Five second-year students. Five distinct ambitions. One shared curiosity: to explore what the tourism and hospitality industry truly has to offer beyond the classroom. For one, the dream is to open a restaurant and build a globally recognized brand. For another, it is about perfecting customer and client experience, finding joy in creating moments that leave people genuinely happy. And for another, the dream is beautifully simple yet bold: to travel the world, immerse in different cultures, and experience life beyond familiar borders.

Nellie Musyoka, Mariam Kamal and Emmanuel Mwangi, pursuing Bachelor of Hospitality Management (BHM), alongside Donna Lenia and Allan Bett from Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM), may have different career goals, but their journeys converged in one unexpected place, the Netherlands, at Saxion University. There, they embarked on a six-month student exchange programme under Erasmus+ KA171, an experience that broadened their perspectives, sharpened their skills, and deepened their global outlook.

Interestingly, each discovered the opportunity in a different way. Donah and Emmanuel learned about the programme through Amy, an administrator at the institution, who shared details about the exchange and encouraged students to apply. Inspired by the possibility, they each signed up independently, not knowing who else would take the leap. Allan’s discovery came during an Open Day, a powerful reminder that such events are more than campus tours; they are gateways to life-changing opportunities and a glimpse into Strathmore’s global reach. For Nelly, the opportunity came through mentorship. Her mentor shared the information with her, a testament to the power of having someone who sees your potential and nudges you toward growth.

And then came the reality of it all. A new country. A new academic system. A new culture. The experience was immersive from the start. The coursework demanded more independent thinking, critical engagement, and active participation. It was not just about books, though there were many, but about applying theory in real-world contexts. They engaged in discussions with students equally passionate about tourism and hospitality, exchanged ideas shaped by different cultural perspectives, and received feedback that challenged them to think bigger and differently.

But the classroom was only one part of their education. Learning unfolded in practical sessions, industry visits, collaborative projects, and everyday interactions. They observed firsthand how European hospitality spaces operate structured yet warm, efficient yet personalized. They studied sustainable tourism models in practice, witnessing how environmental consciousness is embedded into policies, operations, and customer experience. They saw how tourism strategies are implemented with long-term vision and how guest experiences are curated down to the smallest detail.
As second-year students just beginning their academic journeys, the knowledge and exposure they gained in the Netherlands enriched their understanding in ways that textbooks alone could never provide. It gave them a fresh perspective on the global tourism and hospitality industry, highlighting how practices abroad compare to local systems, and offering inspiration for what can be achieved at an international scale. It was a transformative experience that broadened their horizons, sharpened their skills, and gave them a real sense of what a career in the global industry could look like.

A Journey of Growth
Stepping away from the familiar rhythms of Kenya meant stepping into the unknown. The five embraced the adventure wholeheartedly, eager to experience tourism and hospitality from a different cultural lens. Cultural immersion became both a teacher and a test. They navigated the stages of culture shock, the excitement of discovery, the subtle frustrations of adjustment, and eventually, the comfort of adaptation. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” became more than a saying; it became a survival guide. They learned to cycle as the Romans do, embraced new cuisines, adapted to different communication styles, and appreciated the structured efficiency that defines much of European society.

Yet the journey was not without its challenges. They encountered moments of exclusion and subtle forms of racism, experiences that were difficult, eye-opening, and at times disheartening. Being visibly different in a foreign space required resilience. But in those moments, they leaned into each other. Together, they processed, reflected, and grew stronger. The experience sharpened not only their professional skills but also their emotional intelligence and global awareness. What sustained them was community. They cooked together, recreating tastes of home in shared kitchens. They explored cities and the picturesque countryside. They travelled across the Netherlands, discovering canals, historic architecture, vibrant markets, and efficient transport systems that moved like clockwork. They laughed, learned, and made memories that would long outlive the semester.

A few highlights made their semester even more memorable. For Nelly, one stood out above the rest, celebrating her birthday in a completely new country. Her friends went above and beyond: they surprised her with a video of heartfelt birthday wishes from people back home in Nairobi, Kenya, sending warmth and love across continents. The gesture left her touched and elated, and the celebration continued with her exchange friends, sharing laughter, cake, and joy together in her new home away from home. For Emmanuel and Allan, one thrill was impossible to miss: watching football live in a stadium. The electric energy of the crowd, the chants, the tension of the game, and the shared excitement made it an unforgettable experience. For them, it was a window into a global sports culture they had only seen on screens, and they soaked in every second, cheering and celebrating alongside thousands of fans.

Words of Advice
With grateful hearts for the immersive and transformative experience in the Netherlands, the students shared reflections and advice for anyone dreaming of stepping beyond their comfort zones.
Donah: We are Africans, and wherever we go, we carry the responsibility of representing ourselves and our continent with pride. This experience showed me that as an international student, you can rise to the occasion, learn immensely, and grow in ways you never imagined. Everyone should seize the chance to have such an experience, it truly broadens your mind and your perspective.

Emmanuel: Be open, adaptable, and maintain a positive spirit. Life is a journey of lifelong learning, and this exchange taught me that education doesn’t only happen in Kenya. Experiencing learning in a different country, with different people and perspectives, adds an invaluable layer to your growth.

Allan: Being part of a fully funded exchange programme was a remarkable boost, it allowed us to focus entirely on learning, exploring, and absorbing new experiences. Traveling, making new friends, embracing life with curiosity, and keeping an open mind are essential. Every interaction and experience teaches you something if you allow yourself to learn from it.

Nelly: Confidence is key. Without believing in ourselves, none of this would have been possible. We learned to stand up for ourselves, to push boundaries, and to embrace every opportunity that comes our way. That courage transformed our journey and made it unforgettable.

Mariam: Learning goes far beyond the classroom. Every day, I went to bed a slightly different person because something shifted my mindset and changed the way I see hospitality  and the world. Growth doesn’t only happen in lectures; it happens in conversations, challenges, and shared moments. Being surrounded by other international students made everything lighter. I learned that community isn’t just important, it’s everything. Let yourself evolve. Let yourself grow. That’s where the real learning happens.

With their Netherlands adventure behind them, and knowledge gained both from Strathmore and their international exposure, these students are now eager to apply what they have learned. Their experiences have strengthened their vision, sharpened their skills, and inspired them to dream bigger. Perhaps one day, their aspirations will become reality, and when that time comes, we will surely celebrate how far they have gone and how they have truly gone places with Strathmore.

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau