Three Universities from Breda (Netherlands), Opatija (Croatia), and Girona (Spain) have a new master’s degree that trains professionals to (further) develop recreational businesses such as campsites and holiday parks in a sustainable way that suits the environment: CampMaster. The study starts this September and applications are open until August 15th. The study starts in the Netherlands, and here are some good reasons to start your Master’s career just in Netherland. Soon in Camping Business, we shall present Opatija and Girona as beautiful study places.
Five reasons to study in the Netherlands
The two-year study programme starts in the Netherlands. Why should you come and study in the Netherlands?
- Largest number of English-taught programmes
First of all, Dutch universities offer the largest number of English-taught programmes in continental Europe. More than 2,100 programmes are taught entirely in English. Also, 95% of the Dutch speak English, so it’s easy to communicate in daily life.
- Good value for money
Furthermore, the quality of Dutch higher education is well-recognised. The tuition fees and cost of living are considerably lower than in English-speaking countries. Higher education in the Netherlands is subsidised by the government which helps to keep tuition fees below that of other study abroad destinations such as USA, Australia, and the UK. What’s more, there are lots of scholarship opportunities.
The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centred. You will develop valuable skills such as analysing, solving practical problems and creative thinking. Dutch education focuses on teamwork. You will be working in groups to analyse and solve specific problems. You will also get a chance to get practical work experience through placements and traineeships.
Interaction in class is highly appreciated. You are expected to develop and express your own opinions about the knowledge presented to you. You are free to ask questions and be critical of what lecturers or fellow students say. And to use your own creativity to apply your newly-gained knowledge. The teaching method is founded on respect for each individual’s opinions and beliefs. This mindset is not limited to education institutions, it is a national characteristic. Develop an open mind and increase your international orientation.
- International community
The Netherlands is very international. The international students in the Netherlands come from more than 160 different countries. Dutch society is diverse and inclusive. It is strongly connected to other cultures, the business community and the world. The Dutch are open-minded and direct, so it is easy to meet them and exchange ideas.
- Great place to live
The Netherlands is a great place to live. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, according to the 2018 Global Peace index. Violence and street crime levels are relatively low. Also, the Netherlands belongs to the top 10 happiest countries in the world. It ranks top in work-life balance and skills, well-being, social connections, environmental quality, personal security, and health.
The Netherlands has a rich history with historic cities and the highest museum density in the world. Additionally, the Netherlands is the gateway to Europe! In just three hours you can be in Paris. London and Berlin are just a five- or six-hour train ride away.
- Excellent career opportunities
The Netherlands is the 18th largest economy in the world. Some of the world’s biggest multinationals, including Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING, and Unilever are Dutch. The Netherlands is a world leader in many areas of expertise, including agriculture, water management, art&design, logistics, and sustainable energy.
The Dutch government wants to attract knowledge and retain talent. International graduates can therefore apply for an orientation year. This is a residence permit of one year to find a job or start a business within three years of graduation.
Breda student city
And then a bit more info about Breda. The city has about 180,000 inhabitants, about 20,000 of which are students. Its centre is well-organised, compact, and charming. No wonder Breda was voted best city centrein the Netherlands.
Discover Breda as your new student city! Breda is bursting with cafés, terraces, fun eateries, pubs, and clubs. You will also find lots of trendy shops and coffee bars. Sports, culture, events… Breda has it all. And also plenty of nice places to chill out with your friends. So, you will not be bored for a moment and, as a student, you get discounts in many places.
Sustainable Outdoor Hospitality Management
And now back to the study programme. What’s unique about this new master’s programme? The demand for outdoor hospitality accommodation in Europe is growing rapidly, which has prompted a need for highly qualified professionals capable of managing these accommodation businesses in a responsible and sustainable way in good cooperation with local authorities. The new Master Sustainable Outdoor Hospitality Management responds to this need.
For whom has this master’s programme been designed?
The new master’s is a two-year full-time English-taught degree with a focus on sustainable strategic management. It is a very interesting track for students aspiring to senior management positions in recreation. The programme covers the broad market of outdoor hospitality concepts. It is therefore a great continuing education opportunity after a bachelor’s degree in tourism, leisure, or hotel management. But it is also an interesting option for graduates in international business, spatial planning, geography, or urban design, for example. And, of course, for professionals who have been working in the field for some time (and can take two years off!).
What does the study programme look like?
Students travel across Europe in two years and gain management experience at leading recreation businesses. In the first year of this master’s, you will attend lectures at Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) in the Netherlands and at the University of Rijeka in Croatia. In this year, you will work at a large-scale campsite or holiday park in Croatia. There, you will tackle challenges in destination management, strategy, concept, and design of the park or resort, as well as stakeholder management and human resource management. The common thread is always sustainable development.
In the second year, you will move to Girona or surrounding area in Spain to work on your academic and business skills at university. In the final semester, you will complete a traineeship at a resort in Europe. This is deliberately scheduled last in the programme. If you like it, the company can offer you a job in which you can start right away.
What does this new master’s offer?
You will study in a small-scale and international study environment in three locations in Europe. You will work with students from various European countries, and with an international team of lecturers, so you will gain a lot of intercultural experience. After graduation, you can put no fewer than three titles on your business card: Master of Arts (BUas), Master of Science (University of Girona) and Professional Specialist (University of Rijeka). It is a multifaceted master’s degree that focuses entirely on international orientation and sustainable development. You can read more about it on BUas.nl, where you will also find the info on how to apply.
Scholarships
The three educational institutions involved have partnered with several camping companies to provide scholarships to 10 students who start this Sustainable Outdoor Hospitality Management master’s degree and are eligible. Read here how to qualify for a scholarship worth €5,000. Our partners who are offering not only scholarships but also internship for prospective students are: ADAC, ANWB, ACSI, Carthago, Vacanze col Cuore e Crippaconcept.
