I have finally arrived in Maastricht after months and months of planning in anticipation. After travelling around Europe for 3 weeks living out of a suitcase, it feels relieving being able to unpack my bags in the room I’ll be staying in for the next 5 months.

After participating in the orientation week here at Maastricht University I am both excited and nervous for the first of three university periods to begin! The Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach to learning is very different to what I’m used to at Flinders University, but when you travel to the other side of the world for 6 months you have to let go of all familiarity!.

I chose to study at Maastricht University for their psychology and neuroscience program which offers some exciting topics that differ from Flinders. I’ve always wanted to go on a university exchange to somewhere in Europe to experience a new educational system, meet new people, and travel to some incredible places.

After buying a bike to ride to and from university, and eating more Stroopwafels than you could image, I think I’m slowly delving deeper into the Dutch culture.  I’m definitely excited for what the next 5 months will bring.

Madeline Gilder, Bachelor of Psychological Sciences student, Semester 2 2017 exchange at Maastricht University, the Netherlands