Amazing European experience in a small town that is absolutely beautiful! Past Review
By Isabella S (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/19/2016 to 12/22/2016 with
Maastricht University: Center for European Studies, Semester Programmes
I gained friendships that will last forever, and I have become much more confident in myself and much more independent.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics are hard, especially since Maastricht University uses a different style of teaching, but if you work hard then you will be fine. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
No dining halls, so the food is up to you. Cooking was really nice for me and I could also go out and eat whenever I wanted. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Since Maastricht is a smaller town, it isn't as expensive as living in London or Paris or a large European city. The city is very affordable! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Most everyone in the Netherlands speaks English as well as Dutch, so getting around wasn't an issue with English, but it was fun to use the Dutch that we had learned. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use the app Duolingo, it will really help! |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | One of the best decisions I have made! |
