Julkaistu syyskuussa 2012
Name: Taoufik El Fassi
Institution: HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences
Degree Programme: Tourism
How many years have you been studying at HAAGA-HELIA?
At first, I was here as an exchange student but then I realized that Porvoo would be a very nice city to live in and I really wanted to move to Finland. I am from Morocco and started my tourism studies in Germany, studied there for two years and now I will complete my studies in Porvoo.
When did you become interested in your subject?
I got interested in tourism through my previous work assignments at a hotel and campsite. I like arranging events and ended up searching for a suitable study place to improve my workmanship.
Why did you choose HAAGA-HELIA?
As I mentioned, first was I here as an exchange student. I was right from the beginning inspired by the practice oriented – learning by doing ¬– attitude at HAAGA-HELIA. All the teachers have their own specialties, which means that we get much real-life stories and the quality of education is good.
How do you like it in Porvoo?
I like it here. I think that the Porvoo Campus is a very special place because I feel that I am not just studying here. I would say that studying at HAAGA-HELIA is more like working in a company. The real life contacts are present in everyday studies.
What is the most valuable lesson that you have learned?
I have learnt to take more responsibility. Some people can find it difficult to meet commitments made to yourself and others in the beginning of studies because they can be overwhelmed by all the freedom when it comes to the structure and implementation of degree programme. If people fail to take responsibility, they will fail their teams.
Is there something that has been challenging?
Sometimes I find teamwork and time management quite challenging. The international environment in Porvoo Campus is also an advantage but it can also be very challenging to get involved with other nationalities. But this environment also helps to constantly develop networks.
Tell about your basic day at school?
It is almost like an ordinary day would be at a real work place. We can mainly decide on our own the structure and content of the day. Different project meetings keep me busy. I like projects and people count on me as an active and hard-working group member.
Did the content of your studies meet your expectations?
I would say so even though I really had no expectations. We had only ordinary lectures and final exams in the end of the spring term in Germany. At HAAGA-HELIA have I really liked the studies because I can learn by doing and not just sit quiet listening to lectures.
What kind of knowledge has your studies given to you if you think about work-life and future?
Besides, I am now able to take more responsibilities. I have also learned to work under pressure and with people who have different backgrounds.
Do you have any tips to them who are interested in studying at HAAGA-HELIA in Porvoo?
The Porvoo Campus is really nice and ideal place to study tourism. It is easy to get to known with other students because the atmosphere is very international and tends to be talkative. From my point of view Porvoo is a very beautiful small city. My main subject at HAAGA-HELIA offers a lot of good real life contacts. I would also like to advertise that all the freshmen get an own laptop in the beginning of studies.
