Natural Sciences Study Abroad Programs in Netherlands

I studied abroad Spring 2024 in Maastricht, Netherlands. And I really did have the time of my life. Studying in Maastricht, I was very challenged with academics. UM’s problem based learning strategy encourages students to lead class discussions, take an active role in choosing what to focus on, and collaborate with other students. Maastricht’s location in the heart of Europe allowed me to travel to other European countries by train with ease, making weekend travel easy. CES’s group trips and orientation helped me make friends immediately, whom I cooked dinner with, traveled with, and studied with, and who I still keep up with. If you have one choice - study abroad at Maastricht through CES!!!

I had such a good experience in the Public Health and Medicine in Europe program at Maastricht. I mainly took psychology and genetics courses (plus a lab), and I really enjoyed how these classes were taught, especially at UCM. Through the pbl-style learning, I developed better independent study skills and was able to learn and engage with the content rather than memorize it for a test. One of my favorite parts of this program was also how I was able to learn with local students at UCM. Through group projects and our in-class discussions, I made some really good friends who not only helped me with my initial adjustment to the pbl-style, but also showed me around local spots in Maastricht. Additionally, the Berlin, Paris, and Dutch Day trips were so fun and culturally enriching. They had the perfect amount of structure and a good agenda while still offering a lot of free time and recommendations to explore the cities on your own with friends. Maastricht was the cutest city with such fun things to do, such as the market every Friday, and had some really good cafes/food places and bars. It was easy and affordable to travel from and filled with such kind people. I came back with such good lifetime friends, and miss Maastricht (and biking) every day.

The pulic health program in Maastricht is very well organized and very educational. CES does an amazing job coordinating appropriate material and activities to enhance your learning experience in your program. The CES staff is amazing. They offer you with complete support and help guide you efficiently through any issues you may have while abroad. They make it truly feel like a comfortable and supportive community. My study abroad experience was transformative. I learned more about myself than I thought possible and grew tremendously as an individual through traveling and experiencing different cultures.

The Public Health program at CES has fast-tracked my courses at my home university. I am able to study within my major in high detail and talk about international perspectives with those who know it best.The CES staff have been so supportive and helpful throughout the entire program! They are always there to advise, guide, and even talk about anything that’s on your mind. My study abroad experience has been nothing short of a life changer. I have been able to see the world, talk to new people, and experience personal growth and independence.

Maastricht is the perfect location to study abroad in. So many destinations are accessible by bus/train and there are multiple options for airports to fly out of. Because Maastricht is a smaller, student-centered city, it doesn’t take long to feel at home there! The problem-based learning (PBL) method used at Maastricht University involves fewer hours in class, which allows for a more flexible travel schedule. Student-directed discussions foster more curiosity than traditional lectures, and explaining concepts to my classmates ensures my own understanding and retention. I was only supposed to be abroad for one semester, but I decided to extend my time and finish my degree here. I am also strongly considering graduate programs in the US that use PBL.

My academic experience has taught me how to engage in hands-on, discussion-based learning rather than solely lecture-based coursework. Through program courses, you are able to delve deeper into your theme while being surrounded by fellow CES students. The CES staff helps organize the study abroad experience by providing resources to help adjust to life in Maastricht as well as social and academic support. Through simple reminders and guidance, they provide a support system similar to that I have found at my home university. Studying abroad in Maastricht taught me a lot about myself, that I can adapt to different situations well and that I am more independent than I give myself credit for. Through balancing study abroad life i.e. travel, with academics and social aspects, I have grown and become more worldly.

During my academic program, I learned how to think, study, and interact in new ways with fellow students through discussion, research, and debate. The CES staff are helpful, and accommodating. They make the program fun and engaging. My experience abroad has been an eye-opening global adventure. Due to the though-provoking courses and travel, I truly have grown as a person and now I know much more about myself and my priorities because of this experience.