Politics, Law & International Relations in Europe

I did the CES program in Fall 2022. I was nervous because I was coming there all on my own but everyone, from the program administrators to the students, made me feel so welcome. I had the opportunity to immersive myself in the Dutch culture through the program, and travel to many neighboring cities and countries. I met some of my closest friends through this program and for that, I’ll always be grateful!

I completed a summer program in Maastricht and while it was short, it was the best three weeks of my college career. I fell in love with the city of Maastricht, the culture, and the community I built during my program. I got to spend the three weeks learning about leadership from company visits, field trips, and locals. I spent time exploring nearby cities and countries too such as Germany, France, Switzerland, and Belgium. The balance between travel and academics was manageable due to the willingness of everyone to support and help us out. The entire staff at CES was so welcoming and caring to our group and I can say I would be the first person to recommend the program to any students who want to attend. Anyone who is looking to travel abroad and get a feel for Dutch learning styles, and cultures Maastricht University is for you.

Going on fields trips and studying politics and law from an international viewpoint has helped me broaden my perspective. I had a great time visiting the institutions of the European Union because it helped me get a hands-on experience!

Politics, Law and International Relations in Europe is an academically rigorous program that introduces concepts from a European perspective. The combination of problem-based learning tutorials, field trips, and interesting lectures allow for students to get a unique grasp on politics and law from an international viewpoint. The CES staff is an approachable and hardworking group dedicated to helping all students with whatever problem arises while abroad. They work effortlessly to ensure students are able to succeed while studying at Maastricht, and their passion to help students in the program is very apparent. My study abroad experience has allowed me to grow and gain an international perspective I would not have received otherwise. Coming from a country where I feel like I’m in a bubble and know very little about other cultures, this program was able to not only educate me in the classroom, but outside of it as well.

My semester in Maastricht was my best semester of my life. The staff were all very helpful and answered all my questions before I arrived and during my time there. They were always willing to help which is great when entering a new country. The classes were also top notch and interesting. Just be aware that the used problem based learning for their class sessions (which I enjoyed). One nice aspect of the program is they take you on several trips in Europe which is included in your fees. Some classes also have built in trips (location depends on class). The location of the university is a plus since it is close to Germany and Belgium allowing for easy travel. I would recommend any student to spend a semester in Maastricht.

I really appreciated the fact that there were so many options when it came to the international relations classes! The CES advisors were incredibly helpful in finding classes that not only fulfilled my home university credit requirements but also aligned with my academic interests. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing about my study abroad experience here at Maastricht University.

Study abroad has been amazing so far. I've been able to travel, take challenging courses, and also join volunteer projects in my free time. This block, I took a course on EU law and politics and learned about the history of the EU; additionally, I took a course of public policy evaluation. I enjoyed both classes, because I was able to engage with Dutch and German students through my tutorial by doing group projects and presentations, which enabled me to learn about Europe on a whole new level. The CES staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. My advisor has continued to help me find classes I am interested in, and other staff members have helped give me advice on things to do, places to visit, and more.

The Politics, Law, and International Relations courses that I took at CES allowed me the opportunity to be instructed by professors that are experienced in their field, passionate about stimulating debate, and encouraging student participation. Additionally, I was acquainted with the European perspective on the topics that I am passionate about such as human rights, and international law. The CES staff were incredibly helpful and kind during my time in Maastricht. I felt like they were a helping hand if I needed one, but at the same time allowed me the independence to discover Maastricht on my own. My study abroad experience was much more enriching, and challenging than I originally set my expectations for going in. Not only was I able to travel as much as I wanted, I was surrounded by a community, both academically and personally, that cared about my success and development as a person.