Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

it was good June 26, 2023

By (Politics & History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2023 to 06/17/2023 with

Maastricht University: Center for European Studies, Semester Programmes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I took classes similar to what I'm taking back home, but especially in my politics classes I got to see a European perspective on issues that I never really got before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The format of classes is somewhat different from what I was used to, and you really need to keep up on the readings or other work you're assigned but I thought it was engaging and I enjoyed my classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinators were helpful and responsive to questions

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There are two dorms -- one with shared kitchens and one with private kitchens. I was one of the few people who got a single room with its own kitchen, which I really enjoyed, but that dorm has zero communal spaces so it's difficult to get to know your neighbors.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lots of social opportunities for a small-ish city. Lots of clubs and bars in town if that's your thing, and plenty of other things to do locally if it's not.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in town, even walking home late at night.

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

I really enjoyed going, I had a good time and developed academically and (more importantly) personally.

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)

Living in town is not cheap but relatively affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel is what really kills your budget. Food adds up, but isn't the

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

All classes are in English and students are encouraged to use English outside of class as well. Almost everyone in town speaks English, so language is a very minimal barrier. I did take a Dutch language class but it was really just enough to get though stuff like getting groceries in Dutch.

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?

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

  • 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?
  • Classes
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Traveling in Europe is always more expensive than you think

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!