A FEW WORDS FROM OUR DIRECTOR
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LIVING OUT OF A SUITCASE
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SETTLING IN
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CULINARY ADVENTURES
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BIKES, BIKES, BIKES! :)
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EUROPE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
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THE "STUDY" PART OF STUDY ABROAD
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BONUS TIPS
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During the summer of 2019, our interns Giulia and James created a wonderful video series full of practical and fun study abroad tips, or as we like to call them: MaasTIPS. The topics of the videos ranged from food, shopping and biking to nature, helpful services and even theDutchlanguage.
Tohelpourincomingfallsemesterstudents-andallotherfuturestudents-settleinto theirnewhomeawayfromhomemoreeasily,wehavegatheredalotofnewMaasTIPS fromCESalumni.Theseinclude:
Tipsonhowtogetaroundthecity-bybikeofcourse!
Packingtips-overpackingisarecurringthemeamongourstudents.
Studytips-gettingusedtotheUM'sProblem-BasedLearning methodhasneverbeeneasier.
Traveltips,amongwhichthisCEStastictipfromCES alumnaLindseyCampbell:
"Appreciate your time in Maastricht and the Netherlands just as much as your weekend travels. It will likely be where you form the strongest connections and fondest memories as a student."
Raimond Coumans Director of the Center for European Studies (CES) and Maastricht Summer School (MSS)
Spring 2023 | Penn State
AliseMaltsev
Spring 2023 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell (ASA)
Benjamin Lee
Summer 2023 | University of California, Los Angeles
EmilyAbney
Fall 2022 | Clark University
EvanStover
Spring 2023 | Appalachian State University (USAC)
H e leneBoggs
Fall 2022 | University of California, Davis
JuliaParrey
Spring 2023 | University of California, Los Angeles
L in dseyCampbell
Fall 2021 | University of California, Santa Barbara MarieNguyen
Spring 2023 | Mount Holyoke College MiahBohlen
Fall 2022 | Miami University
PreciousGonzalez
Spring 2023 | Oberlin College
S o fiaLemberg
Spring 2022 | Case Western Reserve University
VanessaRodrigson
Spring 2023 | University of Cincinnati (USAC)
LeahNoble
Spring 2023 | Lindenwood University (USAC)
Summer 2022 | University of California, Los Angeles
“When it comes to luggage, I am an under-packer."
"Bring less clothes than you think you'll need.
These CES alumni were definitely not.
Trust me, you won't wear them all and you will want to go shopping. Pack a duffel bag in your suitcase for small travel trips. Don't bring a hair straightener. Just buy one there! Make sure you have an adapter to fit all of the countries you plan on going to."
"Buy European port adapters CES provides one upon arrival. However, you’ll notice you need several for your phone, laptop and anything else. Most of my friends bought one but it was an extension cord with many ports and that seemed to work the best."
- Precious
- Alana
"You never know when it’s going to rain, so pack an umbrella just in case!"
- Benjamin
"Having a hard time closing your suitcase? Feeling like you need to pack everything in sight? Chances are, you're probably over-packing! You're not alone, though - take it from an over-packer herself. Here's what I learned about traveling with bags full to the brim:
A capsule wardrobe is your best friend. Creating a small, cohesive set of clothes means less options, but easier decisions Clothes can weigh down your suitcase quickly, so bring clothes, shoes, and accessories that can pair with multiple outfits
If it's not essential, pack it last. Prioritize what you need over what you want There are plenty of shops near the Guesthouse for the things you may have forgotten or left behind If you can leave something at home without missing it, leave it
Bring less now, come home with more later. If you love shopping like I do, make sure to account for it An emptier suitcase upon arrival leaves space for your purchases over the months you're abroad. Trust me, you'll fill up your suitcase before you return home!
Don't forget a (little) slice of home. I brought along a few of my favorite snacks I couldn't get in Maastricht and some photos I had printed to decorate my dorm. Skip the large items from home and opt for compact ways to curb homesickness."
"Besides clothes, cosmetic products, make-up kits, and a couple of my favorite books, I packed a Polaroid camera so that I could take cute pictures and save unforgettable memories with my new friends at CES."
Marie
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- Pharrell Williams
"Bring clothing that can easily be layered and transition between seasons. Also make sure your waterproof clothing can truly withstand the rain. Leave extra room in your luggage for shopping
Use vacuum bags to compress bulky items such as sweaters
Make sure you can lift all your luggage on your own! This includes up and down stairs. Be vigilant about your belongings since some of them are more difficult to replace while abroad. A wrist or neck strap for your phone will help prevent accidental drops and theft. Create a habit of checking your seat for belongings you may have left behind as you exit buses, trains, and planes. Get a sense for the local fashion through social media. People are more put-together than in the US, which means you will stand out if you wear sweatpants or athleisure in public. Be mindful of the weight of each item. If you are deciding between two similar items, bring the lighter version You may not notice while you're packing at home, but you definitely will when you are running to catch a train with the weight on your back!"
"When I was preparing to study abroad I was so anxious about not being able to find the products, food, and essentials that I needed in the Netherlands, which caused me to overpack. There are so many places to access things in Maastricht and if you forgot something essential there is no need to be worried about having to go without it."
"Bring a good backpack that can be used as your suitcase while traveling Luckily my sister gave me this advice after she studied abroad. Having a travel backpack is super convenient and great when traveling on the train or companies like RyanAir so you don't have to buy extra luggage on your flight."
"When you finish packing your suitcase, try taking five items out to make more space, but remember the essentials: waterproof shoes/boots, a good raincoat, and a warm, windproof jacket."
- Emily"Bring a part of home to your new home. Whether that may be pictures or something sentimental, it'll come in handy when homesickness starts to hit.
Speaking of homesickness, allow yourself to feel it out. While I understand you are in Maastricht for a short amount of time, don't feel bad if you need some time to yourself or take a while to adjust. Everyone takes in their mental space differently.
Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. Everyone around you is also someone who picked Maastricht and is now looking for new friends and to go to different places and study different things."
- Alise"Follow the ESN Maastricht page just because they promote different get-togethers and activities that incorporate all the students in Maastricht. It really helps to make new friends and just have a great time overall."
- Precious
"Be nice and inclusive to everyone! You are all on this journey together and you’ll only see some of these people for a couple months so just be nice to everyone."
- Alana"Take advantage of programs/orientations or other things provided for you. CES events are literally the most fun, so I always recommend you attend those You might feel overwhelmed by the amount of things you have on your calendar the first few weeks and you may feel inclined to skip some of them, but I encourage you to attend everything you can. You never know when you may meet a great group of friends or study buddies, or just learn information that is important for you to know "
"Spend time in the common spaces on your floor when you can!
Even if the people on your floor don't become your closest group of friends, you'll be living close to them and they can be a great support system They're who you'll see when you get home from class, from a trip, etcetera, and it's always nice to see friendly faces in the kitchen or in the hall "
"Befriend your peers outside of CES This is an opportunity to make lifelong international friends that you may be able to travel to visit in the future!"
- Emily"Explore the area of Maastricht! It is such a wonderful location to be - even though you might get carried away visiting other amazing destinations (as you should!), make sure to also take in all you can of Maastricht and the Netherlands "
“Home is the nicest word there is."
- Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder
“People who love to eat are always the best people."
- Julia ChildThese tips have us wonton more!
"Try Dutch peanut butter, you won't regret it."
Vanessa
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"Try new food as often as you can That can mean buying fun stuff at the grocery store (I loved the pudding that came in cartons, we don't have anything like that in the USA) or going out to eat with friends. It's a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn more about what makes a place unique."
- Sofia"Ice/ice water/iced coffee are not always readily available Be adaptable to this change and willing to try something new "
- Lindsey"As a fan of matcha and pancakes, Preps and Olivia were my favorite places to have brunch with my friends They are such nice and awesome places with a variety of vegan options."
"The Entre Deux is one of the shopping centers located in the heart of the city, nearby the Markt square Besides clothing stores from well-known brands and local restaurants, a bubble tea shop named Möge Tee, on the corner is a highly recommended place to get refreshing tea and hang out with friends "
"Download Thuisbezorgd, thank me later."
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Alise
"Along with fries, the waffle is a must-try food in Maastricht. Pinky is one of the nicest places to visit in town Their fresh waffles smell heavenly and taste so delicious, dusted with icing sugar or ice cream "
"Learn how to cook, you ’ re going to be doing a lot of cooking at the Guesthouse!
If you want to save money on groceries, shop at Aldi!
If you don’t feel like cooking, treat yourself to some delicious pasta at Pasta Corner!
If you ’ re looking to cool off in Maastricht, I recommend going to Gelateria Luna Rossa for gelato!
If you have class at the Maastricht School of Business and Economics, grab a sandwich at Bello & Buono. A BLT is only 5 euros! Be open to trying new things! In my case, snails!"
"Explore the market square on weekends or in general. Such great eats and it is awesome for people watching. I recommend “Snackpoint de Merret” for cheap snacks and constantly perfect fries with andalouse sauce. But prepare for some places to not accept Visa cards so I’d always have a little cash around "
"Cook as much as you can while at the guesthouse. The groceries are quite affordable and always fresh and you’d save so much that you’d be more than willing to splurge on food on your trips… at least that was my mentality."
- Leslie
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving."
- Albert EinsteinGear up for some wheelie great tips.
"Renting a bike is easy and fun!"
- Vanessa"If you're considering getting a bike, I recommend checking out Facebook Marketplace for great deals, where you can find one for around €50-70. Buying a bike and selling it before you leave is a smart choice if you're looking for a steal. If you find a bike in good condition, the chances of needing crazy repairs are highly unlikely."
- Leslie"Biking in Maastricht is so much fun and a great way to get around the city. However, it is worth picking up a pair of waterproof/windproof biking gloves When the weather starts to get colder, your hands will thank you!! Additionally, a windproof umbrella can be a lifesaver for Dutch rainy weather."
- Emily
"Using a bike is a fantastic and cost-effective way to get around Maastricht! From grocery shopping to exploring the city, biking offers many possibilities for exchange students trying to adjust to Dutch life. It can be daunting to join the many locals in the bike lanes, so here are a few tips to make your favorite two-wheeled transportation easier:
If you're not confident knowing where the bike lanes are, walk your route first!
No phones while biking! If you need directions, buy a bike phone mount.
Happy biking!"
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list."
- Susan SontagThere is so much to sea in Europe.
"Plan to only travel with a backpack on weekend trips. Especially if you are flying, many airlines will charge extra for bags that don’t fit under your seat, and it’s much more convenient to only have to worry about storing a backpack while on your trip. Plus, sometimes you might want to bring it with you on your adventures!"
- Miah"Don't be worried about figuring out how to travel. I was so scared to travel on my own around to different countries and was hesitant at first but quickly learned how easy it was after a little research, practice, and googling!"
- Evan"Travel as much as you can, but don’t compare your trips and their frequency to other people This is your individual experience. Traveling every weekend is amazing but also expensive. Maastricht has many events and activities to do on the weekends, and you will appreciate spending time getting to know your host city just as much as others."
- Emily"If you ’ re traveling to the Brussels-Zuid train station, the restroom in the Thalys Lounge is free and clean!"
- Benjamin"If you have never used public transport before, try using it in a familiar environment first Most public transport systems worldwide are conceptually similar, so getting a sense for it before you travel abroad will make your experience much less overwhelming "
"Socialize with other travellers at hostels and on group tours. They often have valuable tips to share about destinations you may travel to in the future "
"Waking up early allows you to experience crowded tourist destinations in a less chaotic environment. This is also helpful during the winter months which have limited daylight hours "
- Lindsey - Alise"Download GetYourGuide, thank me later "
"RyanAir and FlixBus will probably be your best friends!"
- Julia
- Lindsey"Bring a weekendbag thatfits budgetairline size restrictionsandsmalltravelbottles."
"Travel as much as you can but listen to your body!" - Alana
"Do your research before going on trips but also leave room for error or a bad day "
- Alise
"Plan your trips around long weekends. I initially planned to visit only London and Amsterdam but ended up exploring 10 other countries. Look ahead to find cheaper flight options for specific weekends and buy your tickets in advance Even last-minute tickets can be affordable and work out well If you dislike stopovers and changing transport mid-journey, stick to Flixbus for travel within countries like Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. When touring different cities in a country, consider flying into one city and departing from another to avoid unnecessary backtracking (e.g. flying into Santorini and flying out of Mykonos). Surprisingly, this option is often cheaper than you'd expect. Invest in a spacious, waterproof travel backpack. While your quick trip may only require a personal item, a good bag will offer enough space for essentials and souvenirs. I recommend the GotBag, which I initially laughed at but ended up falling in love with, as it fit two pairs of shoes, nine outfits, and toiletries comfortably.
Don't hesitate to travel on your own. Solo travel is more common than you might think, and I found just as much enjoyment in exploring on my own as I did with others. Embrace the adventure and seize the opportunity to explore the world independently."
"For budget travel and travel planning, use apps or websites like Skyscanner, Omio, Trainline, and Rome2Rio to plan your routes or look for the cheapest transportation options."
"If you're looking to fly from Maastricht, there are lots of airports at your disposal - you can search from Maastricht, Eindhoven (my fav!), Amsterdam, Brussels Intl, or Brussels Charleroi."
abroad
“Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it."
- Marva Delores CollinsLBP, BPL or PBL?
"Make friends in your classes! On my first day of classes, I became friends with a girl in my class who was in her third year at UM. We went for coffee after class and she was nice enough to explain her experience with PBL to me and offered to help if I ever needed anything in the class. And, she became a good friend who I still keep in touch with!"
- Miah
"Don't forget about your studies. It is a different learning system than what I was used to in America. Make sure you are taking the right classes and the credits all line up."
- Alise"Listening is just as important as speaking Allow your classmates to finish their thoughts before contributing yours, and make sure that your input actually relates to the current discussion."
"Draw diagrams on the classroom whiteboards to visualize concepts "
"Whenever you express an idea, be prepared to explain the reasoning and evidence behind it. This allows for a more in-depth and productive discussion "
"GO TO CLASS!!! A lot of your classes will be attendance or participation based, and you will need to be there to be successful. Always remember that things can happen - you get sick, or have a travel hiccup and can't make it back on time - so be careful and leave yourself some flexibility "
"Build a strong conceptual framework by connecting new ideas to previous discussion topics Professors often design their courses so that each tutorial session builds upon the previous one "
"Share your own personal experiences. Students at UM come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, so your perspective is extremely valuable Don't be afraid to share what your truly think "
"If you can use travel time to do work! It might not be too fun, but I promise you're not going to want to do your hundred pages of reading when you get home from a trip."
- Julia"Ask for help if you need it You have lots of resources at your disposal such as the CES staff, your tutors, and your professors, so don't be afraid to utilize them if you are struggling. Even better to seek out help before you think you need it...if you wait, it might be too late!"
“Study abroad is the single most effective way of changing the way we view the world."
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Chantal MitchellWe simply couldn't keep these from you.
"Say yes to everything (within reason)! This is your time to experience everything so just say yes! You literally have the world in your hands so take advantage of it!"
- Alana
"Say yes to everything! (Well...maybe not everything...be smart and also mindful of constraints, whether they be school, money, or interest, of course), but this was my philosophy for my study abroad and it turned out to help me make some of the most amazing memories and have wonderful experiences. You can get a lot just by saying yes!"
- Julia
"Bring cash. Certain stores or restaurants don’t accept American debit or credit cards. It varies. So I do recommend exchanging American dollars for euros, preferably in the United States just so you can avoid any foreign exchange rate fees."
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Precious"Hang onto the bigger value €1 and €2 coins, for when you need to use paid toilets or luggage lockers."
"Budget Budget Budget! I was fortunate enough to save enough money and to have my parents help out if needed but I know my financial stress would have been easier if I actually sat down and budgeted my money The main things are groceries, traveling, personal needs, subscriptions that you may take part of, and an emergency budget "
"Understanding of Dutch culture is just as/if not more important than learning the language. Just because people here are highly fluent in English doesn't mean they think like Americans."
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Lindsey"Take as many pictures as you can or journal about what you did I made a scrapbook when I was there and I'm glad I did because I would not have remembered half of the stuff I did. I collected a piece of something from everywhere I was and wrote a little thing about it Some people collected postcards of the places they went to and on the back wrote about their trips. Other people wrote blogs or dedicated ? Instagram accounts to capture their time here Whatever your niche is, do it "
Alise
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"Use Google Translate during grocery trips but be open to asking locals."
- Vanessa
"Yes"istheword!
"Take this as an opportunity to be whoever you want to be by embracing all the newness and finding joy in the great opportunity you get to experience because everyone will be waiting to hear your stories when you come back so we have to be selfless and give them content. :)"
- Leslie
For this edition:
Text
Raimond Coumans, Alana Bacher, Alise
Maltsev, Benjamin Lee, Emily Abney, Evan Stover, Helene Boggs, Julia Parrey, Leah Noble, Leslie Duru, Lindsey Campbell, Marie Nguyen, Miah Bohlen, Precious Gonzalez, Sofia Lemberg, Vanessa Rodrigson
Photography
Alana Bacher, Alise Maltsev, Benjamin Lee, Emily Abney, Evan Stover, Helene Boggs, Julia Parrey, Leah Noble, Leslie Duru, Lindsey Campbell, Marie Nguyen, Miah Bohlen, Sofia Lemberg, Lauren Reynolds, Center for European Studies
Ideas & input Design & layout
Naomi Nijssen
Naomi Nijssen
CENTER FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES
Bonnefantenstraat 2, 6211 KL Maastricht
+31 43 388 5282 | ces.info@maastrichtuniversity.nl
