From Mechelen to Montreux: Isabella’s International Career in Tourism
When Isabella discovered the International Tourism & Leisure (ITL) programme, it immediately stood out as everything I was searching for. She wanted a degree that went beyond planning trips. The mix of tourism, business, languages and culture matched her dream of building an international career. “I didn’t just want a degree that prepared me for the obvious paths. I wanted something that would open doors far beyond traditional tourism,” she explains.
From day one, Mechelen felt like home. Every day was a mini cultural exchange, with classmates from all over the world. In lectures, during group projects or on nights out, that mix of cultures made her student life truly unique. Isabella also joined ESN (Erasmus Student Network), where she organized day trips and activities for international students
“We trokken naar brouwerijen, zongen karaoke en ontdekten België samen. Ik vond het geweldig om anderen dat warme welkomgevoel te geven dat ikzelf ook had ervaren.”
Eén van de meest bijzondere ervaringen tijdens Isabella’s studies was de kans om naar het buitenland te gaan - midden in de coronaperiode. Ze zag hoe de toerismesector zichzelf moest heruitvinden tijdens deze crisis, toen ze een semester doorbracht aan Sejong University in Seoul, Zuid-Korea. “Ik moest er leren omgaan met een compleet nieuwe cultuur én met strikte reisbeperkingen: het werd een totaal andere manier van reizen en studeren. Het toonde hoe veerkrachtig en flexibel de sector — en wij als studenten — konden zijn.”
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She later completed an internship at the Hyatt Regency in Mexico City, a large business hotel. The world was slowly opening up again, although not everyone could travel freely yet. “My Mexican nationality played a key role for me to gain that experience,” she says. “I was living and working at a time when tourism was slowly reawakening. It felt as if I was part of a new chapter in global tourism.”
After graduating, Isabella moved to Edinburgh to pursue a master’s degree in International Festival & Event Management. Today, she lives near Lake Geneva, where she works at Château de Chillon, one of Switzerland’s most iconic castles. There, she combines her love for culture and guest experience as an Event Animator, Guest Experience & Tour Host, while also running her own freelance business for international events.
“What I love most about my work is creating experiences that blend storytelling, creativity and strategy — the perfect proof of how far the foundation I gained at ITL has taken me.”
“Having studied and worked in so many countries, I’ve become more than just a tourism professional — I’ve truly become a global citizen. Every new place pushed me to adapt, see things from different perspectives and collaborate across languages and cultures.”
Her advice for future students is simple: “Say yes to every opportunity. An internship, an exchange, a project with international students — those are exactly the experiences that broaden your perspective and shape your future.”
👩✈️ Isabella followed the bachelor’s programme International Tourism & Leisure at Campus De Vest in Mechelen.
👀 Curious what your own path could look like? Then contact the programme coordinator. You can also find their contact details on our website.