Program Reviews

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.

I have learned how to problem solve better and think more critically about the world around me. I have explored more career paths and possibilities through my classes.
The CES staff offers a lot of advice and sources for navigating life in Maastricht. They made me feel welcome and helped me adjust to a new culture and country.
I have gotten the chance to travel and study in places I would’ve never imagined. I was exposed to many cultures and experiences that I wouldn’t have been exposed to back home.

The program introduced me to different styles of learning and expanded my perspectives on various topics. I felt that the program pushed me to my learning edge with the component of engaging and communicating with the rest of the class.

The CES staff was very understanding and welcoming. They made the transition smoother by acknowledging that everyone comes from different cultures, and helped alleviate stressors or bumps in the road.

My study abroad experience helped me grow as an individual in academics and in character. I feel more knowledgeable and aware of the world around me having seen different cultures, places around the world, lifestyles, and academic styles.

The academic courses I took were Dutch Art History and European Integrative Economics. These courses enhanced the way I understand Dutch and European culture and history and broadened my cultural perspectives.

The CES staff are extremely helpful and responsive. I know I can get a quick and relevant response to any questions I have.

My study abroad experience as a whole expanded my independence and definitely changed me in some ways. I feel like I have done many things and have had many experiences I would never have tried before (some good and some bad) and I learned more about myself, Maastricht, the Netherlands, and Europe every day.

The CES programme I attended was both intellectually stimulating and mind-opening. It allowed me to deepen my knowledge on a subject I really wanted to dig into, as well as meet students from many different backgrounds and horizons.

The CES staff I encountered were open, warm-hearted people that always smiled and patiently answered my questions, however dumb they were. I really wish I didn’t have to come back three times to their office to bother them about petty issues like credits transfer.

Studying is Maastricht was a nice way of continuing my studying abroad experience, albeit in a country where I didn't understand the language. It allowed me to discover a new place with people from abroad also willing to discover it and share this experience all together.

CES at Maastricht University is a great program for students who are looking to study abroad for many reasons! Here are just a few of the reasons why CES at Maastricht University is so great!

All of the CES staff members speak English and they do an amazing job coordinating and communicating pre-arrival details. The staff are supportive and they help with organizing many of the logistics that can be difficult (especially for first time travelers). My transition living abroad would not have been as easy if I did not have the CES staff members. A few of the wonderful things that the staff at CES did for me was that they helped me get set up with housing, helped me get to and from the airport, welcomed me upon arrival, provided me with really helpful information, helped me schedule a doctor’s appointment when I was sick, and they sponsored really fun events.

Maastricht is a great place to live. The Maastricht community is very welcoming and it is easy to travel to other countries from Maastricht. In addition, the stroopwafels are delicious!

My time abroad made me more independent, it increased my confidence levels, and it taught me how to be a better global citizen. One thing every participant should know before participating in the CES program at Maastricht University is that each participant will be a different person by the end of the program. In fact, every participant will grow and develop as a person, learn, and become a more confident traveler.

One thing that I wish I would have done differently while abroad was that I should have spent more time in nature and less time in big cities. After a while, the cities can begin to look the same but natural wonders are always beautiful and unique.

Wherever you go, always remember to have fun!

The instructors and student aids were helpful from the moment we arrived and made sure to tell us as much as possible about the school, town, and housing before and while we were there that it felt like home. The classes were small (which I normally do not like) which was really nice because I got to know my classmates better than in a big class back home which made it easier to make friends. Living in the dorms was a great experience to meet people from other universities and countries and gave everyone a place to hang out with friends. The academics were challenging but not overwhelming, and the teachers understood that while we were there for school, we would also be busy traveling and exploring during our free time. They struck a good balance and added to the experience and helped me get to know the city/country better.

I really enjoyed my time in Maastricht. The program was well constructed and left us with plenty of time to travel and explore Europe. The staff were very welcoming and extremely helpful, I really appreciate what they have done for us. For the academic aspect, we took the program specific courses for exchange students and also other regular courses at Maastricht University as well. It was fun and also challenging with a different style of studying. So yes, you won't be disappointed!

Leaving Summer behind in Australia to go to the chilling conditions of Winter in Maastricht was a huge step but I loved absolutely every minute of it. The staff at CES are incredibly friendly and make sure your every need is met. The course is really interesting nd the excursions to Brussels, the Hague and AMsterdam were absolutely amazing. Matt Heckman had to be one of the coolest and funniest university teachers I ever had!

Best experience of my life. I met so many wonderful friends. One thing that separates this program from others is that most of my friends were either Dutch students or other abroad students from around the globe. Most other programs allowed one to primarily just get close with other American's abroad. The guesthouse where exchange students live is also so much fun. Pick you classes wisely though, academics are not as easy as on other exchange programs.