This series include interviews conducted with BTO students about what they have learned in BTO, and if they have changed their travel behavior because of what they have learned.

This interview is with one of our third year students, Naomi de Kort.

  • Can you introduce yourself? (Name, age, nationality(ies), hobbies)

“My name is Naomi de Kort, 22 years old, and I am Dutch and Japanese. In my free time I love to hang out with my friends and family. I gain a lot of energy from discovering new places, taking on adventures and trying out new (a little crazy) things. I also enjoy dancing, playing tennis and making music”.

  • Why did you choose to study the Bachelor of Science Tourism? Please elaborate.

“I chose to study BTO because I knew that I wanted to study something within the social sciences, related to different cultures, and preferably on a “WO” (university) level. I did realize that HBO (applied sciences) would maybe suit me more, as I consider myself quite practical. However, BTO for a university degree is very practical as we actually practice our research skills on multiple occasions. The most prominent examples are NFP in the first year, IFP in the second year (and obviously also not forgetting the thesis). During these projects, we also always work in groups, which I really enjoy. However, also during multiple courses throughout the three years, we need to write essays that are linked to a field trip. I really loved this about BTO, and the fact that the selections of courses are so broad. I also really liked the idea that we get educated into being very environmentally concerned, which I think is extremely important (especially now a days)”.

  • What are aspects within this study that you have learned that will stay with you?

“I have learned so much, but there are certain things that have really stuck with me. I learned firstly to clearly recognize that I am super privileged, through learning a lot about discourses and different cultures and situations around the world. I am much more aware about how I could come across to certain people, and that I therefore need to pay more attention in my communication. Second of all, I am now much more aware about the drastic consequences of climate change, and the role of tourism in it. Overall, the impact that tourism can have on the world, is something that is actively on my mind anytime I am on vacation. Don’t worry, I still enjoy my holidays, I just look and think of many things in a different way”.

  • Are there certain behaviors you have changed during your travels? If so, what has changed (please provide examples of this change)? If you have not changed anything, are there extra thoughts? If you have not changed anything, or gained any other thoughts about traveling, why do you think that is?

“Quite a few behaviors within my travels have changed. First of all, I have set a rule on myself, that within Europe I am going to do my absolute best to not travel by plane. For example, for my exchange to Portugal, I traveled by FlixBus from the Netherlands and back. Secondly, I will probably never stay at a luxurious hotel anymore, but stay at Airbnb’s, locally owned businesses or businesses that have local ties instead. This choice is not necessarily only because it is better for the economy, but I think that it is also more fun and interesting. I have also created a bigger interest for really getting to know the country, culture and people instead of just having a “good time”, which I think that is also due to the studies”.