Graduation Day for students of the January/March course of 2008

Below is a unique Letter of Reference from the students of the January/March course of 2008 (pictured left).  It is very unusual to receive a Letter of Reference from an entire class. It is with much pride that we publish this letter on our web site. You may read the letter below.

The Crest of Slot Zeist - at the Front Gate


Dear Butler Academy,

For the first time in the history of The International Butler Academy, the Academy hosted such a large number of international students from nine different countries and nine different cultures.  This team was a living model of an international family, coming from the United States, Canada, Brunei, China, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Belgium and The Netherlands.

The International Butler Academy taught us that our eight week program is not just a journey from day one to day sixty.  It is a journey filled with happiness, frustrations, stress, tears of sorrow, tears of laughter and celebrations.

This butling program is extensive and intensive.  It means we have been stretched to new limits, new experiences and new knowledge.  The program taught by the professional instructors at the academy is a privilege that showcases the elite workmanship to the rest of the world.

We believe that TIBA not only taught us the technical skills to be exercised as  professional butlers, but has prepared each of us with an understanding attitude to successfully challenge and overcome any of life's inevitable difficulties.

Through the whole learning process, we were excited about all the individuals we have met, the adventures we have experienced and the new challenges that await us.

Never in our lives will we forget these 8 weeks.  It certainly will bring  a change in our careers and give us new opportunities. This program provided us with the knowledge to represent future Principals in our new professions.  As a result, we now have new friends whom will remain a part of our lives forever, hence opening up an avenue of networking in the butling community.

This group of students was most special!  On graduation day all students received their diploma.  We arrived with a dream, TIBA made it possible for our dreams to be fulfilled.

To TIBA we say thank you!

Sincerely,
Class of January/March 2008.

Arnt Boesveld (Netherlands), Atonino Barone (Italy), Mirela Constantine (Belgium), Frank Fortgens (Netherlands), Noor Halim (Brunei), Sjannie Luykx (Netherlands), Cindy Maas (Netherlands), Whitney Martens (USA), Xavier Medecin (France), Victoria Ni (China), Prem Rao (United Kingdom), James Tobin (Canada), Elegance Zhang (China)