Last October, a group of Technical Business Administration students from Inholland University of Applied Sciences went on a study trip to Troyes.
The program included (of course) a visit to a champagne vineyard, Lacoste, Michelin and the Université de Technologie de Troyes (UTT). In addition to various other inspiring company visits, there was a city walk about the rich history of our French sister city and an official reception in the city hall.
After four interesting days, in which a lot was learned, the group returned to Alkmaar. ‘It was a great study trip, focusing on educational, cultural and innovative experiences,’ says a TBK student on the Eurostar train back to the Netherlands.
Read the report of this study trip here >
Monday, October 14, 2024, around 7 a.m., a blue-colored group of engineering business students gathers at Amsterdam Central Station. Packed and packed, the group completes itself more and more. It is waiting for the Eurostar (high-speed train) to leave for Paris. When everyone has received their ticket from one of the accompanying teachers and is sitting quietly in his or her place, the train leaves for Paris. The study trip has really begun.
Once in Paris, there is some time to buy tickets for the transfer on the stop train towards Troyes. A comfortable drive to Troyes follows. After being installed in the hotel, the group of students moves towards the tourist center. A fully catered tour of the center of Troyes is on the program. A lesson on the rich history of Troyes, covering the battles, vineyards of Champagne and current prosperity.
After the city tour, the students are invited to the town hall. A warm welcome takes place here, in which appreciation is also expressed for the exchanges between Alkmaar and Troyes. These exchanges and study trips are made possible by the AUC (Alkmaars Exchange Committee). After an impressive tour of the town hall, it's time to end the day in a restaurant, because the next day is already on the doorstep.
early in the morning, the group of TBK'ers leaves for the renowned clothing brand Lacoste. At Lacoste a fully catered tour is given. From the students ' point of view, various questions are asked regarding efficiency, lead times, Lean approaches to the production process and all kinds of other technical business concepts. Besides the fact that the art of weaving the clothes makes a great impression on the students, the students, in turn, also impress the Lacoste staff by asking the right questions with interest.
In the afternoon, the group leaves for the Université de Technologie de Troyes (UTT), also known as the University of Troyes. The university is affiliated with an incubator for startups (YEC). This is an environment where students and starters with entrepreneurial ambitions can develop and realize their ideas. The students are very interested, because they also participate in the minor innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Then a meeting with several French students of the university takes place. An activity has been organized with the aim of collaborating, communicating and learning from each other. After the activity there is some space for socializing and plans are made to have dinner with the French students in the evening. A nice end to this day.
Wednesday is dedicated to agriculture. In the morning, an impressive tour takes place at Michelin. In this Michelin factory, tires are made for agribusiness. Tractor tires up to two and a half meters are produced here. Here, too, interesting insights into the production process are shared from both sides.
In the afternoon, a visit to a local Champagne vineyard is planned. A comprehensive but clear explanation of the production process of one of the most famous wines in the world takes place. However, this is not just any Champagne producer, but one of the few female producers. Full of passion and passion, it tells about the production process, the minerals in the soil and the taste experience of the Champagne.
A visit to TCP is scheduled for Thursday. This is a large transport company in Troyes. In a presentation, various strategic collaborations are highlighted. The use of a warehouse management system is also part of the presentation. Another inspiring morning in the Sister City of Alkmaar.
The afternoon begins with a tour of the stadium of the local FC. Troyes AC compete at the second level of France and have a stadium capacity of 20,460 people. A look behind the scenes is very nice. After the stadium tour, a photo tour of the city is planned. Various cultural places in the city are visited and photographed for the archive. The day ends with an ABC’to make the French language a bit more personal.
After four inspiring days in Troyes, it's time to return to Alkmaar. However, a stopover in Paris is planned. A city tour of various sights is organized by a group of students. Tired but satisfied, the group returns to Alkmaar. An inspiring study trip to Troyes has come to an end. ‘It was a great study trip, focusing on educational, cultural and innovative experiences,’ says a TBK student on the Eurostar train back to the Netherlands.
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