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CES Maastricht University

Why choose CES Maastricht University?

Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands and, with over 22,000 students and 4,400 employees, is still growing. The university stands out for its innovative education model, international character and multidisciplinary approach to research and education.

Thanks to its high-quality research and study programmes as well as a strong focus on social engagement, UM has quickly built up a solid reputation. Today it is considered one of the best young universities in the world.

Reviews

Default avatar
Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A wonderful experience!

I’m so glad I chose to study with CES Maastricht! The professors were so kind and helpful in explaining the material. The classes were more discussion based than I was used to, which made the material much more engaging.

Maastricht is a beautiful city and great for student life. Because it is so conveniently located, I was able to travel to many other countries and cities too.

The group trips CES coordinated for us were extremely well run, and it was very apparent that the CES staff really care that every student has a positive experience here. Thanks to their efforts and support, my time in Maastricht was truly a once in a lifetime experience!

Default avatar
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience!

Centered in Europe, Maastricht University has ample opportunity for travel and international learning experiences. The smaller city setting helps build a strong community, great educational support, and lifelong friends.

The CES staff is a wonderful group of people genuinely interested in the well being and quality education of its students. They they will always do their best to be there for you.

I have learned an incredible amount about different cultures, histories, and practical life skills from my travels. The education style has also challenged and helped me be invested in my studies while making new lifelong connections.

Pros
  • Travel
  • Community
  • Education
Default avatar
Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CES Maastricht University

My CES academic program has been challenging but also fun and rewarding. I have learned so much through both travel as well as new and interesting courses I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to take. The CES staff has helped me with every question I have had during the study abroad process. They have made Maastricht an inviting and safe place for studying abroad.My study abroad experience has been full of meeting new people and making lifelong friendships I never new I would have. It has also been about learning about many new cultures and and visiting countless cities and countries that I have loved experiencing.

Pros
  • Easy for traveling
  • Meeting new people
Default avatar
Amber
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad

The faculty of psychology and neuroscience is one that continuously challenges me to go above and beyond. I feel pushed to apply myself constantly and am so grateful to be a part of this program.

The ces staff is extremely helpful with assisting me in any problems or questions I run into. They make me feel like they care and genuinely want to help.

My study abroad experience has been so much more fulfilling than I expected. The people I am meeting, the things I am learning, and the things I am experiencing make me truly believe that this is a one in a lifetime experience.

Default avatar
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Experience

Centered in Europe, Maastricht University has ample opportunity for travel and international learning experiences. The smaller city setting helps build a strong community, great educational support, and lifelong friends.

The CES staff is a wonderful group of people genuinely interested in the well being and quality education of its students. They they will always do their best to be there for you.

I have learned an incredible amount about different cultures, histories, and practical life skills from my travels. The education style has also challenged and helped me be invested in my studies while making new lifelong connections.

Pros
  • Travel
  • Community
  • Education

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Ben Brikman

Ben was born and raised in Las Vegas. He has attended three universities in his academic career: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Bachelors), Maastricht University (Semester Abroad and personal favorite!) and now the University of Pennsylvania (Masters).
Ben Brikman

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I chose the Center for European Studies (CES) at Maastricht University for several reasons:
1) it's in an amazing location for traveling
2) the classes offered were extremely interesting
3) the city seemed lovely and charming. It was all of the above and, honestly, I couldn't have been happier with this location.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The program helped me figure out my classes, get a bike, figure out my course plan, took us on immersion trips, told us where best to shop and much more. I have discussed with other students that studied abroad and it seems like the CES program is top-notch with their planning and cultural immersion. The only thing I personally had to figure out was how to use public transit and book hostels for my travels (which is unrelated and was just a personal interest, so I wouldn't hold this against them at all). CES made sure we were extremely comfortable and knowledgeable about the resources available.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Strap in for a crazy semester! Be adventurous, say "yes" as often as you can, and don't get too focused on the academics. Yes, Maastricht has great courses with interesting topics, but you have easy access to students from other cultures and different mindsets. Take advantage of the wonderful resources and people that lie within Maastricht. Some people you meet may remain you friends forever! I still talk rather frequently with my peers from the program!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

My floor at the UM guesthouse was quite special. A regular week consisted of 3-7 days of eating dinners together and sometimes breakfasts as well. I would always go grocery shopping with my hallmates as well. During the week we would attend classes then usually bike around and explore the city/ go to the UM gym. Most students would rush to get all of their work done before the weekend so that we can feel guilt-free when traveling. For the weekends, my hallmates and I would usually travel all around Europe, explore and create some extremely fond memories.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Before Maastricht, I have never lived outside the comforts of Las Vegas. I was nervous about all of the stereotypical first-move-out type of things. I wasn't sure if I'd make friends quickly, if I was able to cook well enough, or if I could handle my money efficiently, etc. These are very common concerns, but when I went out to Maastricht, everything was pleasant and convenient. I quickly found a support system that helped me overcome my nerves and ultimately come out more experienced and mature. I now am not as nervous about making big moves, but rather embrace it.

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