Duncan Weij, student at Tio: "Last year I started my Minor Study Abroad. I have studied the past two years at Tio attending the English bachelor’s degree Hotel and Event Management at Tio Amsterdam. The exchange programme is an amazing period that allows you to study abroad and experience a different city and culture and get the opportunity to meet so many people from all over the world."
"The universities you can choose from for the Minor Study Abroad allows you to study in another country and experience a different way of live. My first choice was Paris and the University of ISG. The university offers business education aimed at finance, business commerce and marketing. Because I am studying Hotel and Event Management I also wanted to gain more in depth knowledge in the financial aspects related to hotels and events. This particular university offers excellent courses with great professors from all over the world."
French language
"In Paris and at the University of ISG things are handled differently than what I am used to in the Netherlands in terms of arranging housing, education and transportation. For example the use of paper documents instead of sending emails to your professors or landlords. You have to get used to this but after one month the system is very easy. Another factor is the French language. At the beginning my French was not good enough and it was sometimes hard when buying groceries or arranging bank and insurance issues. After three months this problem was solved and my knowledge of the culture and language is now at a point at which I can communicate easily with the Parisians."
Unforgettable stay in Paris
"I would recommend studying at this university and especially living in one of the most developed cities in the world related to the business aspect of the city. Think of brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Cartier and many more that come from Paris. Another great aspect of the city is the quality of life. Think for example of the products (wine, cheese, French cuisine) and the particular way in which daily life is lived by the Parisians. Paris is one big mix of different cultures and has an interesting history. I lived next to the Eiffel tower and I experienced the city to the fullest using my bicycle every day, this in particular made my stay in Paris amazing. On top of that there were the Football EURO 2016 events and matches. Watching football with friends and having this event in the city made my stay unforgettable."