Thai Binh Duong University (TBD) recently welcomed Jeannette Biesbroeck, a seasoned hospitality and tourism expert from PUM, for an impactful two-week visit. Her presence underscored the university’s commitment to internationalization and provided invaluable insights and practical knowledge to both students and lecturers in the Faculty of Tourism.
An ideal environment
Upon her arrival, Jeannette was immediately struck by the university’s serene and spacious environment. “The space, it’s very green and spacious,” she remarked. “I think for the students and for the teachers, it is nice to be in such an environment. You can find your inner peace here.”
She was also impressed by the students’ warmth and helpfulness. “They are all very nice, kind and helpful. The moment they see me at the canteen, always somebody jumps up to help me,” she shared, highlighting their eagerness to assist with language barriers and explain local cuisine. TBD also provided Jeannette with a bicycle for her stay, which made her feel right at home, given that Dutch people use bicycles every day. This thoughtful gesture gave her the freedom to explore Nha Trang on her own and become acquainted with everyday life in the city. One student even dedicated a Sunday to showing Jeannette around the city on a scooter, creating a memorable experience and fostering a strong connection.
Empowering students with real-world expertise
During her visit, Jeannette’s primary goal was to share her extensive 40 years of experience in the tourism industry, spanning roles from tour leader to cruise manager. She engaged with two distinct groups of students, providing practical guidance and broader career perspectives.
One group consisted of hospitality students preparing for a five-day field trip to Da Lat, which they were tasked with organizing themselves. Jeannette led workshops on crucial aspects of tour organization, including emergency protocols, effective communication with hotels and tour operators, and comprehensive planning. She emphasized that these skills are not only vital for the field trip but also for future careers, such as organizing staff trips within a hotel setting. Her insights extended to the unique world of cruise ships, offering students a broader understanding of diverse opportunities within the industry and how to handle various situations.
The second group Jeannette collaborated with was involved in the “GEM” project, a student-led initiative focused on self-discovery, personal purpose, and becoming a well-rounded individual. This project resonated deeply with Jeannette, who encouraged students to embrace their dreams, no matter how big. She guided them in identifying their purpose and charting a path to achieve their aspirations. Jeannette also praised GEM for fostering valuable individuals, noting, “I think students get a lot of that at the project. They are all valuable individuals, and they will become more polished, like a real gem”.
Besides, Jeannette held meetings with university management to discuss curriculum enhancements, aiming to align programs with international standards and industry demands. She also undertook several farm trips to assess their potential for developing into farm stays. These initiatives aim to foster collaborations between the university and local farms, offering practical education opportunities for farm staff and potential internships for students.
An inspiration for student growth
Many TBD students expressed keen interest in Jeannette’s career experiences, particularly her stories from working on cruise ships and her personal journey of finding purpose and fulfilling dreams. Jeannette shared how, unlike their current educational environment, she had to discover her path independently, emphasizing the value of TBD’s holistic approach to student development. “Trust the process,” she advised, encouraging students to believe that consistent effort will ultimately lead to success.
One particularly inspiring story she shared highlighted the importance of empathy in the hospitality industry. Reflecting on her early career as a tour leader for older travelers, she initially struggled to fully understand their needs. However, as she matured, her empathy grew, teaching her the profound value of compassion and understanding for people from all walks of life, especially those with different cultural backgrounds. This message resonated with the students, reaffirming the university’s emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals with strong interpersonal skills.
Jeannette Biesbroeck’s visit is a testament to Thai Binh Duong University’s continuous efforts to internationalize its educational offerings. By bringing in experts like Jeannette, the university not only enriches its curriculum with global perspectives and practical insights but also inspires students to pursue their dreams with confidence, equipped with the empathy and skills necessary to thrive in a globalized world.
PUM, an organization dedicated to driving local positive impact on a global scale, connects ambitious entrepreneurs and supporting entities with over 1,200 experts across 30 countries. Their collaboration with TBD’s Faculty of Tourism focuses on key areas such as agritourism, heritage tourism, cultural tourism, conservation, and sustainable development. This support comes through specialized workshops, professional training for young lecturers, curriculum review for international standards, and community-focused research projects within and beyond Khanh Hoa province.