Business & Economics in Europe

My program experience was great. The program was set up so that half of my classes were only with students from my home university -- relatively small classes with 6-8 others--- and the other half were regular classes at the local university (which was more immersive and I preferred those classes). We had scheduled weekend trips to visit other countries and local areas around the host country, which accounted for about 1/4 of the total weekends. My favorite experience was visiting the shops and doing interviews with the local students for my cultural awareness final project. I was able to meet really cool people, which led me to dinners with strangers, book recommendations, free drinks, great conversations, artworks, and lifelong friends.

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Integrating into European economics through the lens of your travel times in Maastricht creates a whole different perspective. Understanding new ways of understanding issues through PBL and translating that your “built in” American culture is second to none. Amy has been the most helpful person in my transition here. Messaging her at 10pm to the countless emails back and forth proves they truly care about your experience here. Pushing myself to areas that I didn’t know I had through my experience by seeing almost every country that Europe has to offer. Going to the places that most people wouldn’t think of show the pure beauty that society has to offer.

The marketing class I took through the CES courses available was a super interactive and helpful class to take. The professor was super awesome and really personable, and the course was super easy to follow along with. All the staff members are very approachable and if they aren’t able to help you with something, they will send you to someone who can help you. Some CES staff members are better than others, but they are all easily accessible and will do what they can for you. My experience has been a dream come true and has opened my eyes so much more to the world around me. Although I feel like an ignorant American at times, it has been so much fun meeting people from all over the world and making connections with so many new people that will last me a lifetime.

Hoi hoi! I am majoring in Data Science focusing on entrepreneurs, organizations and society. In Maastricht I am currently studying Business and Economics in Europe program with Datamining, Data Analytics at UCM and Marketing and Economics of Integration at CES. CES staffs are so nice and attentively assistive. I miss my program coordinator, Laura, who helped me a lot at first in choosing courses and her attentive assistance in how to prepare for my study abroad. My studying abroad so far is more than wonderful and fulfilled with joy and happiness. Not only do I get to know more friends from different universities but I also explore more picturesque views in the Netherlands.

It was a great experience abroad! CES arranged several group trips, including a Berlin trip, Paris trip, and a Dutch cultural day trip, which were very fun and convenient (you don't have to plan at all, just show up!). They did a great job communicating with us throughout the semester with information regarding day-to-day living, classes, and just in general helpful information. Maastricht is a very quaint city as well, and it's extremely easy to travel all over Europe for relatively cheap, due to the central location. Nightlife is very fun as well, and it is a largely student-populated city, so there's always something to do. I highly recommend traveling as much as possible on this program, but be sure to spend a couple weekends in Maastricht and explore the local scene, which is deceptively fun. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience.

Even with Covid restrictions my study abroad experience was beyond my hopes and expectations for this kind of experience! I truly believe that I have left my study abroad exchange a changed person, Maastricht is an amazing city to live and learn in. The Netherlands in general is so diverse with different cultures and you meet so many students through Maastricht University who open your eyes to different views and ways of thinking. Classes are so interesting because everyone is from a different background or culture, and the classes themselves are very interactive and discussion-based at SBE, so hearing everyone's thoughts is very intriguing. I think CES throws an amazing study abroad experience that is great for learning about the Netherlands with day trips to different cities; like a trip to Zaandam to visit the Zaanse Schans area where you see how the Dutch lived hundreds of years ago, a trip to Eindhoven to check out the city's attractions, touring the caves by Maastricht. You also get to travel to cities like Paris for the weekend, and although our trip was canceled because of Covid the program also takes students to Berlin before classes in the fall. I just can't say enough about how much I loved this program and experience; everyone from the advisors for the program, the classes, the friendships I made, the cities I traveled to across Europe, and the memories I made I will cherish for a lifetime. You won't regret coming to Maastricht!

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Expectations beforehand: I did not have many expectations going into the program. I was not even sure if I was going to get approval from my home university to study abroad. Once I got approval, I was still not sure if Covid would keep me in Maastricht or if I would have the opportunity to explore other places too. My semester turned out better than I could have imagined. I enjoyed my classes, met so many amazing people, and traveled a lot. I loved Maastricht and I do not think the semester could have gone any better. What was it like to study abroad in Maastricht: Maastricht is a great city. It is not a very big city which makes it feel comfortable and a good place to return to after a weekend trip. Still, it is big enough to have everything you would want in a city. There were lots of good restaurants, bars, theaters, churches, and shops. By the time I left, I felt like I had a great understanding of the city and how it is laid out. Still, I think I could go back and find places that I did not have enough time to visit. Maastricht is also a very international city. I met people from all over the world. Even the hall I stayed in was very diverse. I loved hearing people’s stories and trying new foods. How has this experience changed you: My study abroad allowed me to grow a lot more than I was expecting. I became much more confident in my abilities. I became comfortable traveling to new places and experiencing completely new things, even by myself. I also learned a lot about Dutch history and culture. I do not think you would ever be able to get the same experience just by visiting for a little while.

Deciding to study in Maastricht was the best decision I have made yet. As a senior studying abroad, I didn’t have a lot of flexibility in terms of where to go and which classes to take but I have absolutely no regrets and the classes that I took in Maastricht were more rewarding than any others that I took during my four years in university. From the studying experience itself, to the adventures I had, and the amazing people I met, Maastricht is the most special little city and I cannot wait to return one day. One year has gone by and everyday I miss riding my aqua blue bike to class, doing my shopping at Jumbo and getting a glass of wine and charcuterie at Dekaas Bar. #MissingMaastrichtMonday

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The classes at Maastricht SBE are challenging but engaging. I have to actually prepare for class and it has made me a better student. The CES staff is super friendly and helpful whenever I had a problem. They were always there with an answer and a stroopwafel! I’ve grown and made more new friends studying abroad than I could have even imagined. It’s an intense experience but you just have to jump into it and you'll love it.

I chose to study in Maastricht for several reasons: it was a great location to travel from, instruction is in English and the classes were perfect for my degree and interests. Upon acceptance into the program you are immediately contacted by caring faculty who help you craft the program that fits you best. From admittance into the University until your final days in Maastricht, the CES Maastricht staff take care of you as if they have known you for years! I highly suggest spending a semester in Maastricht the CES staff who skillfully provide a program that provides: fun events throughout the semester, travel opportunities, and guidance throughout your whole exchange journey. Within CES Maastricht, I studies within the SBE (School of Business and Economics). Within this program, I took my favorite university courses thus far such as Behavioral Economics and Social & Environmental Entrepreneurship! Very tough, work-heavy courses but they are very rewarding at the end. In addition to friendly, helpful staff I met very great and ambitious people that I traveled with countless times! I will never forget the people or the memories that I created with the opportunities provided by this program!

My academic scene is unique from that at home; it consists of a more open and conversational environment being led by fellow classmates. Discussion is part of the learning process and to be involved you must have your work done prior. The CES staff is involved in my academics and my life here in Maastricht, keeping me on top of what needs to get done while also making each step of the way as easy as possible. I feel comfortable with all staff and can rely on them for nearly anything. Thus far, my travel abroad experience has been filled with new friendships, open environment, and cultural experiences all across Europe. Each day brings on new opportunities to grow independence, and improve on self-knowledge as well as keeping myself accountable for maintaining relationships and my own academic learning.

This really was an amazing experience that I have zero regrets about. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, it instantly becomes a place you call home. I will definitely return back periodically and hope that the program continues to grow and get to provide many more students this phenomenal opportunity!

Studying abroad at the School of Business and Economics allows me experience of a different teaching system and structure. Though it seemed daunting at first, it definitely opened up my mind to new ways of learning. The CES team is very welcoming, outgoing, and most importantly, helpful. Beyond just academic needs, they also go the extra mile to connect with me on a personal level to give me the best study abroad experience. Having the opportunity to be adventurous in between classes and getting an insight into various different cultures around Europe is definitely the highlight of my study abroad experience.

Although nervous at first to move to a relatively unknown study abroad location, I cannot imagine my life without Maastricht and the positive experiences I have had. My classes, program leaders and overall experience can hardly be put into words, but my general thoughts are condensed below :) In my classes through Maastricht University's School of Business and Economics, learning is emphasized through small, fifteen student seminars with a rigorous schedule of case studies and interactive sessions in order to simulate real-life applications of business. This is incredibly beneficial due to its ability to teach valuable skills such as collaborating within a diverse group setting, and also provide an environment where you learn from your peers. The CES staff is truly there to make you feel comfortable, happy, and enjoy your time in the Netherlands; without them I would feel lost! They incorporate a variety of events and opportunities to get to know your peers, and they are always available if you have a question, concern, or simply want to chat! My experience abroad has taught me an incredible amount about myself and the world I live in. It has shaped my positive view on a multitude of cultures and has helped me discover unique friendships with students of varying nationalities– friendships I cannot image my life without.

Choosing to study abroad in Maastricht was a fantastic decision! I had never been to Europe before, but craving a small European town with travel opportunities has been amazing. The town itself offers so much from markets, to social events, to theater performances, and even the surrounding areas allow for endless exploration. The CES staff has been phenomenal; I couldn't ask for anything better! Everyone is super friendly, approachable, and wanting to help you have the best experience possible. They organize group trips and events gathering the group together every so often while also being in the office to help with academics, travel, or general life help. The CES staff has generating a family environment that has made studying abroad a seamless transition. School at Maastricht is a lot different with the PBL style courses. It was an adjustment at first, but as long as you put the time and effort in before hand then it is reasonable to adjust. The classmates are are very nice and the collaborative setting is something unique compared to my home university. Maastricht now holds a special place in my heart thanks to the CES program and staff making abroad and traveling Europe unforgettable!

My courses in the School of Business and Economics at Maastricht have challenged me academically and intellectually and have allowed for incredible growth in both areas. They've provided me with a different perspective and amazing opportunities that I wouldn't have from any other university. The CES staff is one of the best aspects of the program! They work so hard to make sure students feel comfortable and happy both in the classroom and beyond it. I've learned more about the world and its people than I ever could have in the US. Part of this learning I attribute to Maastricht University and the other part I attribute to exploring and getting to know Europe.

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