Transforming the learning journey of students

LE MONDE Education Group, in collaboration with Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland, launched Greece’s first-ever bachelor’s degree in hospitality management in 2022. This pioneering programme adopts the Finnish academic model, aiming to deliver high-quality bachelor-level education entirely new within Greece.

With over 25 years of expertise in hospitality and gastronomy education, LE MONDE Education Group has established an excellent reputation in Greece and beyond, maintaining strong connections with prestigious tourism establishments both domestically and internationally.

Introducing the Finnish academic model in Greece

In September 2022, a team of educators and an academic adviser from Haaga-Helia visited LE MONDE’s premises to conduct a week-long ‘training-the-trainers’ programme. This initiative introduced LE MONDE’s faculty and staff to the Finnish educational model and Haaga-Helia’s pedagogical approach, which emphasises competence-based learning, experience economy, and hospitality mindset central to the bachelor of hospitality management programme.

While most courses are delivered by LE MONDE’s instructors in Greece, several specialised courses – Global and Local Perspectives of Travel and Tourism, Amadeus GDS and Basics of Air Traffic, Digital Marketing, Managing Dynamic Hospitality, Experience Management, Creating Transformative Experiences, and Experience Marketing – are taught by Haaga-Helia instructors in a hybrid format. In addition, the entire thesis process is handled by Haaga-Helia.

Each academic year begins with intensive on-site sessions facilitated by Haaga-Helia instructors who spend a week laying the foundation for the learning journey. The programme then transitions to an online format until February, when another week of on-site engagement takes place in Athens. The academic year concludes with a final on-site week at the end of April, providing students with a comprehensive and immersive educational experience.

Tackling challenges in intensive collaboration

Implementing the Finnish model of competence-based learning in Greece, however, has not been without its challenges. One of the primary obstacles has been aligning the deeply rooted traditional educational methods with the more progressive, student-centred approach of the Finnish system (Sahlberg 2007).

LE MONDE’s pedagogical approach puts more emphasises on lecture-centred instruction, which contrasts starkly with the Finnish focus on student autonomy, problem-solving, and practical application.

Adapting the curriculum to blend these approaches required intensive collaboration between instructors from both institutions. Faculty members underwent extensive training to embrace facilitation and coaching roles, guiding students through real-world scenarios rather than delivering predefined lectures (Brauer 2021). This shift, while transformative, presented initial challenges and slight resistance from students accustomed to more conventional teaching and learning dynamics.

Language barriers also posed some difficulties, as the curriculum integrates global perspectives and resources predominantly in English. While most students possess a functional level of English, the nuances of academic language and specialised hospitality terminology required additional support structures. Language issues have also a direct impact on the quality of students’ thesis work. LE MONDE addressed this by incorporating supplementary English language workshops and leveraging digital tools for multilingual support, and Haaga-Helia increased number of thesis seminars.

Moreover, the emphasis on experiential learning (Montonen & Eriksson 2013) – a cornerstone of Finnish pedagogy – required significant infrastructural investment. Simulation labs, interactive platforms, and partnerships with local hospitality businesses are still being developed to create authentic learning environments. Although the programme is yet to match the infrastructure in Finland, students have already expressed heightened engagement and a deeper understanding of industry practices, reflecting the tangible benefits of this approach.

Cultivating a new generation of forward-thinking hospitality professionals

Despite the challenges, the outcomes have been profoundly positive. Students graduating from the programme are equipped not only with contemporary competences but also with practical skills and adaptive mindsets required to excel in the competitive hospitality industry.

We remain optimistic that the students’ newly acquired competences will be recognised by leading Greek and international hospitality businesses eager to recruit the graduates. Some notable success stories are already emerging, as graduates report that, armed with a global outlook and innovative approaches, they are eager to drive transformations within their workplaces.

Whether introducing sustainable practices, leveraging digital marketing strategies, or creating unforgettable guest experiences rooted in the principles of the experience economy, these alumni are at the forefront of redefining hospitality standards in Greece.

Looking ahead, the continued integration of the Finnish education model into LE MONDE’s hospitality management bachelor programme holds immense promise. As more instructors and students embrace this ‘new’ paradigm, the potential to advance hospitality education in Greece becomes increasingly attainable. With each graduating cohort, the vision of cultivating a new generation of forward-thinking, innovative hospitality professionals draws closer to reality.

The journey, though demanding, exemplifies how cross-cultural collaboration can unlock transformative possibilities for education and industry alike.

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