The Netherlands

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Qualified St. Lawrence University students have the opportunity to spend the fall or spring in Maastricht, studying with Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The Center for European Studies at Maastricht University offers students a rich educational and cross-cultural experience in the crossroads of Europe and the birthplace of the European Union, close to the borders of Belgium, Germany, France, and Luxembourg. 

Each student will select a core academic track, including hands-on learning components and excursions, and will choose the rest of their courses from a broad range of electives. 

  • Based in Maastricht
  • Fall or Spring Semester
  • Enrollment cap may be limited to less than 15 students per semester based on space limitations.
  • Pre-requisite: 3.0 GPA and one European Studies course; students are encouraged to have prior coursework in the core academic track in which they intend to enroll.
  • All students enroll in Dutch language,
  • Live in a university residence hall.

Apply to study in the Netherlands

Location     Academics     Co-Curricular     Housing   Calendar     Orientation      Program Contacts

Location

The Netherlands is located in the center of the European continent and has functioned as a major center of the European Union. Composed of 12 provinces, the Netherlands has distinct cultural regions, including the Holland along the northern coast. Excellent public transportation makes it easy to travel throughout the Netherlands and see the iconic tulip fields, windmills, and canals that dot the landscape.

Located close to the borders of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, Maastricht is a diverse and international community. With over 20,000 students, Maastricht University has one of the highest international student populations at over 50%.  As such, Maastricht University offers a wide range of English-taught degree programs.

Academics

Students will select one of the following academic tracks:

Within each track, students will enroll in one of several core courses offered.  Students' remaining courses will selected from the 400+ electives taught in English at Maastricht University. It is possible to enroll in courses across different academic tracks, so be sure to explore all academic tracks and course offerings listed on the CES website.

Note: Some academic departments may have a higher GPA requirement for enrollment. Consult the CES Maastricht website carefully as you explore their course catalog. 

Students will enroll in a total of 30 ECTS (which translates to 15 US semester credit hours, or 4 SLU units). This means students often enroll in more than four courses in order to be considered full-time enrolled. During a regular course (5-6.5 ECTS), students spend an average of 4-6 hours in class per week. For every hour in class students are expected to spend an additional 2-3 hours on study. The total workload for two regular courses or one intensive course is around 40 hours per week.

Co-Curricular

With numerous museums, theaters, a film house, art galleries, there are no shortage of cultural events to explore throughout your semester. Through Maastricht University, Studium Genderale offers a robust program of lectures, debates, talk shows, art events, film festivals and more for students and faculty. Maastricht (and the Netherlands more broadly) is known for being bike-friendly, with many parks to visit as well as easy access to the countryside.

Maastricht University offers 66 different university sports teams/organizations in the University Sports Centre as well as 25 student and community-based sports associations. Monthly or semester membership in the University Sports Centre includes access to cardio and power equipment as well as a climbing wall, squash courts, spin classes, yoga classes, tennis, martial arts, and more.

Housing

All students studying off-campus with Maastricht University will live in shared university residence halls. All rooms are single rooms in a co-ed university residence hall with either a private or communal kitchen and shared bathroom facilities. Bed linens are provided, but students will need to provide their own towels. All housing includes free laundry facilities as well as wi-fi.

Students are responsible for preparing their own meals in private or communal kitchens.

Calendar

The fall semester typically begins in early September and ends in mid-December. The spring semester typically begins in late January and ends in early June. See the Maastricht University website for the most up-to-date calendars.

Orientation

Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students participation in the program. This includes a program specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session led by the CIIS office on culture shock, pre-departure preparations, as well as safety and security while abroad. Three orientation sessions in the fall prior to departure help to prepare students for their experience at a Dutch university. 

On-site: The program starts with a two-week introduction, which includes CES services, the Berlin Study Trip, a tour of Maastricht and the surrounding area, UM orientation, a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) workshop, a cultural awareness lecture and integration into Dutch student life.

Contact Information

If you are interested in learning about opportunities to study off-campus in the Netherlands, contact one of the following people:

CIIS Office: Kim Longfellow, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Programs - Questions about applications, eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.

CIIS Office: Caitlin Hatz, Director of Off-Campus Programs - Questions about living in Maastricht and the CES Program.

Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Serge Onyper - Questions about program academics.