Hello, I am Kristiana, 22 years old student from Latvia and I started my journey at Saxion, following hotel management programme in Apeldoorn.
Studying hotel management at Saxion
At Saxion the atmosphere is very international. I had the chance to meet people from all over the world and we all feel like one big family. All the facilities are in Apeldoorn and it is a small building, I get the chance to have close contact with the teachers. We work as a big family and it always felt cozy there. I am not just a number but a student which is recognized and remembered.
Why hotel management?
I love to work with people, be involved in events and most importantly I enjoy making others happy. Therefore, I thought hospitality is the right choice for me. Furthermore, the programme offers you two internships which is something really cool. However, because of the pandemic I only made the first one and the second next year is cancelled. It is a pity but I really enjoyed my first internship and I hope future students have the opportunity to do both of them. To all potential students, despite the fact that currently the hospitality industry is not at its peak; remember that tourism is not only about traveling. It is more about relaxation, freedom and wellness and it is something everyone needs at some point.
Internships guiding your path
On my first internship I went to Thailand – Koh Samui Island. I worked as a front office intern in 5-start resort (Renaissance Koh Samui resort and spa). Because I was already used to living alone abroad, this was not a challenge for me. Also, I have been traveling and visiting many countries in Asia, so the culture was very familiar to me (one of the reasons why I chose to go there because I am totally in love with the culture, climate, fruits etc.). Saxion accountant for South-East Asia helped me to find the company but all the documents I needed to organize on my own. When I arrived I was totally in love. I made friends with two other Dutch interns and on the days off we were hanging out. I also found hobbies – went to yoga studio and to a CrossFit gym. There I got many local friends and had super cool adventures with them. This internship developed my personal skills more than professional. I came back with different mindset and values for life. I don’t regret anything – good or bad times. All of them were such a great life lesions that I am very grateful to that. Now I know what I want and don’t want to do in my life.
I shape my future
During my internship have further fallen in love with the Asian culture and after graduating I would love to move to South Asia and get a yoga teacher certificate. My dream is to organize spiritual retreat with mediation, vegan food, yoga, ceremonies and rituals. For me it is important to take care of my physical, mental and emotional body. That’s why I try to inspire others to give some love to them.
My advice to all students
I strongly advice all students to step out of their comfort zone and just go. Say yes to life and experience everything you can. Take the opportunity which Saxion gives and make best of it. It is not easy, and it can be time to time challenging (especially mentally) but it is worth it. This is how you learn to become stronger and wiser. Take care of yourself and don’t be scared to learn something new!
Kind Regards,
Kristiana
