Summer Programme in European Studies

I am glad to have chosen University of Maastricht CES for the study program and will strongly recommend it to my home university. The CES program will provide you with well-designed academic courses as well as the various after-school activities. The Dutch art history in the first session is my favourite. The excursion trip is definitely the highlight and really rewarding. The professor will bring you to the museums in Hague as well as the local ones. Professor de Groot is really interesting and patient. It was a wonderful experience to attend his classes. Besides that, the overall arrangement of the CES program is reasonable. You will be able to travel around Europe at weekends. That will be an experience you might not have in other summer programs.

This summer school program of Maastricht University gives students a chance to study subjects that are different from the home university and also give us a chance to get in touch with different people. they are group of people who are very kind and approachable, always there to help you out when you have any kinds of problems. They are also the group of people that you will meet first when you first arrive at this city. Studying abroad is much harder than I think and I have to spend a lot of time studying, but I have to say it’s really worth it. I met very friendly classmates who come from America, and lovely old people in this beautiful Maastricht city. At a sunny sunday afternoon, it's very relaxed to have a large cup of coffee at the central square.

Studying in UM is really fun! I’ve really learnt a lot. Working with my group mates, communicating, figuring out what we all are interested in, and finally finishing the task together is the best memory I have:D I attend the Western Europe Study Tour and the International Business course for the summer program.
CES staffs are all nice and sweet people. I have been to the Netherlands for the first time, and they are always ready to help me and talk to me whenever I have a problem. LOVE them!!!!
This program is really great and exciting. I love Maastricht, and it’s a unique chance to experience the different and wonderful culture. People here are so warm-hearted!!!!!
It is such a great time with everyone here and I wish can become an ambassador of UM one day and even come back for further study!!!

Being enrolled in International Business: Transatlantic Trade & Investments has opened my eyes to the complexity behind the goods we see and use everyday. It is a perfect picture of cultural exchange, international cooperation, globalization, and how markets behave across many borders. I’m so thankful for my time in this class!

The CES staff is so friendly, helpful, and always available for any question or need you may have. They truly care for your success and make Maastricht feel more like a home!

My experience on the Western Europe Study Tour and in Maastricht has taught me so much about myself while simultaneously teaching me about Dutch culture and European institutions. Thanks to my time at CES, I have become more flexible and culturally sensitive.

My academic program at CES Maastricht has consisted of laughs, engaging conversations from people from nations all across the globe, and wonderful friendships I will cherish forever. Here I have been pushed to consider the global impacts of the US economy and learn more about cultures much different than my own, thus allowing me to become a more well-rounded student and friend. My relationship with the CES staff has honestly been one of my favorite aspects of this program and something I truly believe sets CES apart from all other study abroad programs. They have answered my questions and spent valuable time getting to know the real me and for that I could not be more thankful. Overall, study abroad for me has been a season of stepping outside of my comfort zone to experience cultures, foods, and lifestyles very different from the life I know at home. Here at CES I was encouraged to explore on my own, ask questions, and fully indulge my curiosities which has made me a more confident person, traveler, and student.

One of the biggest things about the teaching style that has helped me in the CES program is learning and exchanging different philosophies between different cultures and ways of life through group projects, leisure time, and travel. Coming together, we learn to communicate and set aside our own cultural biases.

The CES staff is very accommodating and understanding. When things go wrong and it hits the fan, they will work with students to make sure they are okay and taken care of.

The biggest thing that I have learned through working with other students is to take your time and relax. Among other things, i’ve learned how to interact with complete strangers through a language barrier, how to (somewhat) live with many people in a shared space, and bond over a nice cold beer.

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.