University of Breda

University of Breda is a renowned institution of higher learning located in the city of Breda, in the southern part of the Netherlands. The university has a strong focus on International Business, Hospitality Management, and Leisure Studies, with programs accredited by the NVAO and recognized by the European University Association. The university's academic programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education, preparing them for careers in various fields, including Tourism Management, Event Management, and Facility Management, with many graduates going on to work for companies like Disney, Marriott International, and InterContinental Hotels Group. The university's faculty includes renowned experts in their fields, such as Professor Dr. Rob Davidson, a leading researcher in the field of Convention Management and Exhibition Management, who has worked with organizations like the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the UFI.

● History

The university has a rich history, dating back to the establishment of the NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences in 1987, which later merged with the Avans University of Applied Sciences to form the current institution. The university's history is closely tied to the development of the city of Breda, which has a long tradition of Trade and Commerce, dating back to the Middle Ages and the Dutch Golden Age. The university's founders, including Jan Peter Balkenende, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, and Hans Hoogervorst, the former Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, played a crucial role in shaping the institution's mission and vision, which is focused on providing high-quality education and research in the fields of International Business, Hospitality Management, and Leisure Studies, with a strong emphasis on Sustainability and Social Responsibility, as reflected in the university's partnerships with organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the World Wildlife Fund.

● Academics

The university offers a range of academic programs, including Bachelor's degrees and Master's degrees in fields like International Hospitality Management, Leisure and Tourism Studies, and Facility Management, with a strong focus on Practical Training and Internships, providing students with hands-on experience and opportunities to work with companies like Accor Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The university's academic programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education, preparing them for careers in various fields, including Hotel Management, Restaurant Management, and Event Planning, with many graduates going on to work for companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and KFC. The university's faculty includes renowned experts in their fields, such as Professor Dr. Willem Hendrik Gispen, a leading researcher in the field of Neuroscience and Psychology, who has worked with organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the European Commission.

● Research

The university is committed to conducting high-quality research in the fields of Hospitality Management, Leisure Studies, and International Business, with a strong focus on Sustainability and Social Responsibility, as reflected in the university's partnerships with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Bank. The university's research centers, including the Centre for Sustainable Tourism and the Institute for Hospitality Management, are recognized for their excellence in research and have collaborated with institutions like the Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge. The university's researchers have published numerous articles in top-tier journals, including the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, Tourism Management, and International Journal of Hospitality Management, and have presented their research at conferences like the International Conference on Tourism and Hospitality, Annual Conference of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, and the World Tourism Forum.

● Campus

The university's campus is located in the heart of the city of Breda, with state-of-the-art facilities, including the Monastery Building, a historic building that dates back to the 14th century and has been restored to its original glory, and the Chassé Theatre, a modern theater that hosts a range of cultural events and performances, including concerts, plays, and dance performances. The campus is within walking distance of the city center, with its many Cafes, Restaurants, and Shops, and is easily accessible by public transportation, with connections to cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. The university's campus is also home to a range of student organizations, including the Student Union, which provides support and services to students, and the International Student Association, which promotes cultural exchange and understanding among students from different countries.

● Organization

The university is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the City of Breda, and the Business Community, including companies like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Heineken, and Unilever. The university is also a member of the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, a national organization that represents the interests of universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, and has partnerships with institutions like the Erasmus University Rotterdam, Tilburg University, and Radboud University Nijmegen. The university's administration is headed by a Rector Magnificus, who is responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the institution, and is supported by a team of Deans and Department Heads, who are responsible for the academic programs and research activities of the university.

● Student Life

The university has a vibrant student community, with a range of student organizations and activities, including the Student Union, which provides support and services to students, and the International Student Association, which promotes cultural exchange and understanding among students from different countries. The university also has a range of sports facilities, including a Gymnasium and a Sports Field, and offers a range of sports programs, including Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball, with teams competing in national and international competitions, including the European University Sports Association and the International University Sports Federation. The university's students also have access to a range of cultural events and activities, including concerts, plays, and dance performances, and can participate in exchange programs with institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, New York University, and University of Sydney.