For Theresa Malin and Stephan Bates, the opportunity to study in Canada at Holland College was a natural choice. The students spent the semester studying at Holland College's Tourism and Culinary Centre as part of a bilateral agreement with Austria's IMC Krems. 

Both students have a passion for tourism, and a study exchange on Prince Edward Island was a perfect complement to their studies. 

“When I saw that Holland College has had many exchange students in the past from my Austrian university, it seemed like a safe choice and without any doubt, it was one of the best four months I have ever experienced. The lecturers and students are very helpful and friendly and the many nationalities present in the classroom even enhance the experience at this college” says Bates.

For Malin, the Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Experience provided an opportunity to strengthen her English language skills while connecting with tourism industry professionals. 

“I gained even more self-confidence and intercultural competencies since I got to know many different people and cultures,” says Malin. “One of my highlights at Holland College was definitely attending the TIAPEI meeting on behalf of my Convention and Catering class”. 

In addition to their studies, both students used the exchange as an opportunity to explore Canada. Stephan arrived in August and travelled throughout Eastern Canada visiting Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Nova Scotia before making his way to Prince Edward Island. He encourages students to do the same. 

“I do recommend making the most out of your time and also seeing other parts of Canada on your way here. Charlottetown is a lot livelier in summertime and temperatures are also relatively warm, sometimes even warmer than in Austria. At the harbourfront of Charlottetown are many nice little bars and restaurants which all close during wintertime. If you are lucky, you might also see the Bluenose II in the harbour of Charlottetown in summer” says Bates. 

With their semester at Holland College complete, the students are looking forward to the next step in their educational journeys. For Theresa, that’s an internship at the Fairmont Chateau in Lake Louise and Stephan will move on to an internship in Germany an event agency.

For students considering an international exchange to Holland College, Malin says “Go for it! You will not regret spending your exchange semester at Holland College.”

Are you interested in an international experience? Our Krems partnership also allows Holland College International Hospitality & Tourism students to participate in an exchange experience in Austria.

Learn more about the IMC Krems exchange program