Best experience ever. July 22, 2025

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/17/2025 to 06/07/2025 with

Maastricht University: Center for European Studies, Semester Programmes

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A different perspective on the U.S, learned more about different cultures. I believe it was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses were engaging, we were introduced to the organization of classes prior to starting them, professors were very accessible.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program was designed so that students had proper introduction to the country and adequate time to meet each other and make friends.

* 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

Program was organized, offered support when needed, designed to give us unique experiences and make friends with ease.

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? Food-$50 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Research how expensive things are in your country before going!

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

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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
* 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?
  • Friends I made
  • Trips / Activities planned by program
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Some academic support in regards to courses offered
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The design of the classes is really unique and will give you a new perspective of learning.