Motivation
I wanted to gain an international perspective on the content of my health sciences degree and deepen my understanding of how cultural factors influence health outcomes. Studying abroad allowed me to explore different healthcare systems, public health approaches, and social determinants of health in a global context, broadening my knowledge beyond a single-country perspective.
Personal Development
From my experience abroad, I gained a wealth of personal growth and valuable insights. I built lasting friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to understand different perspectives and broaden my worldview. I explored new places, from local spots in Maastricht to neighboring cities and countries, gaining a deeper appreciation for European history, culture, and architecture.
Language was another significant aspect of my journey. Although I was already familiar with English, I picked up basic Dutch and improved my communication skills, which enhanced my ability to connect with locals and immerse myself in the culture.
Personally, I developed a greater sense of independence and adaptability. Navigating life in a new country helped me become more confident in handling challenges and managing my time effectively. I also learned to be more open-minded, embracing new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
This experience has changed me by making me more globally aware, resilient, and self-sufficient. I now have a deeper understanding of the impact of cultural context on health outcomes and a renewed passion for working in diverse, international settings. I feel better prepared to contribute meaningfully to global health challenges and to continue learning from different cultures and healthcare systems.
Academic Development
Academically, my experience abroad had a profound impact. The different academic system, particularly Maastricht's Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, was a refreshing change. I appreciated how it encouraged independent learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. Instead of traditional lectures, I participated in small group discussions, where we worked together to solve real-world problems. This format helped me deepen my understanding of complex topics, as it required me to actively engage with the material and apply it to practical scenarios.
What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives during discussions. Working alongside students from different cultural backgrounds enriched my learning, as it introduced new ideas and challenged my assumptions. The international environment also meant that we studied health issues from a global viewpoint, which added layers of complexity and relevance to the coursework.
One challenge I faced was adjusting to the self-directed learning style, as it was quite different from the more structured approach at UQ. I had to manage my time more effectively and stay disciplined to stay on track without the same level of guidance. To overcome this, I created detailed schedules, set personal goals, and sought help from peers and professors when necessary. This helped me balance my workload and stay organized.
In comparison to my studies at UQ, the workload was manageable but required a different type of effort. While UQ courses were more lecture-based with regular assignments, the PBL system in Maastricht required more preparation before and after each session, as well as active participation. Though it was challenging at first, the interactive nature of the system made learning more engaging and rewarding.
This experience has shaped my academic approach by teaching me the importance of self-motivation and the value of collaborative learning. I feel more confident in managing my time and tackling complex problems independently. It also reinforced my passion for working in an international academic environment, where I can learn from peers and professors across the globe.
Professional Development
During my time abroad, I developed a range of skills and attributes that will significantly contribute to my professional development and future employability.
One of the most important skills I honed was adaptability. Moving to a new country with a different educational system and cultural environment forced me to become more flexible in my thinking and actions. This will be invaluable in any professional setting, as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and new challenges is essential in today's fast-paced, globalized world.
I also strengthened my communication skills, especially in a multicultural context. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds in small group discussions and presentations allowed me to refine my ability to communicate effectively with people from various cultures and disciplines. This experience has prepared me to work in diverse, international teams, which is an important asset in any field, particularly in global health or international relations.
Additionally, I developed problem-solving and critical thinking skills through the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. This required me to not only understand academic concepts but to apply them in real-world scenarios. These problem-solving skills will directly transfer to my future career, where I will need to think critically and propose innovative solutions to complex issues.
A key challenge was managing the workload in a self-directed learning environment. The PBL system required a different type of time management and discipline, as I had to prepare for each session independently. I overcame this by creating detailed study plans and setting specific goals for each week. I also sought feedback from peers and professors to ensure I was on track. This has enhanced my organizational skills and taught me the importance of balancing independent work with collaboration.
In terms of employability, these skills—adaptability, communication, problem-solving, time management, and language proficiency—are highly sought after by employers, particularly in fields like health sciences, international relations, and public health. The experience has also boosted my confidence in navigating unfamiliar environments and challenges, which will be valuable in any professional setting.
Costs and Budget
During my time in the Netherlands, I used several budgeting techniques to keep track of my expenses and make sure I stayed within my limits. The first thing I did was create a weekly budget that covered essential expenses like accommodation, food, and transport, while also leaving some room for occasional travel and leisure activities.
Accommodation: I paid around 620 euros per month for an apartment shared with two other girls, which was quite affordable given the central location.
Food: The cost of food was one of the bigger challenges, as produce in the Netherlands is relatively expensive. I spent about 50-65 euros per week on groceries. I found that cooking at home was much cheaper, but eating out could cost anywhere between 15-25 euros per meal, depending on where I went.
Transport: I rented a bike for 20 euros a month, which was incredibly convenient and cheap. However, public transport was quite expensive, especially during the winter months when I didn't use my bike as often. I spent a lot more on transport during those months, so I would recommend budgeting carefully for travel, particularly if you plan on using buses or trains.
Travel: Fortunately, traveling within Europe was surprisingly affordable. Flights to places like Italy could be as low as 15 euros when booked early. A great tip for budget travel is to look for flights from neighboring countries like Germany or Belgium, as flying out from there can be cheaper. I also used companies like FlixBus or Flibco for more affordable long-distance travel, which saved me a lot of money.
Advice for future students: My biggest piece of advice would be to rent a bike to save on transportation costs, especially if you plan to live in a city like Maastricht, where biking is very common. Plan your grocery shopping carefully and be mindful of the costs of eating out. Also, make use of low-cost travel options like budget airlines and buses for weekend trips, and consider traveling from nearby countries to get the best deals on flights.
Accommodation
Securing accommodation in Maastricht was a bit challenging, especially considering the housing crisis in the city, which is common in many student towns. However, I was fortunate to connect with a group of girls on Facebook who helped me find a great apartment. Living with my roommates was one of the highlights of my experience, and I made lifelong friends with these girls. I would highly recommend living with others, especially during the initial stages of settling in—it provides support and a sense of community.
The only downside was that my apartment was slightly outside the city center. However, given that Maastricht is a small town, the extra 5-10 minutes of travel time was hardly an issue. Overall, the location worked out just fine, and I enjoyed the peacefulness of being just outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
Highlights
Meeting new people from different backgrounds and all connecting on a much personal level as most students are in the same boat and living by themselves. Additionally being able to travel and and see the world was a major highlight.
Top Tips
Here are some top tips and advice for future students:
Secure Accommodation Early: Maastricht, like many student towns, has a housing crisis, so try to secure your accommodation as early as possible. Use Facebook groups, university housing platforms, and local listings to find a place. Connecting with others can help, as I did with a group of girls who helped me find a good apartment.
Rent a Bike: The Netherlands is one of the best places to bike, and renting a bike is a great way to save money on transport. It’s affordable (I paid 20 euros a month) and will save you on public transport costs, especially since public transport can be quite expensive, particularly in winter.
Cook at Home: Food can be pricey in the Netherlands, particularly fresh produce, so cooking at home is the most cost-effective option. I spent around 50-65 euros per week on groceries. This way, you can budget better and also enjoy healthier meals.
Use Budget Travel Options: Europe is super affordable to travel within, especially if you’re flexible. Flights can sometimes be as cheap as 15 euros, especially to places like Italy. A great tip is to fly out from nearby countries like Germany or Belgium, as flights are cheaper. Also, companies like FlixBus and Flibco offer budget-friendly transport options.
Live with Roommates: Living with others, especially during your first few months, is a great way to settle in. It gives you a sense of community and support, and you can make lifelong friends, as I did with my roommates. It’s also cheaper, which is always a plus.
Be Prepared for the Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, so pack for all seasons—especially if you're not used to cold and rainy winters. Invest in a good waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes.
Explore Maastricht: Although my apartment was slightly outside the city, Maastricht is small, and the extra 5-10 minutes of travel time was hardly an issue. Explore the city’s historic charm, local cafes, and hidden gems—it’s a great town to live in!
