Photo credit: (Mia) Maastricht carnival in Vrijthof square – a festival celebrated in the region.
Mia from Flinders University, undertaking an exchange at Maastricht University, the Netherlands during semester 1 2024.
The Netherlands was the first place that I have ever travelled to overseas, let alone moved to, to live by myself. So heading to a small(ish) city like Maastricht, I was pretty worried that I wouldn’t be able to find my way around or that I wouldn’t fit in, but everyone from the city and from the university were so welcoming and helpful. Maastricht is a student city, so there are lots of international students around, as well as locals, which definitely makes you feel less out of place. Pretty much everyone I came across spoke English as well, further easing my worries. The city is very accessible by bus, but most students choose to hire or buy a bicycle, as it is often the easiest and quickest way to get around. Its also a fun way to explore the parts of the city that you might not as easily be able to reach by bus (and good exercise).
The study part of Maastricht university is fairly different to how we learn at Flinders. It takes more of a problem-focused approach, and places students in a bit more control over the direction of their learning. It was very interesting and valuable to experience a different style of learning and teaching.
I joined the Erasmus Student Network for my time in Maastricht, which is a great way to make friends and have regular activities and commitments that aren’t study-related. I met many great people through joining ESN and the meetings and events gave me something to look forward to each week.
Studying abroad taught me many new things. While it came with challenges and pushed me so far out of my comfort zone, and I got very homesick, it allowed me to grow and learn so much as a person, and I met some incredible people that I will always remember and have a special connection with. I was so sad to leave Maastricht at the end of my semester, despite the not always glamourous Dutch weather. The city is full of history, culture, nature, student-life, beautiful architecture, and wonderful people. I am so glad I chose Maastricht for my exchange semester!
Photos: The Historic Maastricht City Hall + Sunset over the Maas river
