Of course, engaging in a new academic adventure in another country is not something any of us took lightly. Our initial thoughts revolved around the immense potential an MBA in International Hospitality Management held for our careers. We envisioned it as the catalyst to equip us with vital knowledge, ensuring our relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.

Choosing to pursue this MBA abroad was a meticulously calculated move, a strategic leap to fortify our academic groundwork and propel our careers forward. The program's diverse spectrum of subjects particularly appealed to us, promising an enriched understanding of every facet within the realms of business and the hospitality industry.

Application and enrollment marked the commencement of our journey. Registering via Studielink initiated the process, seamlessly guided by comprehensive online instructions. The response from the program coordinator, personalized yet precise, exuded genuine hospitality—a promising start. The subsequent face-to-face interaction during the introduction meeting alleviated initial anxieties. The warm and inviting atmosphere immediately put us at ease, providing ample opportunity to delve into program details, present ourselves, and express why we'd be invaluable additions. It felt like a remarkably successful consulting session.

This interaction solidified our belief that pursuing an MBA through Hotelschool The Hague was the ideal choice. The institution's ethos, fostering class engagement and the courage to challenge conventional norms, especially among peers of diverse backgrounds, resonated deeply. Completing the application, including essays, motivation letters, and interviews with MBA Alumni, presented challenges that, in hindsight, proved immensely valuable, offering profound insights and bolstering confidence in our chosen program and institute.

The final phase involved an interview with the program director, a two-way dialogue allowing us to stretch our limits and articulate our unwavering commitment to pursuing the MBA. The interviewer's meticulous attention and active listening reflected in the feedback and final acceptance, a moment that overwhelmed us with joy and excitement upon learning of our admission for the 2022 enrollment.

Our journey ventured into the study year and curriculum, commencing on September 2, 2022. Seated amidst 16 peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, we eagerly embraced each day, anticipating new knowledge, challenging scenarios, and moments to shine. Every class, guest lecture, field trip, and project contributed significantly to our personal development, urging us to push our boundaries both personally and academically.

The academic year unfolded across 5 Blocks, each spanning 10 weeks, progressively intensifying from Block 2 onwards. Lecturers, well-versed in their subjects, sparked engaging debates and discussions. Guest lectures offered invaluable industry insights, widening our perspectives. Exciting field trips exposed us to varied business environments, showcasing the impact of hospitality across industries.

The program's pace was dynamic, designed to test and elevate our abilities and commitment. Emphasis on self-reflection fostered continuous personal growth, complemented by a teamwork-oriented approach that shuffled group members per project, fostering new learning experiences. Projects like Hospitality Audit, Financial Decisions, and Hospitality Experience Design pushed us beyond comfort zones, demanding adept stakeholder management and high-level expectations to deliver excellence.

The pinnacle of the program culminated in a consultancy project, a 10-week research study for a company, preferably based in The Netherlands. Finding the company was a challenge initially, but with unwavering support from our course lecturer, we gained confidence. The thesis writing phase demanded immense effort, yet the year-long preparation equipped us well. This consultancy period allowed us to apply our knowledge in a real-world context, a valuable experience that enriched our growth.

Throughout the study year, the program organizers and lecturers extended unwavering support, fostering a sense of belonging and care. Their dedication added a unique quality to the program. The program's strong focus on teamwork propelled us to conquer challenges and set new milestones. Peer support, exchange of perspectives, and elevated spirits as MBA cohort 22/23 pushed us towards victory.

The HTH Amsterdam campus provided an inviting and intimate atmosphere, encouraging interaction among students and faculty. Open spaces and various meeting areas fostered a sense of unity. For many of us, the media center stood out, while others favored the individual meeting rooms, dining spaces, and the outdoor courtyard. These aesthetics created a comfortable environment, enticing us to spend additional time on campus, collaborating on team projects and studying together. The student canteen's provision of hot and cold meals three times a day was particularly convenient during extended study hours. Overall, the campus and its facilities offered a safe, welcoming space, complemented by a helpful and friendly staff culture, from the media center to the IT desk.

Graduation day, an unforgettable moment symbolizing our hard work and dedication, was meticulously organized. The event, filled with live music, speeches, and genuine hospitality, stood out as a testament to our collective journey. Individually crafted speeches added a personal touch, underscoring the value we held as students. It was a day for family and friends to share in our achievement, marking not just individual success but our success as a team. As we celebrated together, capturing the moments through selfies and pictures, we felt immense pride in graduating as a united cohort.

Officially joining the MBA Alumni is an honor and a unique facet of the program. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to Hotelschool The Hague, the lecturers, and our fellow students for an unforgettable 13 months. Reflecting on this journey, we acknowledge that if given the chance, we would wholeheartedly choose this path again.