Alessia Mandato
Excited to combine two things she's always been passionate about – business and languages – Alessia knew that studying International Business would be the perfect blend of her interests. She wanted something more than just a typical university experience, something that would broaden her horizons and give her international exposure. Her search led her to the Netherlands and NHL Stenden and Grand Tour. Quite simply, everything she was looking for.
“Finding the right place to study wasn’t a decision I made lightly. What first caught my attention about NHL Stenden was its design-based education approach, as well as the small class sizes that promised personalised attention and an emphasis on collaboration. But what really convinced me was the opportunity to go on Grand Tour – an experience that would allow me to explore Southeast Asia while studying. Looking back, the day I received my acceptance letter was a moment of pure joy and relief. My dream of combining education with travel was becoming a reality.”
“The International Business programme has gone far beyond my expectations . I love how hands-on and interactive the learning process is because of the chance to work with real businesses to solve actual problems they face. That was a ‘wow’ moment for me because I realised what I was learning in class had immediate, tangible use in the working world. I couldn’t wait to apply this in a different setting.”
Embracing the unfamiliar
“For me, Grand Tour was a no-brainer. I’ve always loved travelling, so getting to study in Bangkok and Bali while immersing myself in local cultures was something I couldn’t pass up. Arranging Grand Tour was both exciting and challenging. Exciting because I got to travel extensively, meet incredible people, and gain insights into different cultures that made my studies even more meaningful, and challenging because there was a lot to figure out, like logistics, time management, and study plans. All the while, I had to adapt to new environments and mentally prepare myself to live so far away from family. But these struggles were also opportunities for growth, teaching me to be more flexible, independent, and resilient.”
Where learning meets life
“If there’s one thing I’d like to emphasise, it’s that Grand Tour offers more than just an education – it gives you life-changing experiences that prepare you for the global stage. I often tell my family and friends back home about the amazing people I’ve met and the different perspectives I’ve gained from interacting with them. NHL Stenden really knows how to embed academic learning in real-world experiences, something that is often lacking in more traditional educational settings. This journey has firmly established my passion for business consultancy and marketing, which are now the areas I want to focus on in my career.”
Find out more about International Business on the course website and explore the opportunities Grand Tour offers.