Program Reviews

When I was accepted to study abroad at Maastricht, I was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to take classes on European Studies in the city where the modern European Union was founded. Unfortunately, my experience there failed to live up to my expectations and my semester there was one of the worst experiences I have had in my academic career.

Instead of arriving in a welcoming, inclusive environment, I unknowingly arrived in the Dutch version of Trump country and I wasn’t even safe from far-right nationalism in class. Having to listen to professors rationalize colonialism and slavery, insist that communism made Eastern Europeans lazy, and assign readings that were filled with racial slurs was incredibly demeaning. To come all the way to The Netherlands just to have to sit in class and be made to feel like I’m inherently inferior and don’t belong in the country because of my ethnic and religious background was beyond humiliating and dehumanizing.

I felt like the environment in Maastricht was so suffocating, both academically and socially, that I ended up traveling a lot just to escape and catch my breath for a moment. To feel like I had to escape from the city and country I had to call home for four months was incredibly upsetting.

Had I known that I would have had to constantly confront far-right nationalism and defend my humanity both inside and outside the classroom, I would have never set foot in Maastricht. As much as I did enjoy my travels and the new people that I met, I can not ignore how much pain I went through during my time there.

As I am currently pursuing a Bachelor degree in U.S, going abroad to Netherland is doing a study abroad while studying abroad.
I have never been to Europe before, and this first time European culture immersion experience had been very fun!
The PBL session is quiet a unique style that of learning encourages students to step out their comfort zone and stimulates their full potential. The students here are very engaging, and the class discussion has always been active.
The Center for European Staff members are very warm and welcoming, it's like a pair of warm hands you get in Netherland to guide you through the hardest stage within study abroad.
Looking back to three months ago, I am impressed by how much I learned about Europe.
To conclude, I am very glad that I chose to study abroad in Maastricht University, Netherland. This experience has again transformed and enriched my view of the world.

I have opened my mind by listening to worldly people and hearing their perspective.
CES is like your cool parent. They will make sure you are in the best class and are well looked after. They demonstrate the really care about their students. I really learned to overlook the small things in life and appreciate my privileges. Sometimes there is no air conditioning or I have to bike to class in the rain, but I had the time of my life. Maastricht feels like home. Nothing compares to stepping off train at night in Maastricht station. The city is so international, people from foreign countries don't feel like outsiders; Everyone is welcome in Maastricht. Study abroad is a time for learning others experiences and maturing as a person. I was able to meet people from all over the world. It is a time I will never forget

I have nearly completed the first half of my time studying in Maastricht. I am enjoying my time here so much, that I have extended my stay for another semester. The classroom setting and learning style is something I could not experience in the US, and it fits my learning style much more than classes back home. Maastricht is a wonderful, cozy city that is easy to feel comfortable in and the schools staff is too notch. They truely make you feel like you matter and they are determined to help give you the best study abroad experience possible. This program excels in connecting students studying psychology with opportunities to learn and experience that they might not have back at their home university. I highly recommend you choose to study in Maastricht!

Thankful for the adventures and experiences I’ve had, immersing myself into a one of a kind system - Problem Based Learning. I am lucky to have worked hard independently and together with members of different cultures. My experience at the business school has been so rewarding and I have learnt so much.

The CES staff are a diverse group of motivating, experienced mentors who have worked hard to make my time abroad the best experience possible. They organized two amazing trips to Paris and Berlin which are among my favourite memories from my time abroad.

Maastricht has become one of my favourite cities and I cannot wait to come back. Perhaps when I am ready to complete my graduate studies, I will return and call Maastricht home again!

Last summer, I studied in Maastricht for six weeks through the Center for European studies. It was such an amazing six weeks filled with great experiences and adventures with new friends that I honestly will never forget. Apart from Maastricht itself being an amazing place to study in for the summer, the people I met and courses I took contributed to the unforgettable experience I had while studying here.

The CES staff were very helpful throughout my time in Maastricht, they constantly were willing to provide support for students and made it apparent that they were available to assist no matter how small the question. It was great to know that the staff was so supportive and readily available to assist students with their needs!

One of my favorite things about studying abroad were the courses, especially the way in which they were taught. I loved how the class sizes were much smaller and focused on problem-based learning rather than how they are in America, which focuses on lecturing at students. The two summer courses I took transferred back to my home university without any problems, which is always a plus!

Another great thing about Maastricht is that traveling is incredibly easy because the city is centrally located. Within an hour by train, you can be in Germany or Belgium! There are multiple easy to get to airports if you are also looking to travel a little bit farther away. Throughout my six weeks, I definitely took advantage of Maastricht’s central location and traveled all throughout Europe.

This program helps me develop a view of the world in which you can experience things you have never expected before.
In the Western Europe study tour, I had a deep insight in to the culture and political aspect of the Europe that is so different from my country, while in the leadership and management course, I learned about what is a leader as well as who am I.
In this course, I explore the world with my own eyes and measure it with my own feet.
I also develop a sense of myself and build up my mental map for my inner world, which can navigate me in my lifetime.
The staff here are very kind and warmhearted. We talked about our own experiences and there is no distance between staff and students, which makes me feel like we are friends.
It is a trip rather than courses to see the world in another way that which is new and unique. I can feel the international atmosphere and develop my own personality during this program.

The program was not only an opportunity to learn about the culture in Maastricht but also to interact with students around the world and to learn about their cultures as well. I love how the classes are so interactive because it helps you to come out of your comfort zone to express your opinions and to also learn about topics from different global perspectives.

The CES staff are very welcoming and sweet. They are willing to answer any of your questions and to give any advice you might need during your time being here.

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience as I would never have thought that I would be given this opportunity to travel to so many countries in the span of few weeks. It has allowed to become more independent as I learned to make my own decisions and to become a better version of myself

I took 2 Public Health classes, one on health literacy and the other an introduction to European Public Health. For both classes my professors were passionate about their subject and supportive in answering questions for my future career.

The CES staff was very helpful in helping me get comfortable in Maastricht. No matter what the issue is, CES has your back.

Overall, my trip was perfect. I feel I really had the opportunity to experience Dutch culture, make new friends from all around the world, and learn a lot about European public health!

The courses challenged me to think in a creative way. They were centered on problem solving and discussions.
The CES staff are extremely welcoming and kind. They go above and beyond to help you and make sure your experience is the best.
I am am so happy I studied abroad here because I was able to reconnect with my Dutch heritage. I have loved every second of my adventures and I am so thankful that I got to explore so much.