A world full of hospitality, adventure and discipline

Do you dream of a job among the clouds? Helping travelers, working at the airport and perhaps one day flying through the air as a flight attendant? Then the MBO Aviation Services course might be exactly what you are looking for! Studiekeuzelab spoke to Lotte (18) and Joy (19), second-year students at Summa, about the course, internships and what you can expect.

"It's a truly unique program; not many people do this, and that's what makes it so enjoyable," says Lotte immediately. "You'll learn all the insights you need to know and be able to do when you work at an airport or in the air. A tourism program is much broader; this one is truly focused on aviation."

Besides Dutch and English, you'll also learn Spanish, which is incredibly useful in the aviation world. "I was quite apprehensive about the Spanish course at first. In the end, it's much more fun than I thought and much less difficult," says Joy.

A large part of the training is practical. During Passage, you'll learn all about working at the gate, information desk, and check-in desk. Cabine focuses on service, safety, and emergency situations on board. "We have a replica cabin, a mock-up. With all the bells and whistles, even smoke machines," says Lotte. "Just like a real airplane." You'll also find check-in desks with luggage belts at the school.

During the Social Skills course, you learn to handle difficult situations. "We practice complaint conversations, for example, when guests are delayed or their suitcase is lost. And we do that in Dutch, English, and Spanish," says Lotte. Sometimes actors are hired to make it extra realistic. "That actor can be really mean," laughs Joy. "Then we have to remain professional and resolve it politely, no matter how annoying someone is."

The students are regularly at Eindhoven Airport, for example, to learn what's on the signs. "I really enjoy the variety. One moment you're at Eindhoven Airport and the next you're back in the classroom," says Joy.

In the first year, you'll intern one day a week, increasing to two or three days a week from the second year onward. Lotte and Joy are currently interning at Viggo, an airport handler. They regularly work as ground stewardesses at Eindhoven Airport.

"We help at the gate, at the drop-off point, and sometimes at security. Our working hours are between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., and sometimes on weekends as well," says Joy.

In your third year, you'll do a six-month full-time internship, either in the Netherlands or abroad. "The plan is to go to Gran Canaria with two other friends," says Lotte. "But six months is a really long time, so I'm still a bit hesitant," Joy adds honestly.

Joy says her self-confidence has grown enormously since she started. "I was very quiet at first, but here you really learn to approach people." During internships, they regularly encounter travelers who are unreasonable or vent their frustration. "It doesn't matter what happened, it's always your fault. People sometimes think we have superpowers, but of course we don't," says Lotte. It's precisely because of this that you learn to stay calm, respond professionally, and stand your ground. Skills you'll carry with you for the rest of your life.

Working in aviation requires discipline, something they start with at school. "We wear a uniform every day, with a scarf, blouse, and vest. Hair tied back, and no flashy nail polish or jewelry," says Joy. "It took some getting used to at first, but it's just part of the job." Lotte laughs: "I actually wanted to get piercings, but then I'd have to cover them every day. So I'm not going to do that after all."

The training also requires motivation. "You really have to be excited about it," says Joy. "They tell you beforehand that once you start this, you won't have much time for yourself or other fun things. But it's worth it."

With your diploma, you can immediately start working as a ground steward/hostess. Want to fly? Then you'll need further training with the airline. You could also work in tourism, hospitality, or the front office of a hotel. Continuing your studies is also an option, for example, in tourism. Lotte says: "You'll have a lot of knowledge about one area within hospitality, which you can also apply to your next degree."

“It really depends on what you want,” says Lotte, “but I think most students who do this course have their sights set on long flights, staying overnight there and flying back after three days.”

How do Joy and Lotte envision their future? Neither of them is entirely sure yet. "I want to work in the air for a few years first," says Lotte, "and then maybe continue my studies. I'll only be 20 when I graduate, so I think that's still too young to work full-time for the rest of my life."

Take a look at the Summa Luchtvaartdienstverlening TikTok channel , where students share fun, funny, and informative videos about the program. Or check the Summa website in Eindhoven.

This interview was conducted by Studiekeuzelab in October 2025.