Successful ‘Kick-Start Your hbo Studies’ programme

Last week the third edition of the Hotel and Facility ‘Kick-Start Your hbo Studies’ programme took place. The programme aims to ease the transition from mbo to hbo. In the week before the InterSib introduction event, 23 mbo graduates voluntarily attended the free three-day workshops. 

Why a programme especially for this target group?

Drop-out among mbo graduates is too high. They often lack self-confidence, even though this group of students has often already gained valuable experience during their mbo education in hospitality. Just think of placements, writing self-reflections and a lot of practical experience. That is why lecturers Bert Paijmans and Annemijn Claassen have composed a balanced programme, focusing on the courses that this target group often struggles with in their first year. The workshop incorporates introductory classes from courses such as English, Finance, Research & Design, and the Management Development Programme (working on your self-image, believing in yourself, and trusting your strengths and experience).

The programme

The first two days of the workshop took place on campus. The focus of this first day was on introducing each other, the campus, the Horizon Building, the Hotel and Facility degree programmes, and the Finance and English courses. On the second day, the students zoomed in on the qualities they already possess that will help them develop their profile during their first year of studies (link with the MDP course). On the third day, they entered the industry. For this edition, Hotel Nassau located in Breda again had provided a real-life case that the students worked out in one day.

‘And are there any benefits yet?’

The 23 students will be monitored this academic year for study success and their well-being. Study coach Annemijn Claassen: ‘I still have a good rapport with this group of former mbo students and speak to them regularly. The students in my own classes I see a bit more, of course, and they keep me informed about how their mbo counterparts are doing. From some students I get tips on topics they missed during the workshop. For example, even more insight into how one should actually learn. In addition, the students are all still in contact with each other a lot. The workshop seems to have forged a good mutual bond!’

We hope to have a clearer picture at the end of the academic year of what the impact of the workshop has been and whether they have indeed benefited greatly from the kick-start to their hbo studies.

Positive responses from students 

‘Very nice way to get used to a new school, talking in English and making friends before school actually starts.’

‘Not to formal, very interactive and a lot of fun.’

‘I now know I can do this in English!’

‘Nice way to get to know the lecturers already.’

 

Do you have any questions about this kickstart your hbo studies workshop, feel free to get in touch with Bert Paijmans ([email protected]).