Alumni Interview with Ana Arellano

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I honestly don't have a definite answer but I would say that it was something along the lines of me wanting to explore and to just put myself out there. I had this amazing opportunity to travel to Japan for 2 weeks with my Scholarship Program and after this trip, I realized that I wanted to travel again and that it was okay to be away from my mom for a short amount of time. None of my siblings had studied abroad so it was something huge to tell my mom "hey, I'm leaving to another country for 6 months."

Also, at the time of submitting my application, there was a terrorist attack at Brussels Airport in Belgium and of course I was freaking out! Should I apply? Am I putting myself at risk? What if it happens again? At the end, I decided to submit my application regardless of what happened because there was no guarantee I'd even be admitted into the program. I figured that it'd be best to submit an application and later decide if I'd go or not. Funny enough, I never reconsidered not going (these attacks can happen literally anywhere and any time so why not take any chances because of this fear?). It was a smooth process of submitting, being admitted, attending pre-departure meetings, and in the blink of an eye I was in Europe for the first time! By the way, no other attack has happened since so it's completely safe!

Why did you choose CES Maastricht? 

Maastricht was not my first choice. I had a bit of an obsession with the German culture and language that my mind was set on studying in Dresden, Germany. Of course, being the indecisive person that I am, I did more research on other programs that I could apply to ... there were A TON. I stumbled upon Maastricht and besides never having heard of this city, there were not enough pictures on my university's website to really see what it was like (Google only showed me a bridge). On the bright side, this program was completely different as to what Dresden had to offer. It offered me courses for my major, classes in English, the opportunity to learn a different language, they took me to Berlin as a study trip AND if offered CHEAPER TUITION than back home.

All the perks, but what was the city like? Lucky for me, there was a student who was a part of my scholarship program that was currently in the city. I messaged him and asked him how the student life was, how were the classes and if he'd recommend it? All he had to say were positive things so I later went to speak with my study abroad coordinator, Vito (who I consistently bugged about Germany to and now there I was asking about a different country). He, of course, didn't choose a program for me, but I think speaking to him just helped me convince myself on picking Maastricht. He made sure to explain to me that academics were different in Maastricht. They go by a Problem Based Learning approach in which students essentially lead the class. It wasn't the typical American setting where someone stands in front of the class and teaches. It sounded scary BUT I am not one to talk in class so it sounded like a challenge yet a growing experience for me.

I think NOT KNOWING this city was better for me. I didn't have many expectations as I would have if I went to Dresden, Paris or even Amsterdam. Not knowing what the city, the people, or even the academic life was like made me more excited for what was to come. Also how cool is it to take classes in your native language but also learn a different language?! It wasn't until I met my Maastricht coordinator (Maureen) via Skype that I felt 100% happy with my decision. She was super helpful and friendly ..and she hadn't even met me yet! 

What was your favorite part about Maastricht, Netherlands? 

It's so hard to choose! Overall though I guess I would have to say the city itself. Too vague? Well the city is small enough to feel at home and comfortable, but it's also big enough to feel like you're still in a city and socially available. I loved the city so much that when I would travel to other countries or cities, I couldn't wait to be back home in Maas ... not my home home in California. I never actually became homesick. The narrowed streets are beyond beautiful with cobblestones everywhere and a picturesque place at every corner (even the winter gloomy days are beautiful here). Maastricht was exactly what I pictured Europe to be. It's also a very safe city! I cannot stress that enough. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

Although I learned so much from being away from home, I think what made my experience the ultimate best were the friendships I made. The friends I made in Maastricht are my best friends back home and I couldn't be more thankful for the program that brought us together. We all shared the stress, excitement, and the good and bad moments of being in a different country! I think they were the primary reason as to why I never felt homesick. They were my family (still are 2 years later). 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

The CES Staff is amazing! Their door was always open to discuss academic life or even personal aspects. My coordinator, Maureen, was very helpful in choosing my courses. She explained to me which courses may be more difficult or which she had heard positive reviews from. The staff was also great in that they helped us become more independent. They would always be in the background making sure we were okay (with a Safe Check every Tuesday) but gave us the leeway to venture on our own... but ask for help if we needed it.

My all-time favorite aspect of the staff is that they KNOW their students and care for them. It is very difficult to remember every student’s name but the CES Staff did. I would walk into the office and I would be greeted with a "Hi, Ana" which felt nice to be recognized. My professors back home don't even know my name. Personally, I would stop by into Laura B, Laura M, and Maureen's office simply to chat. They were so welcoming and approachable so why wouldn't I? Lastly, the staff organize and prepare so much for the students that I highly recommend just stopping by and saying hi once in a while. I'm sure it's appreciated!

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

The one thing I would change for sure is the amount of international and local involvement I had. I lived where most international students lived and despite this, 85% of my friends were American. I love them and wouldn't trade them for the world, but I do wish I would have put myself out there more in order to meet local Dutch people or other European students. If I could go back, I would go to more local university events as opposed to more international events. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

Most of my days were very similar. I would wake up, make breakfast (and perhaps lunch for the day), go to class, go to a cafe to work on some homework or study, then head home for dinner, then possibly (most of the time) go out or hang with my friends in the evening. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

My free time was very simple and typical. If I had free time during the day, I would walk around the city center, shop (it's so hard not to shop in Maastricht!), and go to cafes to plan trips or work on homework. I highly recommend just walking with no particular place to go. The city is small enough to get lost but find your way back. You'll also find such pretty places along the way. Free time in the evenings consisted of discovering new beers with my friends, watching movies, and of course heading to my favorite pub (Shamrock) and clubs (de Alla, which no longer exists, and Clinique).

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

Accommodation was provided by our program (can you tell they're the best?!). We lived in the Guesthouse, which despite the name, was not a house. There were hundreds of rooms (apartment-like) separated into P (private) and C (communal) building. The P-building were rooms with a kitchen inside and C-building were simple rooms with a communal kitchen. The Guesthouse was great in that it provided a ton of items for us which saves money. For the most part, hangers, kitchen appliances, toilet paper, washer/dryer, microwave, refrigerator, etc. were provided.

The Guesthouse definitely had the hospital vibe (it was a hospital) so I wouldn't say it was homey per se, but it was a comfortable place to be in (I would decorate with some photos/postcards or flowers). It also had a couple tables in the lobby to hang or study in so that was a great way to also meet people from the building. The guesthouse had a huge patio/garden in the front entrance and during the spring and summer, this was the best place to have picnics or just hang out and throw a frisbee. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about CES Maastricht before their program begins? 

PBL is no joke. You REALLY have to do the readings and prepare for class. You are ACTUALLY studying abroad, not just traveling. It's doable but it does take effort. On the bright side, you are learning in Europe, and if you're open-minded you’ll learn a lot from what others have to say. Great international experience for sure. I remember taking a Clinical Psychology course and there was a debate of at what age can we actually classify someone with a mental illness. Seeing what the professor and students had to say about the medical system back home (the States) was interesting but also great to hear. 

Would you recommend CES Maastricht to others? Why? 

100%! There's so many reasons as to why, but to make it short: the city and staff. A lot of people say location is a great reason to study here, and yes it is very central to other countries, but don't focus too much on the location. You are living in Maastricht and it's a beautiful city to enjoy. Don't overlook it by simply leaving it every weekend. The program itself is also super great. They offer SO many expense-free trips to learn and immerse in the culture which is so amazing. What other program does that? They also have so many free goodies (food, souvenirs, etc.). I didn't expect the CES Staff to be so helpful but I am very thankful for them and this program. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

The biggest benefit is learning how different other cultures are. We hear certain things in the news or the internet but we don't really know what is real or what is being over-proportioned. It's nice to visit a country or a city and create YOUR OWN perspective rather than living off the perspective of others. Everyone says Paris is the fashion district and the city of lights, but is it really? You learn so much about the world and its people by simply crossing a border and eating their food or listening to their beliefs/perspectives. The biggest benefit is that you learn to become open-minded. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

In so many ways! Because of my time in Maastricht, I learned (through a program study trip) NEVER to say I am freezing or that I am starving, because really, I’m not. I also now rely less on WiFi or data. You would think I would have used it more because how did I get around Europe, but honestly, being abroad taught me to be in the moment and simply FIGURE IT OUT. I'm sad to be back home, but thankful for the important life lessons I learned that have greatly impacted me. I am not completely independent, but I can for sure fend for myself for a while :) 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

It means traveling to new places and discovering something new (a feeling, a place, a custom. etc.).