UM, a constant international atmosphere
Chris Garrn — March 2022
Did you know Maastricht is considered as one of the most international universities in the Netherlands, located in the heart of Europe, next to the German and Belgian borders? The University counts around 22.000 thousand students, with 50% coming from over 100 nationalities. Also, more than 40% of the academic staff has an international background and thousands of foreign exchange students are welcomed in Maastricht each year. While being a student at Maastricht University, you will also have the opportunity yourself to participate in study abroad programs and attend one of many partner universities that are located all around the world.
Problem-Based Learning and the International Classroom
You will gain the most international experience in the classroom itself. It is a real melting pot of different cultures and nationalities. At Maastricht University, Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and the International Classroom go hand in hand. PBL brings together students and instructors from all over the world into small groups. They work together to solve problems, and their discussions are enriched by their diverse backgrounds and perspectives. In this environment, you will develop knowledge, skills and international accessibility/understanding. In effect, UM prepares its students for the globalizing world that we’re all living and working in today. According to the Nuffic, “Students in an international classrooms perform better and have a positive effect on their fellow students”. It is no surprise that the UM gets so many awards and high rankings year after year.
POV: International Student Experience
“After my high school studies in Hamburg, Germany, I was certain about getting out of my comfort zone and studying abroad in an international environment. I was already very familiar with the city and the university as my brother had done his bachelor and master, years before. The PBL system that Maastricht University incorporates into the international classroom was a major aspect of my decision to move to this unique city. Being in a classroom with different cultures and nationalities makes you very welcomed and respected. It has also strengthened my skills in communication, teamwork, and understanding.”
POV: Dutch Student Experience
“Knowing that there are excellent universities in The Netherlands with high rankings and that I could go on an exchange in my third year, I decided that I did not want to do my bachelor’s abroad. As I have gone to international schools for my entire school career, I was already comfortable with this international environment. I wanted to continue being exposed to an environment like that.
Maastricht is close to my hometown (Eindhoven), meaning there will be a short traveling time when I go home to my parents over the weekends. My sister also did her bachelor’s in Maastricht before me, so I was already very familiar with the city and the university as I visited her often.
The Problem Based Learning (PBL) system in Maastricht allows us to work in small groups and discuss different perspectives effectively and encourages students to be open-minded about various ideas. The international environment also helps us become internationally minded and more accepting of individual differences.
I went to open days and experience days in Tilburg, Groningen, and Maastricht, and I felt most welcomed and comfortable in Maastricht. Everyone was very kind, open to answer any questions, and enthusiastic, which encouraged me to choose Maastricht University. That feeling I experienced during the open day was confirmed during my studies here and I can confidently say I made the right choice!”
POV: Exchange Student Experience
“Despite not knowing the culture or being particularly well versed in the local language, you feel welcome at Maastricht the minute you hop off the train with friendly faces waiting to help you out. I attended Maastricht in the Spring of 2020 as a part of the International Triangle Programme.
While it was not my first experience at an international university, it would certainly prove to be my best. Before choosing Maastricht, my primary motivators were the good university rankings, its location at the trijunction between Germany and Belgium — making it excellent for travel, a large English-speaking population, and a very interesting course catalog. Moreover, the city is beautiful cosmopolitan, yet small and charming. All of this, albeit true, were cosmetic in comparison to the real gem of Maastricht, which is its PBL learning approach.
Coming from a normal lecture-based learning system, I initially found PBL confusing, hard and at times even antagonizing. However, once I settled in, I realized just how effective a learning technique is. The small tutorial size makes sure no one gets overlooked while simultaneously creating a space where everyone knows each other and adapts to different teaching methods. I met some of my best friends in those tutorial meetings! The self-guided nature and intensity of those 2-month periods ensure that you work hard and learn the subject comprehensively.
By the end of my semester at Maastricht, I realized that I had become a more efficient presenter, a better researcher, a more studious student, and, most importantly, a more effective learner. For those wanting to grow as individuals, Maastricht is the home for you.”
Though different students have different motivations, there are also some similar reasons why we chose to study in Maastricht. Hopefully, these perspectives will give you a better idea of what studying in Maastricht is like and encourage you to study here too!
I hope these insights of Maastricht University’s international position and the student experiences helped you get a better idea of what studying here looks like.
