I came into this program expecting to struggle to make close connections and meaningful memories, given the short amount of time (only 6 weeks!). But this program has exceeded all of my expectations in every way: I have made close friends with whom I have shared memorable, unbelievable, and absolutely extraordinary experiences with. I feel like I have experienced more life-changing moments in these six weeks than I do in a typical year, and I have learned so much about Europe, life, and even myself. This program has made me see the world in a different way, and has made me want to be a lifelong traveler. There is more than enough time to travel to amazing destinations all over Europe while you're here, as well as plenty of time to learn to love Maastricht like a second home.
The CES staff is more than just available for help; they are eager to help with any and every problem and situation. They open themselves to students in a way that makes them feel like friends and mentors who you want to talk to even when you don't even need help with anything. They help open the doors to great experiences, and really care deeply about all of their students' happiness and well-being.
The classes here are unlike anything I've experienced before: my first class, Medical Ethics, did not simply teach me facts, it taught me an entirely new way of thinking and analyzing. It made me ask more questions than it made me answer, and it expanded my mind rather than just filling it, as most courses tend to do.
I am so glad that I came on this program, and I can't imagine my life without this experience now. Things I learned and experienced here will influence the way I live the rest of my life.

Going abroad with CES was the best decision of my life. I met some of the most incredible people, who I can now call friends. Together, we traveled Europe together. We experienced once in a life time things together. We made memories that I will hold with me forever. We saw things that I have dreamt about my whole life, we ate delicious food that I couldn't pronounce, and I got to experience cultures I did not even know about. In addition to my wonderful weekend travels, I also has 2 incredible courses. These courses challenged me academically and socially. They introduced me to cultures around the world as well as made me more culturally aware. CES and Maastricht University were perfect for me and I know I will always look back at this experience with a smile on my face. Thank you CES for the #cesstastic summer.

The courses are eye opening and give a true world view on global issues. They are thought provoking and challenge your way of thinking. CES staff is engaging and welcome differing opinions. The courses are in much smaller settings than most universities and truly allow you to get to know your classmates. Everyone is very welcoming and always willing to go on an adventure. The ability to travel on the weekends really allowed me to learn about European culture on a much deeper level. Being so close to Germany and Belgium, among other European countries, allowed for weekends to always be filled with new places to explore. This program gave me an experience with life long lessons, friends and memories. CES really challenged my way of thinking, open my mind and helped me grow as a person. I would never trade this experience for anything.

I never thought I would be so torn between wanting to stay in Maastricht forever and flying back home to what's familiar. I was stressed out with travel plans, but I eventually just decided to take it easy and relax. Since then, I have enjoyed every aspect of traveling through the countries, befriending new people, eating great foods, and learning new things in Europe and will always cherish the memories.

The first course that I took was EU: Peace, Conflict, and Human Rights. It was a class that I definitely would have never been able to take back in the US. I learned a lot about how Europe came to be (politically, economically, socially, and culturally).

The second course that I took was Comparison Analysis of Global News Media Coverage. The class encourages and helps build critical thinking skills with challenging material given by the course professor. It was a great way for us to learn how to compare and contrast the different types of news coverage between multiple nations and their perspectives.

The CES staff are the loveliest people; they are friendly, helpful, and always available. I was never afraid to email and ask them questions that they always have the answers to.

My study abroad experience was everything I imagined it to be and everything I didn't. I expected to have an eye-opening and enriching experience, but I did not anticipate some of my other experiences - like the incredible feeling of being able to experience another culture first hand, or the relationships that I built with those in the program, or even discovering what daily life as a Maastricht citizen would be like. The little things that I did not think about are what I did not expect, yet at the same time they are what made the program such a positive experience.

On my study abroad experience I was able to gain a new perspective and appreciation for different cultures. The CES staff was amazing and continually encouraged students in their academics and exploration; they made sure to make you feel a part of a community and family. I got to experience many cultures and was pushed out of my comfort zone. My experience abroad was eye opening to say the least! I was able to participate on the Eastern Study Tour that was at times overwhelming, but worth every second! I was able to travel and see so many historical sites and watch my textbooks come to life! I was also able to experience the social scene with locals and this was a time in my life I will never forget!! I'm so glad I pushed myself to explore the world as I never have before!

Although not every moment of this experience has been as easy as I originally thought it would be, it was all both eye-opening and helped me grow as a person. I have made new friends, seen new places, and tried new things -- especially new food -- that would not be possible without study abroad. Intercultural communication taught me new things about different cultures that I was able to use every week as I visited a different city and country. Through the course, I communicated with people I otherwise would probably not have even met. The CES staff has always seemed incredibly approachable, throughout the entire process. I feel like they are a family and I felt welcomed into it.