Aniek van den Ouweland

"At the age of four, my family and I moved to Sweden. Even though I was still very young, this period in my early childhood sparked something in me. Since then, I have always been fascinated by other cultures, nature, and the feeling of freedom. That also explains my love for Scandinavia and my choice to study in the tourism sector. For me, travelling is a step into the unknown, where you challenge yourself by getting to know other people and cultures."

Extra tutoring and mnemonics as a lifeline

“I came from vocational education and wanted to continue studying, but I doubted whether I would be able to cope at higher professional education level. That’s why I chose the AD Tourism Management programme. Those two years felt structured and safe. I thought: if I can manage this, I can always progress afterwards. As I had expected, the business economics classes were tough, but with extra tutoring, mnemonics, and plenty of visual explanations, I managed and even achieved sevens and eights in this subject.”

A non-traditional path

“Once I had my AD diploma in the bag, my family, friends, and lecturers encouraged me to continue my studies. For me, the Bachelor’s in Tourism Management also felt like a logical next step. Thanks to my AD background, I had more practical experience than some other Bachelor’s students. Compared to the Bachelor’s programme, the AD route includes more internships. Looking back, I am only glad I chose this path.”

Among the hard-working students

“After four years of studying, I proudly received my Bachelor’s degree. As a reward, I treated myself to a well-deserved working holiday in New Zealand. Like any backpacker, I often found myself in libraries, searching for Wi-Fi, somewhere to charge my phone, and, if I was lucky, a comfortable sofa to spend a few hours on. I would regularly sit among diligent students, hunched over their textbooks in concentration. With a grin, I would think to myself: I never have to do this again.”

Turning the world upside down in New Zealand

“But the more often I saw those students in the library, the more something started to nag at me. I had already completed VMBO, MBO, an AD, and a Bachelor’s degree. So why wouldn’t a Master’s be possible? It felt like turning my world upside down: me, who was once advised to take a lower academic track, now considering a Master’s! In one of those New Zealand libraries, I made the decision and enrolled in the Master’s programme.”

A backpack full of experience

“With the Master’s in International Leisure, Tourism & Events Management, my mission is complete (for now). From day one, I have felt completely at home at this university of applied sciences. I expect my final destination will be back at NHL Stenden — this time as a lecturer. I don’t keep that wish to myself; I say it out loud. Because I believe that if you truly want something, you can achieve it. For now, I first want to gain experience in the tourism industry. And I want to keep travelling. But who knows — in a few years, you might find me here in the corridors again, with what they so nicely call a backpack full of experience!”