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“I'm currently doing my associate degree in Hotel Management in Emmen, after completing my vocational diploma in Travel and Hospitality. I'm loving it, especially because of the emphasis on practical learning and active networking in the hospitality industry. Experiencing how this combination of learning and doing enriches me personally and professionally is wonderful. I must say I thoroughly enjoy it!”
The perfect choice
“Why did I choose an associate degree in Hotel Management instead of a 4-year bachelor’s programme? Well, I've always been more of a 'doer' than a 'thinker.' While I was college I discovered my preference for hands-on experience, and then, the associate degree in Emmen came into my life. A programme taking just two years, conveniently close to home – it suited me perfectly. It gave me the chance to find out if I had what it takes and to build my confidence. The fact that it's so small-scale made it even more appealing. It meant the transition from a college environment wasn't such a big jump.”
Exchange
“My associate degree took me to sunny Aruba for a few weeks as part of an exchange programme. Here, we provided advice to another university on Design-Based Eeucation (DBE) and how we apply it in the Netherlands. We worked on projects in groups and learned about the cultural differences between Dutch and Aruban youth. It was not only educational but also a lot of fun. Some classmates and I even added an extra week to explore the island!”
“One of the highlights was organizing a food event to promote lesser-known restaurants on the island. We came up with a festival called Sun City Food & Art, and we ended up manning the stalls ourselves. It was very nice, and we learned a lot from the experience.”
Networking and opportunities
“In my first year, I did my internship on an estate, where I met someone who is now my employer. This shows that every step you take in your learning journey can lead to valuable connections. I worked in the restaurant, kitchen, reception, and housekeeping, gaining a valuable understanding of what it's like to work on an estate. Hotel Management School Leeuwarden has truly helped me build a strong network in the industry.”
My future adventures
“I plan to complete my associate degree and then enrol in the third year of the bachelor’s programme. My goal is to do a 10-month internship in Switzerland during the fourth year to gain experience for my dream of eventually running my own spa/wellness. The Minor Spa Business Strategy in the third year is also high on my list of interesting things to do. In short, my adventurous spirit and passion for hospitality continue to lead me to new destinations and opportunities. As I always say, "You're never too old to learn!"