Festive graduation ceremonies

Wonderful foundation certificate ceremony on a unique date

By: Jolanda Bouman, Campus journalist Tio Rotterdam

20-02-20: what could be a better date than that to sign your foundation certificate? The twenty-nine higher-education students should be proud of their certificate. “Very proud indeed," says study coach Marije de Jong. “It proves you have what it takes and with this certificate, you can enrol at a university.” The Tio students certainly are proud!

Relieved students “We did it,” says Casper. “Just 1.5 years to go and then we're done.” Cleo thinks it's “nothing unusual, but a lot of fun nevertheless. You have something to show for your hard work and it is still an achievement.” “Finally,” sighs Cythia with relief, “I had to retake CSR six times for this.”

Handing out the diplomas After being congratulated on reaching this milestone by campus manager Jan-Willem ten Broek, study coaches Marije, Femke and Birgitta take the students to the ceremony. Everyone got their own little speech, a brief reflection on their studies and internships, hugs, kisses and of course their foundation certificate. The students had a great time, as did their proud parents who were busy taking as many pictures and videos as they could. “It is great that everyone got their moment in the spotlight. This was done in a very fun and spontaneous manner, which makes this ceremony truly special.”

Drinks and pictures While the guests enjoyed some drinks and the students had their picture taken with the famous green folder, there was a brief commotion when one of the students had a severe reaction after accidentally eating some nuts. He was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, just to be sure, but has since recovered from the ordeal. •

Master class by senior consultant Eurovision Song Contest Ruurd Bierman

By: Jolanda Bouman, Campus journalist Tio Rotterdam

Earlier this year, more than 120 Tio students attended the unique master class taught by Ruurd Bierman. Lecturer of event management Gea van der Spek bombarded Ruurd with questions about organising the largest live event in the world: the Eurovision Song Contest. Afterwards, the students called the master class fun, interesting, complicated and educational. A look back.

Complicated job Last year, when it was looking more and more likely that Duncan Laurence would be winning the Eurovision Song Contest with Arcade, the broadcast sector was in a panic. They had to come up with a plan as quickly as possible, just in case. Bierman was thrilled to be involved. “It was a complicated job,” he says. “This is an incredibly complex event. Given the fact that it's been forty-five years since the Netherlands won the Song Contest, there was little existing knowledge to work with. You have to deal with various parties (EBU, NPO, Avro/Tros, the government, Rotterdam) and then there is the big question: how will you finance this event, which costs €26 million, as a country?”

Why was Rotterdam chosen, of all places? Bierman: “The location has to meet a long list of requirements. In the end, the fact that the ceiling of the venue in Rotterdam is a few metres higher was the deciding factor. Maastricht talked about excavating the floor of the MECC, but that was deemed to be a step too far.”

From Anouk to Sieneke There are quite a few Song Contest enthusiasts in the audience, it turns out. What can explain the event's rising popularity? Bierman believes it is due to the professionalisation. “The setup is

similar to that of the Champions League, it has televoting and social media is a major factor. The key difference is that the Netherlands sends a different kind of artist these days. Anouk marked the turning point.” Everyone in the room agrees what the low point was: Sieneke. Bierman expects Jeangu Macrooy, who represents the Netherlands this year, to do well during the event. What if he wins? Would Bierman be willing to organise the event a second time? “Absolutely,” he says. “It'll be a challenge. When Ireland won two years in a row, it nearly killed the network. However, the transfer of knowledge is much better these days, which makes a huge difference.”

Sustainability Students Suzanne and Miriam from Utrecht want to know to what extent sustainability is a factor for the event's organisers. Bierman: “That was a major issue, but it is hard to realise. Just think of the power generators running for weeks on end and all the air traffic involved. We are overhauling the catering, though. No more fast food, plastic or wasted energy during its preparation. The problem is that sustainability is not a top priority. Financing and choosing a venue were our key concerns initially. I should note that our current office in Hilversum is made entirely out of temporary and waste materials, such as scrap wood.”

Time for karaoke!

Open Up What is the organisation's message behind the theme of “Open Up?” “Among other things, it refers to the current zeitgeist in which we open ourselves up to the many sounds of Europe. We are also making the event more accessible for various groups and keeping ticket prices affordable. The downside of that approach is that there is less revenue to be earned. What will the event do for Rotterdam and the Netherlands? A growth in tourism, unprecedented ratings and a major boost for the image of our creative and technological industry. It also finally lets us pay off a long-standing debt, after benefiting from other countries’ hard work for many years.”

Karaoke Afterwards, many students approach Bierman with more questions. He patiently takes the time to answer them all. The night is not over yet, though. Cognatio has hosted a karaoke night. Along with a few others, Bierman is up first. Their song of choice is, you've guessed it, Duncan's Arcade!•

Winner of Amsterdamse Popprijs Ben Forte gives musical guest lecture

By: Jolanda Bouman, Campus journalist Tio Rotterdam

Up-and-coming talent and rapper-songwriter Ben Forte taught a truly unique guest lecture. Accompanying himself on guitar, this musical wordsmith gave students a closer look into the world of metaphors and imagery. Coincidentally, he won the finale of the prestigious Amsterdamse Popprijs 2019 the very next day.

Words as bars Ben Forte lets the students see and hear just how versatile language can be. He explains how he uses language and that you can do much more with it than simply parsing sentences. He plays some of his own songs, including “Op zee” and “In de ring,” and discusses the metaphors incorporated into the lyrics. What does the sea represent? What are the similarities between a boxing ring and life itself? "Words can be bars,” he says. “Using metaphors gives you a lot more ways to express feelings in a crystal-clear manner. It takes you out of the context of the word and creates an entirely new perspective that you can then explore in more detail. In the end, it allows you to communicate more effectively with yourself, which is awesome.”

Creating your own metaphors With the help of some questions, the students get to work on creating their own metaphors. What interesting quality or property does your topic possess? What else has this quality or property? Once you've established that, ask yourself what other comparisons you can make?

Touching During his closing performance of “Muisstil,” you can hear a pin drop in the room. Some students are moved to tears. It takes a special talent to pull that off. This is undoubtedly not the last we've heard of Ben Forte. How awesome will it be to tell others: “I once attended his lecture at Tio!” •

Enthusiastic students during SRM in Rotterdam

By: Vera Mast, PR and Communications

At Tio Rotterdam, the online aspects of Tio's education were the main points of discussion during the student representatives’ meetings: students like the Tio app, they take the time to fill out the course surveys and the Wi-Fi network works well. Of course, there are some points of improvement as well. For example, it is not always clear how to claim expenses online, more attention should be given to the APA guidelines and there were some questions about the exams. Tio has already started making the necessary improvements! •

New at Tio: Business Economics Become the finance professional of the future

in Dutch

From September 2020 (pending accreditation by the NVAO), Tio will offer a new higher-education study programme: Business Economics. Tio's Business Economics programme offers students a solid foundation of legal expertise, combined with knowledge of entrepreneurship. The programme will be available at all five Tio campuses.

What does the programme entail, exactly? As a finance professional, you are the heart of any organisation. You translate numbers and figures into recommendations at the management level. It is your job to provide insight into a company's successes and optimise operational processes. You do that by correctly interpreting data and drawing the right conclusions based on that information. Balance sheets, budgets, annual reports and investment plans: after completing Tio's higher-education Business Economics study programme, the financial world will have no more surprises in store for you! operations: from SMEs to multinationals and from charities to government institutions. Think of positions such as: • Controller • Risk manager • Financial analyst • Financial adviser • Assistant accountant • You can even start your own business!

The higher-education Business Economics programme at Tio: ✔ Personal education with small classes of just 11 students, on average ✔ Practical education with many projects, cases, internships and study trips ✔ After graduating, get a job in the sector of your choice; business economists are in high demand (almost) everywhere ✔ Promising career perspectives in the Netherlands and abroad ✔ Earn your higher-education degree in 3 or 4 years or get an Associate degree in just two years ✔ Lecturers from the field: learn from the best! •

Prizes for Tio's lecturers Handing out the Learning Awards

By: Patrick Molenaar Head of Education and Quality

Every year, each Tio campus gives an award to a lecturer who made an important contribution to the development of one or more subjects. This year's Learning Awards were handed out during the lecturers’ meetings. Congratulations to all the winners!

Eindhoven – Hans van de Ven A very pleasant and positive colleague. Over the past year, Hans worked tirelessly to help develop the Finance Week - and with success! Furthermore, Hans makes a significant positive contribution to the development of the Business Economics programme.

Utrecht – Eleonore Riksen Over the past few years, Eleonore has made an enormous contribution to the development and optimisation of the courses that make up the Finance & Accounting learning line. These are Eleonore's final months at Tio (since she is retiring soon) and with this award, we want to show our appreciation for all the hard work she has done.

Rotterdam – Gea van der Spek Gea is a true event expert who helped elevate the Event Week to an even higher level last year. Furthermore, Gea is always willing to help implement educational improvements and knows how to utilise her network to organise guest lectures and company visits.

Hengelo – Gebert Janssen It is high time for the champion of the event world to also receive a Tio Learning Award. Gebert has been dedicating himself to the courses of the Event learning line for years now. He thinks along and makes important contributions to development.

Amsterdam – Marion Ariens When you say ITM, you say Marion. Marion is fully dedicated to the ITM programme. She is involved in the development of the various courses and represents Tio at conventions and gatherings.

“The tourism sector in Sierra Leone is ripe for a resurgence” Tourism student returns to his native soil after almost ten years for his final thesis project

By: Dirk Schlüter, Campus journalist Tio Hengelo

Tio student Reuben Coker (22), who studies at Tio Hengelo, recently returned to his native country of Sierra Leone in West Africa for the first time in almost ten years. He combined his visit to family with his final thesis project. In collaboration with the embassy in Brussels, Reuben is exploring ways to promote Sierra Leone as a tourism destination to target groups in the Netherlands.

Fleeing from Sierra Leone In 2001, Reuben's father fled the civil war in his country and came to the Netherlands. Reuben was sent to live with an aunt in the country, while his mother stayed behind in the capital of Freetown. In 2011, when Reuben was 12, the family was finally reunited in Enschede. A year later, his younger brother was born there.

Going to school in the Netherlands “We feel at home here and are thankful for the opportunities we have been given, especially after everything that happened in Sierra Leone,” Reuben explains. His father works as a businessman exporting second-hand cars to West Africa, while his mother works

Reuben Coker Cultural activity

at Zorgbureau Manna. After attending the language school De Globe and the eighth grade at elementary school De Triangel, Reuben earned his senior general secondary education diploma at the Bonhoeffer College in Enschede. Reuben: “Even in high school, I knew I wanted to choose a study programme in the field of tourism. That is how I ended up at Tio.”

Final thesis project Reuben, who studies International Tourism Management, has since begun working on his final thesis project. In collaboration with the embassy in Brussels and his thesis supervisor, choosing a subject that has something to do with Sierra Leone was an obvious choice. Reuben: “The tourism sector has collapsed as a result of the civil war and the recent Ebola outbreak. However, Sierra Leone has a lot to offer. Think of amazing beaches, the capital of Freetown and the hinterlands with its scenic countryside and wildlife reservations.”

Returning to Sierra Leone Reuben returned to Sierra Leone and was driven around by his cousin. He spoke to directors of wildlife reservations and hotels and officials who are in charge of tourism. “It was easy to establish the right contacts. On top of that, it was very special to see my family again. The country has changed and there is a lot more political stability these days. With my final thesis project, I can contribute to the country's ongoing development. I appreciate this opportunity a lot. I believe the country's tourism sector is ripe for a resurgence.” •

Students sit down with staff during SRM

The attendees during the student representatives’ meeting

By: Alex Greweldinger, Assistant campus manager Tio Utrecht

In late January, it was once again time for the student representatives’ meetings (SRM) at Tio Utrecht. There were three meetings: one for vocational-education students, one for first-year higher-education students and one for second-, third- and fourth-year higher-education students.

In the end, all three SRMs proved to be valuable discussions, during which a ton of issues were brought up, talked about and evaluated. Afterwards, it was time for the lecturers’ meeting. Divided into working groups, the lecturers reviewed the contents of Tio's courses, all while the tables were being set below. The evening ended with a cheese fondue dinner and a lot of fun. •

Successful open day at Tio Utrecht

By: Alex Greweldinger, Assistant campus manager Tio Utrecht

In early February, it was time for the first open day of 2020 at Tio Utrecht. At 09:00 sharp, an excellent and enthusiastic team of students and lecturers was standing by. This resulted in a successful open day with a total of twenty-one new registrations. Thanks to everyone who helped out. We look forward to seeing you again during the next open day! •

Master class Players United

By: Olga Boekhoorn, Campus journalist Tio Utrecht

Guest lectures or master classes are perfect ways for students to take a look behind the scenes of a different world. This semester, students at Tio Utrecht will have many opportunities to learn more about how prominent businesses run their operations. One such occasion was the master class of Players United.

During this unique master class, a packed group of Tio students got to take a look behind the scenes of the football management agency. Community manager Ricardo Hemmen and managing director Youri van Rijswijk revealed all the ins and outs of their company and inspired the students to reach for the top themselves. Van Rijswijk, for example, once started out as an intern and gradually climbed the corporate ladder over the course of his career.

A day full of successes. Among other things, the day resulted in new brand activations for the 2020 European Championship and gave students the opportunity to apply for an internship/side job. Last but certainly not least: it inspired them to keep chasing their dreams! •

Minor marketing communication part 1 in the pocket!

By: Alex Greweldinger, Assistant campus manager Tio Utrecht

Students Zina Chénani and Maurits Munnig Schmidt successfully completed the first part of the minor marketing communication. Best of luck with part 2! •

Fascinating company visit

By: Alex Greweldinger, Assistant campus manager Tio Utrecht

This semester was once again packed with company visits. Some SRH students, for example, attended the Vakantiebeurs for the Events course and a class of HMA students visited several hotels. What better way to combine learning with practice? •

Tio in India

By: Sophie de Weerdt, Staff member International Office

In late January, a delegation from Tio flew to the enchanting country of India, where thick smog and aromatic garlands come together to form the eclectic urban life of Mumbai and Bangalore. The group visited a number of high schools to tell the students more about studying at Tio and about life in the Netherlands. These schools were as diverse as the streets outside. One school was like a fourteen-storey apartment building, while another looked like a posh estate.

Providing information to interested Indian students

In between the school visits, the group had some time to risk life and limb, climb aboard a tuktuk and explore the city. India is characterised by its traffic, which is as chaotic as it is effective. Doubledecker buses, cows, scooters, pedestrians, cyclists, taxis, tuktuks, trucks, goats and more: everything and everyone is trying to get from A to B as fast as possible. No one seemed to give right of way to anyone. In India, whoever is least afraid of getting their car dented or scratched and boldly throws themselves into the fray gets to go first.

Amidst this fascinating chaos, one cannot help but stare out the window with jaws agape. The welcoming and enthusiastic Indians themselves are as fascinating as their rules of the road. Unlike the bland welcome you get in the Netherlands - with a cup of coffee and a stale biscuit if you're lucky - guests who flew all the way from the Netherlands to India are welcomed with fanfare, light ceremonies and blessings. Talk about hospitality! When all those students from India start their studies in the Netherlands, we can all learn a lot from their hospitality skills! •

What's your online student life like?

Do you attend online classes, are you doing your minor or does your internship continue (at home)? Share your photos, stories or vlogs with v.mast@tio.nl!

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