University College : Testimonials (Maastricht)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by GatewayAbroad | International Education
Testimonial
Academic Experience
|
My academic experience abroad was unique in that I took only classes for my major instead of general education requirements. My classes were fairly rigorous and I was a normal student - not part of an American program - so I did not get any special treatment. While my classes were challenging, I learned a lot and really enjoyed the class structure. I took two classes during the first half of the semester, completed my final exams, had a week off to travel, and then started two new classes. The classes are taught in a "Problem Based Learning" structure where you have one lecture and two tutorial sessions per week. During tutorial, we would discuss the "problem" presented in our course manual, brainstorm some information we already knew, and then form learning goals about what we wanted to learn from the readings. At the second tutorial session of the week, we would discuss the readings and attempt to answer our learning goals. This made the classes very immersive and I liked that they were discussion-based and student-led. I felt like the information I learned was a much more real-world and application-based than classes I have taken at Richmond. For all of my classes, my grades consisted of a final paper and a final exam. This did not mean, however, that I did not have other work during the semester. It was very important to keep up with the readings for each class so that I could participate in the small group discussions. I did find the workload challenging (probably similar to Richmond's) but I still performed very well in my classes and received a Richmond equivalent of As and A minuses.
— Fall, 2015 Participant |
Academic Experience
|
Courses at UCM are taught using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). The PBL format gives you an academic problem to solve, emphasizing independent learning via a group process. There isn't a professor standing in the front of a lecture hall, flipping through a PowerPoint Presentation. Rather, there are "tutors" who will sit with you and facilitate your learning by working with your "tutorial group," which is no more than 12 students. Five of the seven steps of the PBL process--clarify concepts; define the problem; analyze the problem; classify the problem; and formulate learning objectives--will be done together. You are then challenged to research independently and report your findings in the group. It isn't uncommon for classes to take place gathered intimately around a few tables pushed together or outside in the courtyard. While the atmosphere is relaxed, the students at UCM are very motivated and really care about their studies. That being said, you won't get away with slacking or depending on the group process to carry you to success. I found the PBL format to be very rewarding because I found myself genuinely learning, not just memorizing, and developing interpersonal skills by collaborating with my peers. — Spring, 2015 Participant |
Cultural Experience
|
I can't think of a better country to study abroad in than the Netherlands. The years you spend in college, and your twenty's in general, is time to discover yourself – cultivate your passions and expand your worldview. Foreigners have visited or settled in the Netherlands, all bringing with them their own cultures, opinions and ideas. Because of this, the Dutch are known for being tolerant and open-minded. You don't have to worry about being "different" in the Netherlands. Rather, you'll quickly see how being surrounded by people who embrace differences is a wonderful way to learn more about yourself and others.
— Spring, 2015 Participant |
Social Experience
|
The University of Maastricht is a very international school. Students come from all over the world to attend the English-speaking institution. I went through Orientation with the first-year students and became close with my Orientation group. The group consisted of several Germans, a Norwegian, several Belgians and Dutch, and a Chinese student. I enjoyed spending time and travelling with the other Americans from Richmond, but my two closest friends were a German-American who lived in Singapore and a Belgian who lived in Dubai. I really enjoyed forming relationships with people of different cultures who had lived in such amazing places. I still wanted to meet more non-Americans, so I joined the Theatrical Society of University College Maastricht. I highly recommend joining a club abroad, because it is a fantastic way to meet people. Through the Theatrical Society, I was able to perform with students from Brazil, the Netherlands, the UK, Russia, Mexico, Australia, and Germany. It was amazing that people with such diverse backgrounds were all brought together through theater. I also joined the International Student Network, where I was able to meet the other exchange students from many different countries. The group organized social functions, fun trips, and excursions both inside and outside the Netherlands. Forming meaningful relationships with non-Americans is one of my most proud accomplishments abroad. I still keep in touch with the Theatrical Society members and will be visiting with my two closest friends this summer. I highly recommend making an effort to meet local students because, even though it made it harder to say goodbye, it was such a rewarding experience.
— Fall, 2015 Participant |