Great Experience in the Netherlands Past Review

By (University of Denver) - abroad from 08/18/2017 to 12/23/2017 with

Maastricht University: Center for European Studies, Semester Programmes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to problem-solve on the go during my travels, and how to live outside of my comfort zone. My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Politics, Law, and International Relations course that I took at CES allowed me the opportunity to be instructed by professors that are experienced in their field, passionate about stimulating debate, and encouraging student participation. Additionally, I was acquainted with the European perspective on the topics that I am passionate about such as human rights, and international law.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CES staff were incredibly helpful and kind during my time in Maastricht. I felt like they were a helping hand if I needed one, but at the same time allowed me the independence to discover Maastricht on my own.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My study abroad experience was much more enriching, and challenging than I originally set my expectations for going in. Not only was I able to travel as much as I wanted, I was surrounded by a community, both academically and personally, that cared about my success and development as a person

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel within the Netherlands is really expensive, so travel to Belgium to keep the costs down.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Program excursions
  • Classes
  • Bonding with other students
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Responsiveness from accommodation provider
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to bring decorations for my room at the Guesthouse, and that there would be no ovens or freezers in the kitchens.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.