https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wXExRw8z-3uEm47YndUTIVRaHBiwFrkRkEW_3VDePSw/edit?usp=sharing
Above you will find a link for a google doc of a “Guide to Maastricht.” These are things I wish I would have known before going and some helpful links. Hope this will be useful for you or help answer some questions you may have (:
My time in Maastricht came to an end quickly. I was gone for 3 and a half months, and the time flew by. I enjoyed getting to meet people from all over the world and work on projects together for our courses. Oftentimes I was the only exchange student in my courses because there are only 15 students in a section. In my courses, the majority of the students were from the Netherlands, Germany, or Belgium. A stereotype that even the university pointed out is that Germans will be at the library when it opens and will want to receive the highest grade. Like all stereotypes, this is not true for everyone but you may notice it when working on groups projects. I enjoyed working with other students and found it to be very similar to working with students at A&M. Thankfully, everyone in my groups participated and contributed an equal amount. You may find that Dutch students are especially nice and friendly. Whenever I first arrived Dutch students were the ones to show me around campus and wanted to grab a coffee with me.
Studying abroad has helped broaden my global mindset and openness to different perspectives. People see the world completely differently than you and that is okay. Always listen to others and do not be afraid to share experiences you’ve had in life with others. I now have a better understanding of different cultures, languages, and food from around the world. Overall, I did not have a complete cultural shock, but I was surprised to find some of the food to have simple flavoring.
Dinner with friends from Portugal????, Hong Kong ???? , Italy ???? , Brazil ???? , Poland ???? , France ???? , Vietnam ???? , and Taiwan ???? !
Ice skating with Zuzia at Maastricht’s Christmas market
I celebrated my birthday while in Maastricht. My friends threw a surprise party for me it was so much fun ?? love these people