Student story Constantina

When I was still in high school I was not sure about what I wanted to study, all I knew was my passion for travelling and exploring new places and cultures. So, when looking into degrees on tourism around the Netherlands, choosing this Bachelor’s seemed like the right choice. The combination of tourism and sustainability, sparked an interest in me and aligned with my belief of preserving destinations and the environment in order for present and future generations to enjoy.

I have enjoyed how rounded this degree is and showcases how interconnected tourism and different fields are; having courses in all kinds of aspects of tourism, ranging from sociology to geography and statistics (not my favourite subject). Of course, all the theory taught is being put into action during field projects, which for me are honestly the most fun courses as they include conducting research in national and international destinations! I think it is also worth mentioning this is the only academic tourism bachelor’s in the country, and that is actually a main reason I opted for it. As an academic bachelor’s it provides detailed theoretical concepts and ideas and opens many doors in different professions of the public and private industry.

You might be curious about what it means that this degree is joint… Basically,  the first two years of the programme are held in the campus of Breda, while in the last year students can choose to either continue in the Wageningen campus throughout the year, or have an exchange semester (abroad) and then finish off the last semester in WUR. Interesting right?

This is something I absolutely love about this bachelor’s; the fact that it promotes so much travelling throughout its duration! Studying in two different Dutch cities, visiting several more, going abroad for research, having an Erasmus experience… You see so many different places and connect with people in diverse settings, while learning and broadening your horizons. 

Being in University does not only have to be studying. For me, getting a part time-job was a nice addition to experience a working environment and pick up some simple Dutch as an international, while saving up for fun trips with the lovely friends I made during my bachelor’s. Going to the gym, or for long walks was (almost always) in my weekly to-do list, but also a coffee break or going-out on “Thursday student nights” in Breda, was in the schedule!

After graduation, I am planning on getting a job in the industry. I would like to see how it is to work in an international environment, what the possibilities are, and just get a hands-on experience. After getting a taste of how it would be like to work in such environment, I would like to pursue a related Master’s degree, in order to specialise in the field of my preference. Travelling a bit here and there would be ideal!

A piece of advice to all prospective students out there, is just to not overthink too much (coming from the biggest over-thinker ever), because at the end of the day, big cliché but, everything indeed happens for a reason. Even when you feel lost and that you are running behind, take a second to think that everyone has their own timeline and you are actually just on time.