MBA students kick off the academic year

Tio's Master of Business Administration students could not have wished for a better start of the new academic year: physical lectures on campus and an inspirational two-day kick-off. The students began the new academic year with a masterclass from Holland Casino CEO Erwin van Lambaart.

What are their expectations for the day? “Practical information about this year,” says student Alex. Ibrahim is eager to learn more about Tio's culture. Myrthe: “I want to meet my fellow students!”

Masterclass from Erwin van Lambaart – CEO Holland Casino

Erwin van Lambaart discusses Holland Casino's strategy and offers the students some unique insights into his company's (online) plans. He also presents a case the students can get to work on right away: assess the scope of the Dutch leisure sector, determine where best to open two new Holland Casino branches and come up with a new product, service or experience that will draw people to Holland Casino.

Brainstorms and drinks

“After dinner, we kept working on the case until ten o’clock,” says student Kelvin. “Then it was time to have some drinks with our fellow students because we also want to get to know each other better.” After a fun evening, it was time: on Tuesday morning, the teams presented their ideas to the jury. “We felt confident about our pitch, but were also impressed by what the other groups had come up with,” student Rizki says after the pitches. “All students are highly driven. This has a strong motivational effect!”

The world is your oyster

“It was a lot of fun to meet these next-generation talents. We are impressed by the students’ ambition and drive,” says Erwin once the judges have reached a verdict. “That's why we have selected not one winner, but two. These two groups stood out with their excellent research and novel ideas.”

The winners can choose between a free dinner at one of Holland Casino's branches or a VIP seat in Holland Casino's private skybox in the ArenA. Erwin offers the students some parting advice: “Make the most of the year ahead. When you put in the work, the world is your oyster. Keep it up and don't forget to enjoy yourselves as well!” •

We have only known each other for two days, but the collaboration went very well. We did not expect to win because every group had come up with excellent ideas.

We went the extra mile. That was the key to our success. It feels fantastic. This was a promising start to the academic year!

Winners group 3

A warm welcome to our new students

Great to be able to welcome students again live at the campuses. The teams of Tio: staff, lecturers and students love to welcome our new students in person.

The students arrive slightly anxious and reserved, however unbridled enthusiasm quickly takes the upper hand. During the Welcome Days, serious topics such as the campus guide,

Presto and more, are interspersed with cheerful activities. •

Amsterdam

After collecting the Tio hoodies, the students immediately go on a puzzle tour through Amsterdam on the first day.

The second day starts with rapping from Boom Chicago cabaret artist Rob Andristplourde. With the escape room, pop quiz and other games, the first-year students already show what they have to offer in terms of creative thinking.

And the nice weather enables the customary drinks to be offered on the square. International Business Management student DJ Justyn really livens up the party. And the singing talents of students Lars (Hotel Management) and Milan (Hotel and Event Management) do not go unnoticed. In other words, a flying start to the academic year for these new students!

Utrecht

The ambience is already good right from the start for the new students at Tio Utrecht. When they arrive, they enthusiastically greet each other. Many of the students have already met each other in the Ardennes. This day is primarily devoted to getting to know each other and Tio.

During the second Welcome Day, the first-year students are introduced to experienced Tio students and Tio alumni who passionately tell them about their studies at the Tio University of Applied Sciences and about what the new students can expect during their studies. After a delicious lunch, it is time for a boat trip through the canals: the sun is shining and it is the perfect way to get acquainted with the city of Utrecht. The day is concluded with drinks organised by Cognatio. The students get to know each other better over drinks, and the first friendships are forged.

Eindhoven

In Eindhoven, there is always plenty of time for fun! At the Oranje-Rood Hockey Club, the members of ‘Heren 1’ give a clinic. The tropical temperatures make everyone leave the pitch thirsty. Upon returning to the campus, the baton is passed to Cognatio Eindhoven who takes the students in groups for a treasure hunt through the city.

This is concluded with drinks and a barbecue at Stratumseind, where most people stay until the early hours of the morning. You cannot wish for a better start to the academic year!

Groningen

A quiet welcome is not planned for the students in Groningen. Cognatio enthusiastically takes the students on a boat trip around the canals of the city. During the exclusive visit to the Rooftop Merckt (which was not yet open), the students hear about how the company is started during the corona crisis, whilst admiring the spectacular view of the Grote Markt.

Of course, if you really want to discover Groningen, then you have to visit the pride of the north: FC Groningen! The inspiring days provide the students with a lot of enjoyment and motivation.

Rotterdam

After the info sessions about the Student web and the distribution of Tio hoodies, the Rotterdam City Game starts. Armed with a tablet, eight teams trudge through the city, looking for key locations in Rotterdam. The students like the interactive aspect: “By challenging other teams you could gain extra points. It was very enjoyable, you get to know each other and the city better.”

In the George cocktail bar, the students learn how to prepare a perfect mojito and punch. Of course, without alcohol. “The perfect balance between sweet and sour: that is what it is all about. And hit the mint leaves, do not squeeze them.” The students hit and mix to their heart’s content. And then taste each other’s concoctions with total abandon.

The day was concluded with a drink and a hilarious pub quiz led by quizmaster Guus. The typical Rotterdam evergreen ‘You never walk alone’ was sung at the top of their voices to the winning team.

The nicest comment afterwards: “Great day, I really feel at home here.”

Hengelo

After the serious part, there is also time for relaxation in Hengelo. At lunch, the hot dogs are extremely popular. In the afternoon, second-year student Gijs organises a beertasting with beers from Wentersch in Winterswijk.

The next day, the Cognatio student association organises the ‘I love Holland’ TV quiz, in which the students participated with a great deal of enthusiasm. This is followed by a barbecue, organised by colleague Awee ter Horst. After these fun events, the students are more than ready for the highlight of the day: a trip into town with Cognatio!

Exchange students

From France, Spain, Russia, Austria, Norway, Germany and Italy: the new exchange students attend the Welcome Days to optimally start their exchange period and the academic year at Tio! During the reception, the exchange students are welcomed with typical Dutch treats such as liquorice and syrup waffles.

In the afternoon, the sun starts to shine just in time. The distributed Tio hoodies can be put back into the bags, because in this fine weather, they are able to explore the canals of Utrecht in a large dinghy. It is the ideal way to become acquainted with the city and each other whilst partaking in a snack and drink.

After such a beginning, the exchange period cannot go wrong!

Only highlights

The programme transported us from one highlight to the next: from a dining cruise across the Dubai Creek, to indoor skiing in the longest indoor ski run in the world, from a visit to the largest shopping mall in the Emirates, to a phenomenal view from the highest tower that exists. Dubai is a location of extremes: from the very first day, we grew accustomed to hearing terms such as ‘the longest’, ‘the highest’, or ‘the biggest’.

Across the desert

The trip was full of memorable experiences: for example, sliding down the highest white-water ride, or a visit to the old souk, and of course, the unforgettable adventure in the desert. At the end of the last day, five large jeeps transported us from a country full of skyscrapers to the extensive desert landscape one-and-a-half hours drive away. As real modern-day desert nomads, we jumped onto quads and raced through the sand. Shortly afterwards, it was time for another tour full of exhilaration and sensation: dune bashing. Our guides deflated the tyres of the jeeps, programmed a suitable Spotify playlist with loud music, and we sped across the desert crossing high sand dunes at

An unforgettable trip to Dubai

By: Sophie de Weerdt Former student Tio

About eighteen months ago, 25 students received an e-mail titled ‘Congratulations!’. Nice, but what did this mean? It quickly became evident that this e-mail, sent early on a Monday morning, contained very welcome news: we were in the group of 25 best students at Tio, and could therefore participate in an amazing trip to Dubai! However, the year of corona would cause this trip to be postponed several times. In this case, postponement did not result in cancellation, on 28th August everything went ahead! The best students (at this time, mostly the 25 best graduated students) made their way to Schiphol airport where they embarked on a fantastic adventure.

high speed. Moreover, we saw a spectacular sunset, and certainly took photos of this. We concluded the trip with a delicious dinner in a nomad camp and departed for the airport shortly afterwards with desert sand still in our shoes.

1001 wonderful memories

Once back in the Netherlands, it felt like we had been away for five weeks instead of five days. We have all benefited from a great trip, 1001 wonderful memories, and 24 new friends. •

Chris Zegers

Travel expert

You face all kinds of expectations and if you're not careful, you will start to conform to those expectations. Don't be blind to the things you find on your path.

Inspirational kick-off for first-year students!

On Thursday 1 September, convention centre De Reehorst welcomes all excited first-year students. Twelve professionals are there as guest speakers to inspire the students with interesting stories about their field of expertise. From travel expert Chris Zegers to Holland Casino CEO Erwin van Lambaart and from Secretary of the Year Vivian Veldman to hospitality professional Milo Berlijn. Let the year begin!

“Today was very interesting and educational,” says Executive Office Management student Isa after the kick-off. “When you listen to the stories told by the guest speakers, you begin to see the field of practice and your own future from a different perspective.” Armed with a wealth of new knowledge and inspiration, the students are ready to go.

The work of a lawyer with Merle Rondhuis

Merle Rondhuis talks to the new students of the Law programme about her job as a company lawyer at Witteveen+Bos. Together, they discuss a real-life case. This gives the students a better picture of what it is like to work as a lawyer. Merle: “As a company lawyer, it is your job to translate substantive legal documents into practical advice.” Student Maurits is excited after the lecture: “The work of a company lawyer is far more diverse than I previously thought.”

Marco Groot about success

Marco Groot is the founder of 8 Days A Week and previously has worked for Tomorrowland and Tony’s Chocolonely. He is here today to tell the students of Commerce Economics and Entrepreneurship all about the value of money and success. When are you rich and when are you successful? Are they simply two sides of the same coin? Student Leanne: “The session was really surprising and interactive.” •

Parastoe Koshai

about the hard world of sales

This can be a difficult and tough world, so be sure to find a coach and let them show you the ropes.

Erwin van Lambaart

CEO Holland Casino

Everyone is born with multiple talents. With the help of your lecturers, colleagues and fellow students, you have to discover where your talent lies.

Milo Berlijn

Hospitality professional

Do not get annoyed, but focus on the good things instead.

Be optimistic and positive. Always keep a smile on your face and have fun. The hospitality sector is amazing!

Jorij Abraham

Successful entrepreneur

You can learn a lot from someone who has been there already. Never stop learning!

Vivian VeldmanErlemeyer

Secretary of the year

By taking care of small tasks, you give someone else peace of mind and make it easier for them to do their job.

Sjoerd Weikamp

about (online) events

Invest in your network. Build relationships with people in the industry. Find your future partners and start today.

Grand Prix

Watch these Tio students shine during the Grand Prix in Zandvoort! •

Tio has the best studies for 11 years - Higher Education Guide

This year marks the eleventh time in a row that the study programmes of Tio University of Applied Sciences are selected as best in class by the Higher Education Guide 2022; several of Tio's programmes receive top marks in the latest edition of the Guide.

Small-scale and personal

Tio is known for its small-scale and personal education. For years, Tio has been claiming the number one position with its study programmes. This year, the Higher Education Guide 2022 selected Tio's Commerce Economics and Entrepreneurship, International Business Management, Hotel and Event Management and International Tourism Management programmes as the best.

“Excellent” hallmark

The Higher Education Guide reveals that the students of Tio are highly satisfied with their chosen institution and that they often perform above average, compared to their peers from other schools. As a result, Tio is the proud recipient of the “excellent in this field” hallmark.

Katinka Reuling, managing director at Tio: “The quality of our education and the satisfaction of our students are incredibly important to us at Tio. We are therefore more than proud to see these two aspects mentioned in particular in this year's Higher Education Guide. We view it as a major compliment that our students are so satisfied and are given so much room to excel that we have been awarded the “excellent in this field” hallmark. We were thrilled to see our study programmes selected as best in class for the eleventh time in a row, this truly is the cherry on top. We could not have wished for a better start to the new academic year.” •

Eight gold medals for Tio in EW Best Studies 2021 survey

In total, Tio University of Applied Sciences earned sixteen medals in Elsevier's study choice survey EW Best Studies. Tio's campuses brought home eight gold medals, three silver medals and six bronze medals. Tio's programmes International Business Management, International Tourism Management, Hotel and Event Management and Commerce Economics and Entrepreneurship all won gold medals.

Assessment of the Best Studies

This year's EW Best Studies survey compares 2,182 study programmes to help secondary-education students choose the right study. The results are based on the National Student Survey that 330,000 students took part in. The study programmes are rated on eleven aspects that are important when choosing a study. Among the aspects taken into consideration are the contents of the programme, the available study facilities, examination and assessment and atmosphere. To receive a gold medal, a study programme must score considerably higher than the average of the entire sector on eight or more of these aspects.

Myriad medals for Tio

With sixteen medals, Tio is the rightful winner of the EW Best Studies 2021 survey. Tio's programme International Business Management won gold three times; the campuses in Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Hengelo all received a gold medal. The other gold medals were won by the International Tourism Management programme in Eindhoven and Hengelo, Hotel and Event Management in Hengelo and Utrecht and Commerce Economics and Entrepreneurship in Utrecht.

Satisfied students across the board

Students indicate that they are satisfied with every aspect of their studies. The gold medal not only means that they are happy with the contents of the programme and the atmosphere on campus, but also that students are being well prepared to enter the employment market and that they would choose the same programme again as a first-year student if they had to go back.

Katinka Reuling, managing director at Tio University: “After the amazing results from the Higher Education Guide, we are now thrilled to receive no fewer than eight gold medals in the EW Best Studies survey. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the hard work we do to take our education to the next level. We are constantly looking for new ways to further improve the quality of our education for current and future students alike. To have our efforts acknowledged like this not only makes us proud, but also gets us even more excited about the academic year to come.” •

Business visit

Theory comes to live during business visits at Hotel Okura and Hotel Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam.

On 26th October, students Hotel and Event Management and Hotel Management for the class Technical Restaurant Skills made a business visit to Hotel Okura Amsterdam. A pleasant introduction to the Japanese culture in the centre of Amsterdam. The students got a tour by several departments, hotel rooms, restaurants and the bar. The students asked a lot of questions and became even more enthusiastic about the reason for choosing their programme. The visit was concluded with a delicious lunch. •

Never expected to be welcomed like this, great!

What a fantastic hotel: later, I would like to work here.

Students Hotel and Event Management visit Hotel Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam for their class Technical Hotel Skills.

celebra n

Tio Lympics; an athletic success!

During the second edition of the Tio Lympics in the Olympic Stadium, Tio students from the different campuses competed against each other in a series of athletic events.

I competed last time as well and that was a lot of fun! That is why I decided to sign up again this year. I am in a team together with students from a different campus, whom I got to know while working on a joint Tio project.

Sven, Hotel and Event Management student

The Tio Lympics were officially opened by Martijn Naberman, campus manager at Tio Amsterdam. While running with a torch in his hand along the athletics track, he lit the Olympic Flame. This marked the beginning of a sportive day! During four different rounds, Tio students were challenged to push themselves to their limits. The events ranged from volleyball to athletics and concluded with a tug of war. The students competed fiercely to win that coveted Tio Lympics trophy. Everyone agreed on one thing: team Cognatio - winners of the previous edition of the Tio Lympics - had to be defeated. Former Olympic athlete Marianne Timmer announced the winning team during the award ceremony. Although the teams were evenly matched, Team 1 from Tio Amsterdam ultimately emerged victorious. This successful day of athletic competition concluded with drinks on the patio. •

The Tio Lympics are a great event and I love seeing students from different study programmes and study years work together as a team.

Maurice Krabbenborg, campus manager Tio Hengelo

How are things now for

‘Best university searches for best student’ winner

Laudine was the winner of the ‘Best University searches for Best Student’ contest. Her prize was a comprehensive study package at Tio University. This semester, she started her bachelor programme in Hotel and Event Management at Tio Amsterdam. How is Laudine doing?

Friends for life

“I really love it here at Tio”, explains Laudine enthusiastically. “It already started with the introduction day in the Ardennes. From the very first day, I have become acquainted with a very nice group of friends. I never expected that I could build up a relationship so quickly with my fellow students. We have full days, but by having lunch together and having fun together, we get through the days very well!”

Happy about my choice

“I particularly like the combination of practice and theory. Everything you learn theoretically, you implement in practice. For example: how you walk with a tray, and always serve from the right. But you also learn other practical skills. For example, how you chair a meeting, the best way to take notes, and how you build up a network. The studies are very varied and comprehensive. This also includes an economic part during the Market Analysis course. Extremely interesting because entrepreneurship is part of me.”

Knowledge immediately put into practice

“The Project Week was held in November. During the Hotel and Event Week, I was one of the general managers. We could immediately put the knowledge acquired during the past weeks into practice. Subconsciously, I learnt a lot during this week. The collaboration between the various departments was crucial. The front office had to be kept informed about everything, and the lines of communication with the housekeeping and the restaurant were short. What I really liked about this was that I had the opportunity to get to know many fellow students from the other campuses.”

Implementing a childhood dream

“My grandfather has always been my source of inspiration. He also attended a hotel school. I always liked to listen to his stories. My dream is to become a hotel manager.”

However, Laudine does not yet want to predict exactly what the future has in store for her. “At the moment, I am thinking of taking a master’s degree in hospitality after I have completed my bachelor studies. During my internship period, I would also like to gain experience abroad. Perhaps at a resort in Curaçao.” •

HotelloTOP on Tour

On 20 October, the first HotelloTOP on Tour was held at Tio Amsterdam. Five Tio students from Hotel and Event Management gave a pitch focused on convincing the public. Indy received the most votes! On behalf of the Tio University, he will compete for

the ‘Talent of the Year Award’ •

MBA students visit Johan Cruijff ArenA

By: Alexander de Jong Master of Business Administration student

The winners of the Master of Business Administration kick-off received their prize last November: an excellent lunch in the skybox of Holland Casino in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. After a snack and a drink, the students were given a guided tour of the football temple where Ajax regularly plays amazing football and creates furore in Europe. The changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, and of course,

the turf, were discussed. •

Guest lecture day in Eindhoven

On Wednesday 17th November, the guest lecture day was held in Eindhoven. The common thread for this day: young professionals, entrepreneurs and crisis management.

‘Pursuit Femmes’, Angélique van Gils

The fourth generation Van Gils started two years ago with a concept for made-to-measure suits for women. Following the opening of a store in Antwerp, the second shop recently opened, and plans also exist for locations in the Netherlands and Luxembourg. What are the challenges faced by a start-up? A positive and inspiring story about challenges, tackling these challenges, and successes.

Yacht Recruitment, Tio Alumna Robin Veneberg

Sometimes, after completing your Tio studies, you do not know where you want to work. This is the time to attend a traineeship at Yacht Recruitment where you will work with various employers. This enables you to better understand what the most suitable option for you is ultimately. After receiving training at a professional and personal level, you become a future-proof professional.

SeRamo, Rabobank, Hans van de Ven

In times like these, although some companies are thriving, other companies find themselves in dire straits. How can you, as a bank on the one hand, but also as a supporter on the other hand, help companies to survive the crisis. By performing analyses, making smart choices, and implementing temporary measures, companies can be helped and bankruptcies can be prevented. •

Groningen

Hengelo

Students discuss their views

What is going well at Tio and what could be improved? We hear the answer to this question at the meetings of the student representatives. Student representatives from all campuses state their opinions about all kinds of issues: ranging from healthier sandwiches in the canteen, to the set up of room 006, and from paying at the coffee machine, to more wall sockets in the

classrooms. •

I am very happy that our ideas are listened to and taken seriously, and that something is done about the points for improvement.

Larissa, International Tourism Management student

Rotterdam

Amsterdam

Utrecht

It is very nice to hear that other students sometimes encounter the same issues as our group. Nice to be able to interact with each other.

Sille, Hotel and Event Management student

concentra n

Working and getting your master’s degree: Alexander is doing it

Master of Business Administration (MBA) student Alexander is really dedicated in heart and soul to the Tio University of Applied Sciences. He attended the bachelor programme in Hotel and Event Management, met his girlfriend there, gained his diploma, started work, and now combines his job with his fulltime MBA studies at the Tio University. “I can recommend this to anyone!”

Practical way of working

Alexander already tried various other studies before studying at Tio. Just when he was ready to start work, he heard about Hotel and Event Management at Tio Amsterdam, and this turned out to be the perfect match: “The practical way of working really appealed to me. Moreover, you are not just a number here, and you are always listened to.”

Motivated in class

Although Alexander always liked to attend parties, he ensured that he was on time for class every morning. “Simply because I was motivated,” he explains enthusiastically. “Many people do not believe me, but from the moment that I started at Tio, I no longer felt like I was studying every single day.” He explains, laughing: “And certainly not since I met my girlfriend at Tio, during a wine study class.”

Combining career with MBA

Armed with his recently-awarded Hotel and Event Management degree, Alexander was offered a job with his internship organisation ChipSoft, a company that automates care processes. “I work here as a marketing and communications advisor, and mainly focus on the digital data exchange and our international positioning. Because I would like to further augment and optimise my knowledge, I now combine my job with the MBA, and devote two-and-a-half days to each of them during the week. The classes are during the week and I mainly study in the evenings and weekends.”

A challenging and worthwhile combination, according to Alexander: “During the master, you learn to approach issues strategically. During my work, I can directly implement what I learn in these classes, for example, by making processes more efficient. Moreover, my work experience also enables me to understand the theory more easily, and to optimally implement this in practice. Gaining relevant work experience during your master, is something I can recommend to everyone!”

Career advancement and motivating others

And what are Alexander’s plans after the MBA? “I attend this master so that I can optimise my personal qualities, and this will also help me to advance my career. Ultimately, I would like to manage and motivate people; encourage them to also optimise their personal qualities.” Wonderful plans, where Tio is eager to make its contribution! •

Tommy confirmed my decision to change career paths.

Tom, student

Passionate masterclass from Tommy Schouren

On 18 November, a masterclass with Tommy Schouren was organised for all students at Tio Amsterdam.

Tommy Schouren was previously the production manager for Afrojack, and is now the tour manager for Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. In addition, he started his own company, PANOUT. This company specialises in tour and artist management, distribution, technology, production management and much more.

Tommy had lots of funny stories, we learned a lot of new jargon!

Merlijn, student

Sufficient reason to inspire the Tio students! Hotel and Event Management student Lauren was so inspired that her initial reaction was “where can I sign up?”, and then also contacted Tommy with a request for an internship. • This was a realistic presentation of the world of a tour manager. It was an eye opener!

Bente, student

Roses, togas and champagne at the graduation ceremony in Rotterdam

Hooray! It’s time to celebrate. The new Hotel and Event Management graduates are receiving some well-deserved praise. Bart Kuijpers, Campus Manager at Tio Rotterdam, says this group of students are "hard workers".

The top student of this year, Anouk, is such a hard worker. Anouk moved up from vocational education to the second year of the bachelor Hotel and Event Management, accelerated the speed of her studies, and completed her bachelor’s degree with a 7.7. However, she is not finished yet. She is now busy with her Master of Business Administration. She feels fantastic: “It was hard work. We were a group of five students. Laughing together, studying late together. But it was worth it.”

After the warm welcome from Bart, the ceremony took place. The students were each awarded their diplomas and roses.

Smiling, proud parents

Back in the auditorium, the champagne was ready! Smiling parents simply could not take enough photos of the successful students. The students are happy that they complete their studies with a valuable diploma. They recollected the nice times and memories, especially in relation to the vinology course. Taking a group photo proved to be difficult. Should the tassel on the cap hang down on the left-hand side or the right-hand side? Bart helped the students find the answer. Left-hand side before receiving the degree, right-hand side when you have officially graduated. “Parents, carers, everyone ready with their cameras?” Three, two, one… and then the caps are thrown into the air! •

From mbo to MBA at a rapid pace

Read Tycho’s story

The difference is only in one letter, however the step and the advancement are enormous. Tycho went from an O to an A. He started with an mbo programme (vocational education), and currently attends the 1-year Master of Business Administration at Tio University of Applied Sciences. “The small classes at Tio enable more focus on teaching, thus saving a great deal of time. In mainstream education, this would have taken twice as long.”

Mbo Hotel Management in 2 years

Finding optimal subsequent education that matched his previous education was not an easy task for Tycho. After looking on the internet and attending an open day, he decided to enrol for Hotel Management at Tio, at the Amsterdam campus. “A major advantage was that I could immediately start at mbo level 4. In mainstream education, I would first have to do mbo level 3. The fasttrack programme enabled me to complete my vocational programme in two years.”

Transforming a StayOkay hostel into a hotel

Tio is noted for its challenging, hands-on approach to education. The eyes of Tycho light up when he explains the Hotel and Event Week. With his fellow students, he had to transform a StayOkay hostel into a fullyfunctioning 4-star hotel. “I worked on the front office and was responsible for the arrangement of the rooms and more. Together with my fellow students, I arranged the sponsoring, furnished the restaurant, and composed the menu.”

Tio encourages students to continue their studies

The fast-track programme saves students time. “Tio provided me with a lot of incentive to climb higher up the studies ladder. It quickly became evident to me that I should enrol for the Hotel and Event Management bachelor programme. Just like mbo, I could save time. Because I was fast-tracked, I received a number of exemptions for certain courses. By once again studying at a fast pace, I completed the programme in three years.”

Internships at home and abroad

He is proud to talk about his international internship in Australia. Tycho secured an internship for his mbo as well as for his bachelor. “I lived in Sydney for six months and worked at an events agency. This company organises auctions for charities. In addition to learning English, I also learned to be independent. I went there all by myself, without knowing anybody there. I combined this fantastic work period with a wonderful tour of the country.”

The great ambience has a beneficial effect on teaching

The transition from mbo to bachelor occurred seamlessly, so I was enthusiastic to enrol for the Master of Business Administration. Another deciding factor for Tycho, was the optimal environment at the school. “More specifically, the great understanding between lecturers and students. This ambience motivated me to continue. The small classes enhance the teaching. I toyed with the idea of a gap year after my bachelor, but corona put paid to this idea. Moreover, Tio offers an MBA with a curriculum that appeals to me. It is a further expansion and elaboration of a number of subjects from my bachelor, but also includes new courses such as Strategic Management, Business Intelligence and International Entrepreneurship and Innovation.” •