NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences Speciality : Tourism & Hospitality
programme: International Hospitality Management

I’m currently a 4th-year Hospitality Management student, so I will be graduating at the end of this year. And I can say that I had an amazing time as a student at NHL-Stenden in Leeuwarden!
Leeuwarden is a smaller city, but that doesn’t mean that it’s boring. Since it’s smaller, it quickly gave me a feeling of “home”, and I easily met new people from all over the world.
The opportunities to go abroad are very exciting. In my 3rd year, I went on Grand Tour (minors) to Thailand and Indonesia, it was an amazing experience! And right now I started my 10-month internship in Aruba (an island in the Caribbean). All in all, there are plenty of options to choose from.
In my opinion, the Hospitality study course has a good structure. With a blend of theoretical classes and a good focus on practical education. However, at some moments, the theoretical part of this study can feel quite vague and unclear, which can be confusing when making assignments. But in the end, teachers are always there to help and provide you with feedback.
What I enjoy about this study is that you can make it as busy and challenging as you want, with a lot of extracurricular activities and specialisation courses to choose from (competition teams, diverse associations, workshops, extra wine courses to obtain certificates…)
During my study period, I not only gained knowledge about the Hospitality Industry, but I also learned a lot about myself as a person and a professional, which is very valuable to me.
Overall, I am very positive about my choice of studying at NHL-Stenden. I am grateful for all my experiences and the people I met.

It is a great study! The diversity is very broad so you learn all kinds of things. Sometimes I would have hoped it would go more into detail. The practice was for me the most interesting and the modules that were about the practice.

I am a student within the IHSM degree. I think the program is well structured, with loads os supporting materials and a great teaching team!
Moreover, it is a degree that I would say its most advantageous for students who have a academic background in either Leisure, Hospitatility or Tourism. If you come with a different background it might be challenging

I would totally recommend it!

I started studying this programme in September 2022. I am now in my third year and I can say that coming to NHL Stenden and choosing Hospitality Management was the best decision I have taken. Here, I met so many people from all around the world. I got so many oportunities (like working for the school and finding out what I like to do), field trips to hotels and hospitality related businesses, networking events, going abroad for a semester in a different country…
I am soon going on Exchange to Barcelona and NHL Stenden helped me through the whole application procedure. This university gives so many opportunities and chances to people that I cannot imagine studying in it.
Of course, everything good has its downsides. For me is that sometimes we receive different information about assignments and deadlines from different teachers. That makes it a bit difficult to work but at the end of the day, I have passed every year so far with no complications.

One of the things that I liked before I arrived to NHL Stenden was the Goin app where you could connect with people that are also enrolled in the same study course as you. This helped me feel more at ease before arriving to the Netherlands because I talked to a few people that were quite friendly. Once I arrived and went into classrooms for lectures, there were familiar faces and I was able to adjust more easily. NHL Stenden is committed to inclusivity which I really like and the Goin app is a testament to that.
Its not just about the academic side, its about the creating a new network of supportive friends that will be by your side and make your study experience unforgettable.

I have been studying hospitality management at NHL Stenden for nearly two years and it has been a very interesting experience. I love how NHL Stenden has a broad choice of courses you can take, a prosperous international environment as well as the many personal and professional opportunities it provides for its students. You can work at the school or become an ambassador. You also have the possibility to go abroad (almost anywhere in the world) for your minors and internship. Moreover, there is an honours programme you can do alongside your studies if you are up for an extra challenge.

I personally really like my study program but it goes without saying that there are some difficulties that come with it to. What I love most about it is the networking aspect. Big and small hotel chains visit the school and you, as a student, have a chance to interact with them and broaden your network early on. However, something that took a bit more time to adjust to was the educational system here, DBE. Design Based Education is essentially a more straight on, immediate problem solving approach to learning that is a very good way to prompt thinking outside the box and form more in-depth solutions. Having established that, it gets some getting used to especially if you come from a more traditional educational background of memorisation and constant testing (which I was). Nothing to be scared about though! Once you get used to it, it is incredibly useful in your academic and future professional life alike.

I would definitely recommend this university because of the incredible opportunities it offers. I felt very welcomed here and the people I have met have become my closest friends. I also saw a lot of growth in myself and I genuinely believe it is because of the environment NHL Stenden offers.

As a student in the Bachelor of Hotel Management program at NHL Stenden University, my experience has been a blend of enriching opportunities, personal growth, and occasional challenges. Now in my final year, currently immersed in my internship in Dubai while wrapping up my thesis, I reflect on the journey that has shaped me both personally and professionally.

One of the standout features of NHL Stenden is its vibrant international campus, which fosters a melting pot of cultures and perspectives. This diversity has been instrumental in broadening my horizons, allowing me to forge connections with students from around the globe. Through interactions with my peers, I’ve not only learned about their cultures but also gained invaluable insights into different approaches to hospitality, enhancing my understanding of the industry on a global scale.

The university’s emphasis on practical experiences has been a cornerstone of my education. From immersive group projects that simulate real-world scenarios to industry fairs that facilitate networking with renowned partners, NHL Stenden has provided ample opportunities for hands-on learning. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also equipped me with the confidence and adaptability essential for success in the hospitality field.

One of the highlights of my academic journey was the Grand Tour to Thailand during my third year, where I had the opportunity to delve deeper into my field through diverse minors. Living and studying abroad for an extended period not only expanded my knowledge but also enriched my cultural understanding, making it an unforgettable experience that contributed significantly to my personal and academic growth.

However, alongside the positives, there were challenges to navigate. The university’s emphasis on freedom and self-responsibility, while empowering, also necessitated a high degree of accountability for one’s progress. This aspect required self-discipline and proactive engagement, as there were no hand-holding or spoon-feeding of knowledge.

Additionally, despite its international focus, I encountered instances of perceived unequal opportunities, with Dutch students sometimes receiving preferential treatment. While this was disappointing, it served as a reminder of the importance of fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of nationality.

Despite these challenges, my overall experience at NHL Stenden has been immensely rewarding. The university’s diverse range of experiences, from practical learning to global exposure, has been instrumental in shaping me into a well-rounded professional. Looking back, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose NHL Stenden again, as it’s the sum of these varied experiences – the ups and downs – that have ultimately contributed to my growth and success. As I prepare to graduate and embark on my career in hospitality, I am grateful for the transformative journey that NHL Stenden has offered, and I carry forward valuable lessons learned along the way.