Thomas More University of Applied Sciences
speciality: Tourism & Hospitality

I have spent one semester at the Thomas More University when I was an exchange student on their International Tourism and Leisure programme in Mechelen. Unfortunately, I couldn’t experience that much from the social opportunities since my exchange was during the corona times, but still, the ESN team always tried to make the best out of the situation with online events. The teachers were really helpful every time I had a question. I had one teacher who even offered her help if I needed any clearance regarding to the current COVID situation in Belgium. This meant that they really care about the students. The lectures were amazing, they always tried to make the classes interactive. Altogether I am glad that I had the chance to experience studying on Thomas More, I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about going there. 🙂

I enjoy my classes as they offer topics that are in my direction, which is to work in a hotel as a receptionist. Thomas more is very welcoming to new students and to international students. In the first semester, We had a teacher for the course called Web fundamentals he wasn’t very helpful but it is over and done.

I’ve just finished my degree in International Tourism & Leisure at Thomas More, and honestly, it’s been an amazing experience. The program gave me a solid understanding of the tourism and hospitality industry and helped me develop both practical and theoretical skills.

What I loved most was the international approach and the hands-on projects with real companies, which really prepared me for the professional world. The professors were always supportive and passionate about what they teach, which made a huge difference.

On top of that, I met incredible people from all over the world and made friends for life, which made the experience even more special. Thanks to this degree, I’ve gained not only knowledge but also great opportunities to grow and start my career in tourism.

Definitely recommend it to anyone interested in this field!

Great school in general, great teachers, great classes, everything, canvas is a great tool to use. I was an exchange student from Portugal and I really loved it, it was a great experience to be studying at Thomas More.

Completing my International Tourism & Leisure degree at Thomas More has been a truly valuable experience. The program combines a strong academic foundation with practical projects, guided by supportive professors.

The international focus and collaboration with real companies really prepared me for the professional world. On top of that, I built lifelong friendships with people from all over the world.

I can highly recommend this program to anyone interested in a career in tourism and leisure.

I studied International Tourism and Leisure at Thomas More in Mechelen in the Spring program from 2021 until 2024.

Not everything was easy as an international student, my biggest advice to non-eu students would be to go to parties, join a club, keep up with your documents (make copies), don’t take no for an answer when it comes to your documents and student visa, do your research on Belgium and its culture, do your research on the country you want to do your abroad semester/internship in (double check what you need for visas in that country!). Never give up on yourself.

Studying is a privilege but that doesn’t make it easy, you need to put in the work. You’re going to have to study sometimes overnight, please ask questions! You will also make friendships, meet people in the business and hear their stories, and of course travel!

Studying at Thomas More in the ITL program gave me many opportunities and I am grateful to have been able to get my diploma from there. Many teachers there were very helpful and understanding, as long as you communicate effectively and in advance as you can.

There are also very nice mental health advisors that you can talk to for free if you need it.

Another piece of advice is to look for student housing as soon as possible and be very wary of scammers.

For non-eu and international students, to help you when you first get to the country, you can sign up for the Buddy Program! You will essentially be assigned a person who helps you in your first semester and they show you around Belgium and how Thomas More works. I had a buddy my first semester and she was very sweet! I later became a Buddy for others who were doing their abroad semester in Belgium at Thomas More and I’m still very good friends with them :).

Overall my experience in the ITL program in English at Thomas More was pretty positive.

Good luck with your studies!