Today, especially in the hospitality and tourism sector, knowledge alone is not enough, real-world readiness is key. This is the challenge HTL International School in Barcelona has set out to solve with unwavering focus and forward-thinking leadership.
Under the guidance of Elena Glintchevskaia, Director of HTL International School, the institution is not just teaching students; it is shaping professionals. The school’s primary goal is clear, to ensure every graduate becomes a valuable and job-ready asset in the hospitality and tourism industry.
To stay ahead, the school consistently evaluates and updates its academic plans and study materials. This proactive approach ensures that students are learning what’s relevant, practical, and future-oriented. But what truly sets HTL International School apart is its commitment to blending theory with real-world experience.
The faculty is not just made up of academic professionals; they are seasoned industry experts. Their firsthand experience in hospitality and tourism enables them to bring authentic, real-life scenarios into the classroom, bridging the gap between knowledge and application.
Located in Barcelona, a global hub for tourism and culture, the school offers students not just a place to learn, but a space to grow, network, and build a career-ready mindset. Under Elena’s leadership, HTL International School continues to elevate its standards, aiming to produce not only graduates, but confident professionals equipped to lead in an ever-evolving industry.
As the Director of HTL International School, a private institution founded in 2005, Elena leads with purpose and vision. Under her guidance, the school has grown into a respected name in international hospitality and tourism education. With a solid background in international business and a deep passion for learning, she was naturally drawn to the hotel management sector, a space where cultural exchange, service excellence, and global career pathways intersect.
Elena’s motivation lies in her belief that hospitality is one of the most human-centered industries. It’s a field where emotional intelligence, adaptability, and innovation aren’t just valued, they’re essential. She envisioned a school that would go beyond technical training to foster leadership, empathy, and a mindset prepared for the progressive global market.
Since its inception, HTL International School has been committed to delivering a blend of strong academics, hands-on practical experience, and rich international exposure. As a woman in leadership, Elena is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. She strives to ensure that every student, regardless of background, feels supported and empowered to thrive professionally.
For Elena, the true reward lies in witnessing the transformation of her students. Seeing graduates excel in leading hospitality roles across the globe is not just a testament to the school’s mission but a reflection of her dedication to shaping the next generation of global hospitality leaders.
The school’s close collaboration with industry partners and associations plays a pivotal role in shaping and continuously enhancing its programs. These partnerships offer valuable insights into the evolving needs of the workforce, allowing the institution to align its curriculum with real-world expectations.
By staying informed about the skills and tasks that will be critical for future professionals, the school ensures its students are not only well-prepared but equipped to excel in their careers. Elena highlights that this ongoing exchange with industry leaders enables the institution to remain agile and forward-thinking in program development.
At HTL International School, teaching methods are designed to evolve with the fast-paced demands of the global hospitality sector. The programs strike a thoughtful balance between theoretical foundations and real-world application, ensuring students graduate with both knowledge and experience.
Workshops, seminars, and internships are regularly updated to reflect current industry trends. A major highlight is the inclusion of hands-on masterclasses led by professionals who are actively shaping the hospitality landscape. These sessions are not limited to enrolled students, anyone looking to upskill or grow in their career is welcome to participate.
This open and adaptive approach reflects HTL’s core belief: when education is aligned with the real world, it doesn’t just prepare students, it helps move the entire industry forward.
Hospitality and tourism thrive on human connection, and developing strong interpersonal skills is key to success in this field. Elena points out that HTL taps into the richness of its international student body, students from many different cultures and educational backgrounds, to create an environment where learning goes beyond textbooks. By organizing diverse group activities and regularly mixing up teams, the school encourages students to listen carefully, share their ideas openly, and do so with respect, free from judgment or stereotypes.
This hands-on approach helps students build the kind of communication and collaboration skills that are essential for leadership and entrepreneurship in a hospitality industry that is naturally global and multicultural.
The Master’s program gives students a real chance to create their own Business or Marketing plans as part of their studies. Elena shares that many students don’t just stop there, they take these plans out into the real world, tweaking them to match current market needs and sometimes even launching their own businesses.
For others who want a different experience, the Internship module offers hands-on industry exposure by placing students in well-known companies. These internships often open doors to permanent positions or provide the practical skills and confidence needed to chase more challenging and rewarding career paths after graduation.
Each class is a lively blend of students from across the globe, bringing together different religions, traditions, and sometimes even opposing viewpoints. Elena explains that despite these differences, students consistently show a genuine willingness to listen with open hearts and minds.
The teachers play a vital role in nurturing this atmosphere. They skillfully guide discussions away from potentially sensitive topics, adjust the flow of conversations as needed, and stay alert to any signs of tension. This thoughtful care makes sure that diversity isn’t just noticed, it’s truly celebrated in the everyday life of the classroom.
The school’s recognition by well-known institutions like Instituto Cervantes, along with its connections to European universities, really boosts the value of its degrees for students aiming at international careers.
Elena shares that students get the chance to take the official Spanish language exam and earn a certificate from Instituto Cervantes. This isn’t just a piece of paper, it’s something that strengthens their resumes and helps them stand out when applying for jobs around the world.
A solid understanding of data analytics, digital marketing, and emerging technologies is no longer optional, it’s essential. Elena emphasizes how these areas are shaping the future of hospitality education. She points out that the curriculum is carefully crafted to give students the skills they need to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Beyond the integration of these tools in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, the institution also offers a specialized Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence for Business, Marketing, and Hospitality. This advanced program is designed to help industry professionals gain a deeper grasp of cutting-edge technologies and how they can be applied practically to marketing and promotion in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Elena’s insight highlights how education is evolving to meet the demands of a digital future.
Students receive dedicated support in developing their research skills and completing impactful final projects that address authentic issues in hospitality and tourism. They have direct access to their tutors for guidance on any questions that arise throughout their learning journey.
The assignments and projects are consistently grounded in real-life scenarios, focusing on solving current business or marketing challenges. This practical approach ensures that students graduate well-prepared with the essential skills and tools needed to thrive in their future careers.
Internship programs, both in Spain and internationally, play a crucial role in students’ professional growth and readiness for the global industry. While theoretical knowledge lays the foundation, many aspects of hospitality and tourism are truly grasped only through hands-on experience. Students enjoy the flexibility to choose between in-office or remote internships, as well as their preferred sector and role.
Supported by the academic team, who assist in crafting strong CVs and interview preparation, students not only develop practical skills within companies but also grow professionally by understanding workplace dynamics. Importantly, the program encourages them to critically evaluate their internship experience—focusing not just on performing tasks but also on identifying areas for company improvement, which deepens their overall industry insight.
Elena highlights these benefits, emphasizing how such programs prepare students for success in a competitive global market.
HTL International School secures its place among Europe’s top hotel management institutes by consistently investing in the education of its team and staying closely connected to industry trends. The school actively participates in both Spanish and international trade fairs, creating valuable networking opportunities. This forward-thinking approach guarantees that the curriculum remains up-to-date and perfectly aligned with the evolving demands of the hospitality sector, as Elena explains.
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