Alumni Interview with Tess Kucera

What inspired you to go abroad?

I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to be able to experience another culture and build relationships with people from around the world. I also wanted to have the opportunity to try new foods, see historic landmarks, and experience local customs.

Why did you choose the CES Maastricht University program?

I decided to participate in the CES program at Maastricht University because the academic program focuses on problem-based learning. Problem-based learning is different from the traditional teaching styles that I experienced in my own country. The problem-based learning encouraged open dialogue in the classroom and the professors provided multiple learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

I also chose the CES program in Maastricht because it is incredibly easy to hop on a train or an airplane and travel to various countries throughout Europe. The staff at CES also do a great job of giving the participants time to travel in the Netherlands and to other countries in Europe.

Another reason I chose the CES program at Maastricht University is because all of the CES staff members speak English and they do an amazing job at coordinating and communicating pre-arrival details.

What was your favorite part about Maastricht?

My favorite part about the city of Maastricht, which is located in the southeast region of the Netherlands, is the local people. All of the locals that I met in Maastricht were incredibly welcoming. It was enjoyable and easy to build relationships with the local members of the community. I met local university students, small business owners at my favorite cafés, and many others during my daily activities. I also really enjoyed the beautiful architecture, the Dutch food, and all of the fun community events.

What made your experience abroad unique?

I believe my experience abroad was unique because I was able to travel to 11 countries within three months. This may not have not been possible if I was in a different country especially one that has slow or unreliable public transportation. Luckily in Maastricht, and the majority of the Netherlands, the public transportation is easy and convenient. 

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The CES staff supported me many times while abroad. The staff were incredibly kind and patient with all of my questions. My transition living abroad would not have been as easy if I did not have the CES staff members. A few of the wonderful things that the staff at CES did for me was that they helped me get set up with housing, helped me get to and from the airport, welcomed me upon arrival, provided me with really helpful information, helped me schedule a doctor’s appointment when I was sick, and they sponsored really fun events. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

One thing that I wish I would have done differently while abroad was that I should have spent more time in nature and less time in big cities. After a while, the cities can begin to look the same but natural wonders are always beautiful and unique.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

A typical day in the life of a participant in the CES program was going to class, getting lunch at one of the many restaurants, hanging out with friends at a cafe, and then spending time exploring Maastricht on foot or on a bicycle. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoyed spending time at cafes trying different types of coffee and Dutch desserts. I also really enjoyed walking along the cobblestone streets and going to the market square with my friends.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

A common accommodation for participants of CES is the guesthouse. The guesthouse houses students and travelers and is a dorm style building with communal bathrooms. There are free laundry machines in each hall and there are housekeepers who clean the community areas daily.

In terms of kitchens, there are two options, either there is a mini kitchen in the bedroom or there is a community kitchen in each hall. There is an information desk and a security desk. The security desk is open all night and security guards check the grounds regularly. It felt very safe living in the guesthouse.

The part of living at the guesthouse that I enjoyed the most was the strong sense of community. It was very easy to meet new people and hang out with friends in the community area.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

One thing every participant should know before participating in the CES program at Maastricht University is that each participant will be a different person by the end of the program. Every participant will grow and develop as a person, gain independence, and become a more confident traveler. 

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

Now that I am home, I am realizing that my time abroad has made me understand how important it is to live in the present moment. When you are abroad it is easy to be constantly on the go, but I have now learned to stop, reflect, and live in the moment.

I also now have a better appreciation for other cultures and I understand the importance of building relationships with people from all around the world. My time abroad also made me more independent, it increased my confidence levels, and it taught me how to be a better global citizen.

Would you recommend CES at Maastricht University to others? Why? 

I would recommend CES at Maastricht University because the staff are supportive and they help with organizing many of the logistics that can be difficult (especially for first time travelers).

I would also recommend CES because Maastricht is a great location to live in. The Maastricht community is very welcoming and it is easy to travel to other countries from Maastricht. In addition, the stroopwafels are delicious!