What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired to travel abroad because of my commitment to learning more about international cultures and interacting with individuals across Europe. I also wanted to learn about law and politics from a unique perspective that I could not access in the United States. In addition to these points, I was inspired by other students at my home university to travel and learn in different countries while I completed my undergraduate studies.
White Cliffs of Dover, England
Why did you choose CES Maastricht?
I chose to study at the Center for European Studies at the University of Maastricht because of its regional location and its unique course of study in law and politics. I engaged with several American and European students through the program, and I took classes that offered a unique look at the laws of the European Union. I was also attracted to Maastricht because it provided a great pathway to travel through the rest of Europe.
What was your favorite part about Maastricht?
Maastricht was a beautiful city with a strong, unique culture that provided a truly welcoming home for the four months I spent abroad. With several hidden cafés and restaurants alongside historical landmarks, there was no shortage of locations to explore in the city. The residents and faculty also provided a phenomenal group to learn under and engage with during my time as a member of the Center for European Studies.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
When comparing my abroad experience to others or looking for ways that made it stand out, my freedom and ability to travel across nearly twenty countries in Europe was by far one of the most extraordinary components of my study abroad experience.
While the Center for European Studies provided strong educational programming, the guided trips to both Berlin and Paris provided a powerful and engaging look into two unique cultures that few other programs offer. While the course programming was involved, there were plenty of opportunities to travel by myself without having an undue burden placed on my studies.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff at the Center of European Studies provided an approachable and insightful group that ensured our comfort while living in the Netherlands, as well as our ability to comprehend the courses taught by their instructors. In several instances, we were provided with sit-down interviews and conversations with staff to assist us with our courses and in exploring the wider area.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
While I was abroad, I prioritized travel experiences rather than spending time in my host city, Maastricht. While I would not trade these travels for the world, I wish I had spent more time becoming ingrained in my host culture and meeting more people who were residing in the city. If I were to do my study abroad experience again, I would spend more time with other students in the city.
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day would involve a morning cup of coffee paired with a short stroll around the city with either a friend or by myself. I then find a quiet place in the city to study before attending my lectures and tutorials for the day. In the evenings, I would complete my studies and spend time with friends around the city or enjoy time together in our dormitories.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
When I had free time, especially during the weekends, I greatly enjoyed traveling around Europe to different countries and cities that provided incredible opportunities I never would have had if not for my study abroad experience.
In traveling, I not only made deeper connections with those I traveled with, but I also developed a greater appreciation for the world around me.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
While abroad, I lived in a single-person dormitory that shared bathrooms and a kitchen with several other people living in my hallway. As a resident, I completed grocery shopping and cooking for myself, which actually provided a fantastic way to socialize with the other students in my hallway, as well as develop a level of independence that would have been difficult to manifest in my home university.
What is one thing every future participant should know about CES Maastricht before their program begins?
Everyone who studies with the Center for European Studies should be aware of the intelligent and supportive staff available to them through the program. I was continuously impressed with the degree of knowledge and awareness the staff members were able to offer us, and they always supported the academic decisions we made in constructive ways.
London, England
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
I would strongly recommend that other students planning to study abroad choose the University of Maastricht and the Center for European Studies because of the knowledgeable staff, the unique programming, and the resources Maastricht offers. As I mentioned, the staff provided exceptional counseling for all students and provided unique trips to areas around Europe. Also, the rest of the university and city offer countless formative opportunities that made the four months I spent abroad some of the greatest of my life.
What is your biggest takeaway from traveling abroad?
The largest takeaway from my time abroad is the skills I gained through personal travel between several countries. Few experiences challenged my logistical and strategic planning skills like planning countless trips around Europe did, and between finding destinations, booking accommodations and travel plans, and scheduling events around my classes, there was no shortage of opportunities to grow.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has made me a more understanding and compassionate person, as I have grown more accepting of those with unique worldviews and behaviors unique to their culture. I do not believe I would have adopted these perspectives if not for my time abroad, and I am already beginning to plan my next visit abroad to gain an even greater understanding of international viewpoints.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel involves experiencing the unique worldviews available to travelers while accompanied by others. My best experiences involved sharing this growth with others who challenged my opinions and provided an outlet for conversations about the experiences we had. This offered a constructive and engaging method of reviewing our experiences and providing tremendous opportunities to remember them long into the future.
