As an international school with partners and representatives across the globe, it's always important to us to ensure these relationships are constantly maintained and strengthened.

During the period of travel restrictions, one of the limitations we felt most keenly was the inability to meet face-to-face with our international colleagues.

2023 has felt like the first time we have been properly able to reconnect through travel, events and direct interactions and we are determined to make the most of this as we embark on several international visits this year.

IMI International Marketing Manager Henrik Kavander made his first trip to Indonesia recently to connect with our various partners based in the country.

Of course, Indonesia has always held a special place in our school’s heart, with our founding families’ connection to the country and our long history of educating young Indonesian students in the finest traditions of Swiss hospitality management.

In a sign of how wide IMI’s Indonesian alumni network spreads, Henrik had already met one of our alumna before he even stepped on the plane! Passing through Zurich airport, he ran into Inne Frunz who now lives and works in Switzerland following her studies at our school.

Once he arrived in Indonesia, he had a busy couple of weeks visiting our partner schools STP Triskati, Swiss German University, Universitas Padjadjaran, Ciputra University and Bali Tourism Polytechnic.

Here, he was able to meet with prospective students and present to them the IMI experience – everything from our UK validated degree awards to the many fantastic sights, sounds and experiences to be had living and studying in the heart of Europe.

Indonesian student Elizabeth talks about her experience of studying culinary arts at IMI.

Commenting on the importance of the trip, Henrik said: “I was recently trusted by our founding family and owners to visit Indonesia, a country where IMI Switzerland has been active for the past 32 years.

“Meeting with our local team and valued partners was a truly amazing experience and the warm welcome, friendliness and hospitality shown to me exceeded all expectations.

“I got to better understand the roots of IMI Switzerland while at the same time meeting with new friends and business partners - I am already looking forward to return and meet everyone again.”

Throughout his trip, Henrik was looked after by our locally based IMI Representatives who took care of all arrangements and logistics. We would like to express our warm gratitude for the care and time they took to ensure this was such a productive and enjoyable visit.