Program Reviews

This programme exceeded all of my expectations and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Despite the cold that I’ve never felt before back home in Australia, the city itself felt like home away from homde. I met the most incredible people, both inside and outside of my programme. I experienced many things; amazing food, cold park walks and deep connections with many people. I’ve made long life friends and learnt many things about the history of Maastricht, my course (Positive Psychology) in myself. This is a programme that will change your life and a part of your life you’ll look back on and cherish forever.

Being my first overseas trip, I couldn't of imagined a more perfect location to begin my travels in than Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Upon arrival, I found myself in awe of the beauty of the old buildings and cobblestone streets, and the refreshing chill in the air. The people were all so friendly, and helpful to say the least!

Positive Psychology is something that is not heavily covered in Australia, so to learn such a thing in another country is a whole new experience. I was able to tiny amount of Dutch, and only wish I was there for longer! The three weeks fly by so quickly, with the weekend trips and due dates to think about.

If anyone asked me whether I would recommend them to undertake an overseas study program, even a short one like this summer school program, I would say yes! Go out there and see the world, take in the sights, learn about Maastricht and eat all the Vlaai you can (something you won't know until you go on this trip).

The FPN faculty provides a strong overview of any concepts or techniques you may need to use in the professional world while also staying relevant and interesting with lectures like voice analysis or false memory creations. PBL sessions let you explore the theories in your own way and build off the random knowledge the rest of your classmates have.

The CES staff is always here to help for whatever you need with the biggest smile you could ask for, whether it’s a lost passport or you can’t find extra postcards. Genuinely some of the kindest, most helpful people I've ever had the pleasure of working with, especially considering all the stress of traveling abroad.

Getting the chance to continue my education at the programs offered by UM while also getting a full "exchange" experience is more than I could have ever hoped for.

The academic program at Maastricht University caters to individuals’ creative mind as much as it does to their academic mind. Problem Based Learning feels more like a structured conversation that applies learning topics to real life.

In all my years at learning institutions, the staff at CES in my opinion is one of the most diligent and caring group of people I have met. Their dedication to making this program enjoyable and comfortable for students who are being pushed out of their comfort zone is admirable.

I have had arguably the most amazing experience of my life studying abroad in Maastricht. The best friends I have made here, the places I have visited, the new learning style that I’ve adapted to, and other minute aspects of my time here has made so rewarding.

The psychology and neuroscience program has a multitude of different classes to choose from. All are very interesting, but some are harder than others. Classes here are different than in the states and definitely require work, but you will still have plenty of time to travel and explore. They have PBL (Problem based learning) where you work in small groups to discuss the topic of the week.
The CES staff is extremely friendly and super helpful with any questions and issues. They are my go-to when I need help and they respond in a timely manner.
Studying abroad was the most amazing experience. I was able to see so much of Europe and Maastricht, eat fantastic food, meet amazing people, and grow as a person. I hope to one day visit Maastricht again.

This program mainly grades on papers and puts an emphasis on empirical articles. The program is easy to catch onto and adjust to. Staff of the Psychology department are willing to answer questions and help out whenever needed. The CES staff is friendly and open for questions at all times. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and help you adjust to the new environment. This experience has been a whirlwind of emotions and events from friends and family. Going somewhere new almost every weekend has been such a great experience, but coming home to Maastricht is what I look forward to after every trip. If I had to choose between changing this up or keeping it the same, I wouldn't change a single thing about this amazing experience.

The academic course of CES Maastricht really lets me learn professional and useful academic knowledge, which will be undoubtedly helpful for my future study and career.
At the same time, the free time and the field trips of the courses also lend me a golden chance to explore a real Europe by my self instead of just listening to hearsay and experience local culture and life style as well. Honestly speaking, it's really treasury memories for me.

The staff really give me a lot of help before and during the course.
They actually form my first impression of Masstricht, which is warmth, kindness and politeness and serious time awareness.

The course actually lets me find that my intercultual communication skills need to be further developed.
I may try to develop Problem Based Thinking in the future.

My summer academic programme in the UM includes the Western Europe study tour and International Business class. Both of them are packed with experience and knowledge by traveling around Frankfurt, Paris, London and learning in colloquial room with classmates from all over the world!

The CES staff are very passionate, caring and reliable. Students can always easily get reach to them whenever something comes up! You can consult them about any study problems or personal issues, they are always there for you!

Studying abroad this summer in the UM has taught me how to communicate with an international group of students throughout a group project. It is also a whole new experience to explore and live in an exotic city with new friends for six weeks!

Maastricht University uses a special teaching technology called PBL,problem-based learning, which is different from Chinese traditional teaching method, and though this method, we can better participate in the class and have deeper communication with professor and classmates.
I the only Chinese student in my course and I don’t have any background knowledge, it is OK to understand, the professor takes care of me.

They are really nice and friendly, especially Zen and Tom.
Every time I have questions I emailed them, and they will perfectly solve my problem.

It was my first time studying abroad and I think it is an unforgettable experience for me. Actually, something unfortunate happened to me, I lost a huge amount of money, but through this experience, I think I grew up a lot.

Summary of my academic program: An exhilarating trip where you can meet new friends and take cool classes that maybe doesn’t exist in your home country like positive psychology! You learn more about yourself and grow and travel and learn what it's like being in a different social circle in a totally different culture
CES staff: The CES staff are the most helpful and most organized people you’ll probably meet in a program! They were able to book a last minute taxi and help me and my friends catch a flight in Brussels to Italy. Go to them with any and all questions you may have
Reflection on study abroad: I learned more about myself. Pushed myself more than I probably ever had but also learned to be easygoing and surround myself with people that fit that personality. And it took some time, but I found my niche and I grew accustomed to the culture and everyday I bike around and see something familiar and people smiling it made me happy. Overall one of the best experiences of my life!