Summer Programme in European Studies

My experience abroad was life-changing. My classes at Maastricht University were engaging and captivating, I've made lifelong friends, and the small-city environment is very welcoming to outsiders. Not only do you get the cultural immersion without too much tourism, but you are welcomed with open arms into the community. The staff are incredibly helpful, and the diversity of the people included is fantastic. I made friends from many countries, and expanded my understanding of different cultures.

It can be said that what I learned this time was not only in class, but also outside of class. In class, for the first time, I really exchanged ideas with classmates from the United States and completed group assignments together. Outside of class, I became good friends with many of them. Even though they have returned to the United States now, we still keep in touch. Maybe it’s because I have lived in Shanghai since I was a child, and most of my good friends are still in Shanghai. Before, I only had a vague concept of the word "parting". But this time, I finally felt that some partings may mean that it will be difficult to meet in the future. Sadness and regret are inevitable. But I feel lucky enough to meet them and become friends.

In addition, since I am a student majoring in Dutch, I have also had a preliminary understanding of the Netherlands in these nearly two months of life. I know how to buy train tickets, how to rent a bicycle, and how to find fresh herring. The accumulation of this kind of daily life experience will be of great help to my one-year study abroad life in the Netherlands, because I returned to the Netherlands on August 20, 2024, just two weeks later, and started a new round of study abroad life.

There are definitely some difficulties. In a strange country, when I really start to live independently for the first time, many unexpected things will naturally happen one after another. For example, I don’t know where I put my student card, I don’t know how to apply for traffic, I don’t know how to open a Dutch bank account, etc. However, the reason why people can grow is because they encounter various difficulties and eventually overcome them. I did it. Looking back, these difficulties have also become part of my beautiful memories.

Regarding suggestions and opinions, I sincerely hope that the Excellence Academy can continue this summer program. I really gained a lot, and I believe that everyone will also gain a lot.

This study abroad experience gave me the opportunity to immerse in what Dutch culture is like. I got to try famous foods, learn some phrases, and talk with individuals who have lived in Maastricht their whole life. The entire CES team was so friendly, and welcoming to our group, and they always gave us the opportunity to freely ask questions. I got to experience Maastricht culture as well as explore outside of the city. Through CES we were able to take trips to other surrounding cities as well as other countries. This experience really opened the door for me to continue to travel outside of study aboard as well as gave me insight on what it looks like to study at a Dutch university. I enjoyed every moment of my program and would highly recommend it to anyone interested.

From the constant support of the CES staff to the beautiful city of Maastricht to the wonderful facilities to the friends I made along the way, I am so thankful for my study abroad experience in the Netherlands at Maastricht University. You will love exploring the quaint riverside of the city, walking and biking to your favorite shop, learning more about your classmates and professors, and being close to numerous other cities you can visit. Choose Maastricht University, and you won't be disappointed.

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!