Program Reviews

I've had a great time in the PBL style at UM because I've been able to get to know my classmates really well. It's a unique experience that brings together many different views to create a full picture and encourage learning more than just what's on the agenda for the day. The classes are not easy, but you really gain the knowledge because you work with it so much.

The staff has been great and they really engage with each student. From the very start, Maureen has helped me immensely and I love seeing her at programs and being able to catch up with her.

The people I've met have made this the most incredible experience I ever could have asked for. My roommate had a bad experience and didn't connect with the people at all, so I was very nervous coming into a program in a city I'd never previously heard of. Now Maastricht feels like home and I feel a bitter sweetness because I don't want to leave but I'm also so grateful to have been here.

Maastricht is a beautiful city and I'm so happy to have chosen it! It makes a great home base and while the weather is not something I'm used to, I still love it. There is so much history and culture and the celebrations are incredible. Maastricht has everything from shopping to gorgeous views to cozy cafes for studying. I'm so sad to have to leave but I hope one day I can come back!

I got to pursue my academic passions in and international setting at UM! Organisational psychology is something I'm interested in and it has been fun to be able to explore that.

The CES staff are probably the most approachable group of people ever. From the very beginning, I felt comfortable around them and helped make Maastricht feel like home.

Everything feels like the most amazing dream. Seeing the world and meeting new people and going on adventures is something I'll never forget. Definetly will recommend to everyone i know!

The CES European Public Health class really opened my eyes to what a successful health program looks like, and served as a practical class for me to take in my career field. The classes at UM are what you make of them – participating in tutorials allows you to really understand the material in a way that lectures cannot.
Every single CES staff member is among the most helpful people I have ever interacted with – whether on field trips or just on a regular day in Maastricht, they are always willing to go the extra mile to make your experience better. Even when I thought I was stuck in a boring class, Laura Marley helped me jump into another class, a feat that is usually unheard of at UM.
This semester, I have seen more than I expected to, experienced too many beautiful things, and fulfilled my bucket list item of studying abroad. Maastricht makes coming back from an incredible weekend trip so much better, and the unforgettable people and culture are going to make saying goodbye to this gezellig city really difficult.

We learn about the current and emerging economics and business dynamics of the European market, especially the European Union, through a comprehensive program of academic classes and co-curricular trips.Through the program, combined with our residential exchange experience in Maastricht, we gain a deeper understanding of both the Dutch role in Europe as well Europe's role in the world. The Problem-based education style encourages an active and engaged style of learning that allows you to more fully grasp the lessons of the class.

From the first day, the CES staff has made Maastricht a home for countless international exchange students, fostering a sense of community among students and challenging us to go outside our comfort zones to explore the Netherlands and Europe. They have provided all necessary ingredients and more for our exchange semester to be a smashing success and continually go above and beyond to help us succeed.

Throughout this semester, I've integrated my classroom education and extracurricular activities, like student organizations and traveling, better than ever before through my experience in Maastricht. I've met amazing people, seen beautiful cities and changed the way I approach many aspects of my life and education due to the experiences I've gained this semester. I've also gained a new appreciation for Dutch grocery stores and become a better cook!

Seriously, COME TO MAASTRICHT. Maastricht is a college town within a beautiful, historic city. On a more serious note, my experiences with classes, program leaders, and general thoughts are stated below.

In my classes through Maastricht University's School of Business and Economics, learning is emphasized through small, fifteen student seminars with a rigorous schedule of case studies and interactive sessions in order to simulate real-life applications of business. This is incredibly beneficial due to its ability to teach valuable skills such as collaborating within a diverse group setting, and also provide an environment where you learn from your peers.

The CES staff is truly there to make you feel comfortable, happy, and enjoy your time in the Netherlands; without them I would feel lost! They incorporate a variety of events and opportunities to get to know your peers, and they are always available if you have a question, concern, or simply want to chat!

My experience abroad has taught me an incredible amount about myself and the world I live in. It has shaped my positive view on a multitude of cultures and has helped me discover unique friendships with students of varying nationalities– friendships I cannot image my life without.

Choosing to study abroad in Maastricht was a fantastic decision! I had never been to Europe before, but craving a small European town with travel opportunities has been amazing. The town itself offers so much from markets, to social events, to theater performances, and even the surrounding areas allow for endless exploration.
The CES staff has been phenomenal; I couldn't ask for anything better! Everyone is super friendly, approachable, and wanting to help you have the best experience possible. They organize group trips and events gathering the group together every so often while also being in the office to help with academics, travel, or general life help. The CES staff has generating a family environment that has made studying abroad a seamless transition.
School at Maastricht is a lot different with the PBL style courses. It was an adjustment at first, but as long as you put the time and effort in before hand then it is reasonable to adjust. The classmates are are very nice and the collaborative setting is something unique compared to my home university.
Maastricht now holds a special place in my heart thanks to the CES program and staff making abroad and traveling Europe unforgettable!

My courses in the School of Business and Economics at Maastricht have challenged me academically and intellectually and have allowed for incredible growth in both areas. They've provided me with a different perspective and amazing opportunities that I wouldn't have from any other university. The CES staff is one of the best aspects of the program! They work so hard to make sure students feel comfortable and happy both in the classroom and beyond it. I've learned more about the world and its people than I ever could have in the US. Part of this learning I attribute to Maastricht University and the other part I attribute to exploring and getting to know Europe.

The CES Staff was extremely helpful. Whenever I had a problem or question, they were quick to help. They made the transition to living abroad very easy. The CES staff made Maastricht home away from home for me. My study abroad experience has been challenging but enlightening. I have learned a lot more about myself, but also my capabilities of being independent. This experience has changed my life completely.

This has been an experience that has opened my eyes and mind to a different side of my academic study and allowed me to become more aware of what I may want to do as a career. The Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience offers a wonderful variety of courses that are both interesting and challenging.

The CES staff are a friendly and welcoming group that has been so helpful. They are a great resource to have in a foreign place and have made my experience abroad go very smoothly.

My study abroad experience has in more ways than one, helped me grow as an individual, and given me the confidence that I previously lacked. It has been been invaluable experience.

The psych program was a new perspective on topics that I’ve been studying for years, offering applicable skills and seeing everything through new eyes. It gave me an experience that I couldn’t find at my home university and, not only did I learn about psychology, I also learned about myself and those around me. Coming into a completely new environment, unaware of what lies ahead, its really important to have a support system that you know will help you through the adjustment period. The CES staff is always available to help and it seems like they really enjoy interacting with students and making everyone else’s lives easier. I expected to love my study abroad experience but I didn’t expect to have so many cliché moments where I stepped back and thought to myself “wow, I’m actually here and this is actually my life”. Apparently Europe has made me a real softy.