From 14–16 December, 2025 students from NHL Stenden, Netherlands, travelled to Bruges, Belgium, for an international field trip in collaboration with Howest University. This exchange brought together NHL Stenden and Howest students for a shared mentoring training experience, inspired by the Bridges by Mentors programme in Leeuwarden, NL.
Throughout the weekend, mentors participated in interactive sessions focusing on the foundations of mentoring, intercultural dialogue, and personal reflection. Activities ranged from icebreakers and experience sharing to exploring individual mentor superpowers and discussing the role of international students as mentors in local communities.
The trip created space not only for learning but also for exchange, collaboration, and connection across cultures. Beyond the training sessions, the shared experience strengthened team spirit and highlighted the value of mentoring as a tool for community impact: locally and internationally.