`The Double International Bachelor's Degree gives you an innovative perspective on tourism'

28/05/2025

Using English and German on a daily basis, Àlex Mannsdorfer has studied and completed internships in one of Austria's most popular tourist destinations, Salzburg. The Double International Bachelor’s Degree between the UAB and FH Salzburg has broadened his vision of tourism and provided him with international-level skills.

 

• Why did you choose to pursue the UAB-FH Salzburg Double International Bachelor’s Degree?

Because of the range of opportunities for personal and professional development it offers. Living in another country gives you the opportunity to meet different people and experience a different culture, as well as learning to see tourism from a different perspective. From an academic perspective, being able to study and complete an internship in a foreign country while developing your language skills — in this case, English and German — is always a plus.

The prospect of obtaining two qualifications was very appealing to me. In fact, it was one of the reasons why I chose to study Tourism in English at the UAB.

 

• How was the experience?

Very good. At university level, it's quite like the UAB. You learn a bit about everything, such as finance, marketing and accounting, as well as more specific subjects like destination and hotel marketing.

 

• Tell us about your internship in Salzburg. How was the experience?

I had the opportunity to do an internship at a five-star hotel that had just opened. I was part of the opening team and contributed to the sales and marketing department. In addition, I worked in all the other departments and experienced a variety of roles. Overall, I learnt a lot.

 

• How would you rate the immersive experience with the local language, German, in this case?

This is a clear strength of the Double International Bachelor’s Degree offered by the UAB and the FH Salzburg. I learnt German and English, the language used in most of the classes. The classes are completely international, with students from different countries with whom you speak English. I didn't have much of a problem with German because I already speak it with my father, but I know some of my classmates who have benefited a lot from this experience. They have been able to study and improve their German at university and in everyday life activities, such as going to bars and restaurants and buying groceries in a country where only German is spoken.

 

• How do you think studying for this double degree will broaden your perspective on tourism, given that you have now seen first-hand how the sector works in one of Austria's most popular tourist destinations?

Having acquired skills in destination strategy and marketing could be especially helpful for me. Salzburg is one of Austria's most popular tourist destinations, and thanks to the university, I was able to develop marketing strategies for destination and some tourism organisations after doing a couple of group projects. The courses really make you understand who is involved at any given moment and how you can contribute positively to the development of these landscapes or destinations. The principles you learn are universal. I acquired them in Salzburg, but I can use them anywhere in the world.

 

• Would you recommend current tourism students to venture into the Double International Bachelor’s Degree?

By all means. I would advise them to keep an open mind and take advantage of all the opportunities that this Double Degree offers. This applies not only to academic and professional levels, but to personal levels, too. I would advise them not to be afraid of making mistakes, to enjoy the journey, the whole process, and to embrace living and experiencing another culture in a foreign country.

 

• Why would you recommend studying for the Bachelor's Degree in Tourism at UAB?

Mainly because of the opportunities it brings, and the fact that it is taught entirely in English — a feature that many other degrees at other universities do not have. Studying a degree at university level in English provides you with a range of skills and knowledge that you can use anywhere in the world. The UAB-FH Salzburg Double International Bachelor’s Degree is an added bonus, as is the large number of destinations you can choose for your Erasmus exchange. The multicultural experience opportunities thanks to the UAB, and living on campus, are invaluable.