Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lowky chill in a small city July 28, 2026

By (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2026 to 07/15/2026 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 meet different kind of people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Studying at Maastricht exposed me to a different method of learning, i.e PBLs. I thought that this system provided me with a clear and tangible incentive to learn and participate in classroom discussions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CES staff were always helpful, and I have nothing but the utmost gratitude for their support.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housing, I had a huge single with a kitchen in the guesthouse "P" building. People who were in the other buildings got more social exposure, but had shared kitchens: I don't envy them.

* Food:

You cook for yourself, so the food is whatever you make of it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think that Dutch Culture is an elusive concept, but the CES program does a pretty good job of familiarizing its pupils nonetheless.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Access to healthcare was easy, considering i lived in a hospital.

* Safety:

I've never felt in danger in Maastricht.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I'd go to a bigger city with better nightlife

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)

I did not budget

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Farmers market

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Academics
  • immersion
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Immersion
  • food
  • community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It becomes very cliquey

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.