2. Intensive International Etiquette & Protocol Courses (3 to 6 weeks) for women over 18 years old (no upper age limit)..
   
   6 weeks from: June 18th to July 28th, 2023 or, 3 weeks from June 18th to July 7th or July 9th to July 28th, 2023.
   

1. Our exclusive six-week Summer Higher Certificate or Diploma course is scheduled from mid-June to end of July, but you can also apply just for the first three weeks (June 18th to July 7th, 2023) or second three weeks (July 9th to July 28th, 2023) and complete the program the following year.
   

2. ◦IVP Diploma in International Etiquette & Protocol courses (36 weekly hours of class).
   

3. ◦Higher Certificate in International Etiquette & Protocol courses (28 weekly hours of class).
   

4. ◦These are intensive programs of International Etiquette (covering 20 countries), Official and Diplomatic Protocol, “Savoir-Vivre”, Business Etiquette, Table Service, Hostessing, Floral Art & Table Decoration. (Extra courses: Effective Communication, Personal Presentation, Key aspects of Leadership, Facing the Media, Practical Housekeeping, Home Management and several "one of a kind" sessions). Age: 18 to 40 (+).
   

5. ◦The full course is planned over 6 weeks but it is also possible to do 3 weeks in June or 3 weeks in July.
   

6. ◦Students can reside on campus ("residents") or stay at an hotel or another place nearby and come as "day student".
   

7. CONTACT US 

3. 3. Bespoke course and special training on request. (A fee of CHF 1'250.- is charged for the proposal. It will be deducted from the final cost).

1. ◦Examples of tailor-made programs given on our own campus to small groups 
   

2. •Introduction to European manners and lifestyle to participants from other cultures.
   

3. •Intensive course in the customs and mores of European, American, Middle Eastern and Asian cultures.
   

4. •Diplomatic usage and Protocol, International customs, European etiquette variations for VIP Ladies from another culture.
   

5. ◦Examples of tailor-made seminars we have given in other countries
   

6. •In Japan: International customs one should know when traveling and when receiving foreign guests.
   

7. •In the Middle East: Diplomatic Protocol, Precedence, European table manners and reception styles, Dress definitions for formal invitations.
   

8. •Special private two to ten day courses, in their own residence, program chosen from our list of subjects, adapted to the client’s culture and lifestyle.
   

9. •One week course in an exclusive private school for girls, for the graduating students.
   

10. ◦To protect the privacy of our “students” we do not give their names.
    

11. In all these programs you will learn to apply theory in practice and develop your personal creativity whilst improving organizational skills.
    

    CONTACT US 

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4. 4.IVP in the Media.



THE NEW YORKER (US) - LESSONS FROM THE LAST SWISS FINISHING SCHOOL. By Alice Gregory / Montreux, October 2018. (To Article).



Time Magazine (US) - Switzerland's Last Finishing School. By William LEE ADAMS / Montreux, November 2011. (To Article).

Time Magazine (Europe) - Mind Your Manners: The Secrets of Switzerland's Last Traditional Finishing School. By William LEE ADAMS / Montreux, November 2011. (To Article).



Diva Dubaï - Etiquette and Education: A look inside Switzerland's leading Finishing School. By Mirna FARES / Dubaï, November 2011.(Download Article) - (To Website).



The Sunday Telegraph - Stella - Manners Reborn: Why it's all change in the last Swiss finishing-school. By Sophie Wilson/ London, December 2012. (Download Article) - (To Website).



Bespoke International Issue 32 (available in shops) - Finishing Schools: Fit and Finish. By Nadine Khalil / Beyrouth, May 2012. (Download Article) - (To Website).