The Netherlands- Clogs, cheese, windmills, and... homework?! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the change from huge lectures, budget cuts, and over-enrolled classes to tiny classes, personal attention, and having my voice heard will be a positive one. The system of learning here in Maastricht is called Problem-Based Learning (“PBL” for short). Let me attempt to explain PBL… Basically, you get a task each week that is related to the topic of discussion. A different person leads the discussion each week and you work as a group to come up with a problem statement, and then try to find a way to solve it. Ultimately, the groups agrees on 4-5 learning goals (that will help you solve your problem statement) and everyone goes home and reads about them. Each student is free to choose which articles/chapters he or she reads from the reading list (the idea is that everyone will read different ones and will be able to learn from each other during the post-discussion). A few days later everyone gets together again and discusses what they learned. For each course there are two tutorial meetings (pre- and post-) and one lecture per week. This system is obviously much different than lecture-based learning. Everyone is encouraged to express our opinions, disagree, debate, discuss, etc. and it is mandatory that everyone contributes to every discussion. The emphasis is on the student instead of the instructor. There’s a TA (called “tutor”) in every tutorial meeting that guides the discussion if necessary, but there isn’t a distinct line of authority like there usually is in the USA.

On-site administration of your program

The people who helped plan the 2-week Dutch Language and Culture course were very helpful and happy to talk to us. Everyone has welcomed us graciously.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All international students are encouraged to stay in the University Guesthouses, which are basically dorms situated throughout the city. There are many different locations, and I live in one that is about 15 minutes from the main Guesthouse (where the reception is). I really like living in this part of town because I am close to shops and everything is accessible by bike. The location is ideal, the people are open and excited to meet others, and the rooms are spacious and clean. I also get to cross a beautiful bridge every morning to get to class.

There are plenty of opportunities to try new foods and experience different cultures through those experiences. As a lactose-intolerant vegetarian, I find it quite difficult to eat well. The Dutch meals are based around cheese, potatoes, and meats. Oh, and everyone eats sandwiches for lunch- I MEAN EVERYONE.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are so many opportunities to experience the social life here in Maastricht! There is a pub specifically for international students that is always packed. There are themed nights, parties, and pub crawls all the time, as well as excursions, camping trips, and events organized by various clubs (called "committees"). Social life is part of student life here in Maastricht.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have felt save throughout my stay so far. I must admit I have not needed medical care, so I am unaware of how the system works.

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

There was a 2-week course in which everyone from the University of California system has to engage in courses focusing on Dutch language, culture, and history. I found the course somewhat boring at times, but also extremely helpful in guiding me through the basics of Dutch life. I have talked to many students from other universities and I felt very grateful that I learned so much about The Netherlands before I immersed myself into daily life.

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