How a passion for travel became a global career

Your time at BUas

Why did you choose to study Tourism at Breda University of Applied Sciences?

Before this study programme, I completed an MBO in Hotel Management. However, even before that, I already had a strong interest in tourism and travelling. After finishing my hotel studies, I realised it wasn’t the right fit for me, and I wanted to deepen my knowledge of the tourism industry instead. BUas stood out because of its strong reputation in tourism education and its convenient location near home. After attending the Open Day, I was immediately convinced it was the right place for me.

What were some of the most memorable moments during your studies?

Some of my most memorable moments include the field trip to Croatia, my exchange semester in Finland, and my placement in Bangkok. These experiences really allowed me to go out into the field and apply what we learned in class. I got the chance to work in different environments, learn about cultural differences, and build a stronger global perspective on tourism.

How did the study programme prepare you for a career in the tourism industry?

The study programme gave me a solid foundation, both theoretically and practically. We worked on real-life projects, learned how to think critically, and gained hands-on experience in creating tourism concepts. The international character of the programme also taught me how to work in diverse teams, and how to adapt to different markets and customer expectations.

Can you tell us about any projects or assignments you worked on during your studies?

Throughout the programme, I worked on several interesting projects, from developing sustainable travel concepts to designing (study) trips and conducting destination research. These projects taught me how to do research, collaborate with others under deadlines, and present professionally to industry partners.

Tell us more about your placement!

Why did you choose to conduct your placement in Bangkok?

At first, I wanted to find a placement in South Korea. But as a non-Korean speaker, that turned out to be quite difficult. So I decided to broaden my search to Southeast Asia. That’s when I came across Khiri Travel, a company that operates in several countries in the region. The Bangkok office was the first to contact me, and since I had always been interested in Asia and had never been to Thailand before, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore a new culture and country.

What were your first impressions of Bangkok?

I arrived in late January, so it was winter in the Netherlands. When I stepped out of the airport, the hot air just hit me in the face, definitely something to get used to! The city was super busy and crowded, but I was amazed by how friendly and helpful the people were. It was overwhelming in the best way.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your placement?

The biggest challenges were the language barrier and the different working culture. Although most of my colleagues spoke decent English, communication wasn’t always smooth, and getting things done could sometimes take a bit longer. As a placement student, I was also at the bottom of the hierarchy, which made it difficult at times to suggest changes or take initiative. That said, my colleagues were always supportive and did their best to help me!

How did this placement impact your professional and personal development?

It definitely helped me grow in both areas. I became more independent, flexible, and open-minded. Professionally, I learned how to work in a B2B environment, how to communicate with agents and partners, and how to create products that really work for specific target groups.

Working at Khiri Travel in Bangkok

Can you tell us about the company you work for and your role there?

Yes! I’m currently working at Khiri Travel, my former placement host company. I’m a Junior Product and Account Manager. In this role, I update our existing products (like hotels, activities, and transfers) and develop new ones. I also stay in touch with our agents (we’re a B2B company, so we don’t deal directly with clients), keeping them informed about new products that may be of interest. I support our sales team by creating trip outlines and answering questions from agents. I also act as a link between departments and help solve any issues that come up.

How did your education and placement prepare you for your current role?

My studies and placement taught me how to approach tourism from a strategic and creative point of view. I learned how to do research, work in teams, and develop products that are both marketable and sustainable. The real-life projects and the international setting at BUas made the transition to this role feel very natural.

What do you enjoy most about your current job?

I love creating new and exciting itineraries for our agents and their clients and I even get to try them out myself! Recently, I went on an inspection trip to the relatively undiscovered Isan region to test a new itinerary. Afterward, we refined it to ensure we deliver the best possible experience.

Are there any specific projects or achievements you’re especially proud of?

Yes, I’m always proud when an itinerary or product I’ve developed gets sold and receives positive feedback from travellers. Seeing my work turn into real-life experiences is very rewarding.

What was it like to return to Bangkok to work after graduation?

It felt amazing. I was really looking forward to it and I couldn’t wait to go back. It felt like coming home, especially since I already knew my way around the city and was reuniting with friends.

What are some of your favourite places in the city?

I really enjoy Bangkok’s parks, especially Benjakitti and Lumpini Park. They’re great places to relax, walk around, or even go for a free paddle boat ride. You can often spot monitor lizards walking by or swimming in the lake, it’s a nice escape from the busy city life.

How is life in Bangkok different from life in the Netherlands?

It’s very different! Life here is more convenient and safe. There are so many affordable transport options: motorbikes, taxis, tuk-tuks, skytrains, etc. Also, the food here is amazing, full of flavour (and spice!) and a lot cheaper than Dutch food. The pace of life is faster but in a fun and exciting way. People are also incredibly polite and always willing to help!

Do you have any tips for others considering living and working in Bangkok?

Be open to cultural differences, and try to learn some basic Thai, it really helps. Find a place to live near public transportation and take time to explore different neighbourhoods. Most of all, embrace the experience. It can be overwhelming at first, but it’s a city full of opportunities.

Can you tell us how you experienced the recent earthquake in Bangkok?

To be honest, I didn’t feel it as strongly as some of my friends. Our office is located outside of Bangkok, in Nonthaburi, and I was working on the ground floor. At first, it just felt like a bit of dizziness, and then we noticed the building swaying. We all went outside once we realised what was happening, and only found out it was an earthquake through the news. At the time, it didn’t seem too serious, so after waiting a while, we went back to work. Meanwhile, some of my friends in high-rise buildings had to evacuate and walk all the way down, it was complete chaos in the city. Public transportation had stopped running, and with most taxis and motorbikes fully booked, some of them had to walk home for three to four hours. A lot of people were trying to leave the city at once, which made everything even more hectic.

How did the earthquake affect your daily life and work?

Not too much, thankfully. I did feel a bit dizzy for a few days afterward, and I found out many others experienced the same. A few days later, I did get a scare while I was at work, I received a message from my condo about an evacuation due to shaking in the building next to us. Apparently, several buildings had to evacuate that day because of aftershocks. Luckily, nothing serious happened.

Have you taken any precautions for future natural disasters?

Yes, I packed a small emergency backpack with essentials, just in case I ever needed to evacuate quickly. Thankfully, I haven’t had to use it.

How do you see your future?

I definitely see myself staying in Thailand for a while, continuing to travel, explore the region and its neighbouring countries. I don’t have a set plan yet, but I imagine I’ll stay here for a few years and then maybe move to another country, probably still somewhere in Southeast Asia. I’m not planning to return to the Netherlands any time soon!

Years of study at BUas: 2020–2024

Programme: International Tourism Management (ITM)