Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: I chose to study abroad in Maastricht, Netherlands because it offered me the opportunity to explore Europe, a continent I had never visited before. Initially, I hesitated studying abroad for a semester due to my strict academic schedule—I'm double majoring in Biology and Public Health with plans to graduate in 4.5 years. However, the courses offered at Maastricht University perfectly aligned with my academic plans, allowing me to study abroad for the Fall 2024 semester.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: My highlight of my study abroad experience was being able to travel to 15 countries in Europe! I traveled for multiple weekends in a row and often to multiple countries in one weekend. It was a lot of flying, train rides, and staying at hostels, but it was all worth it. Thankfully, my school schedule often had 3-4 day weekends (Mondays and Fridays off), so I got to take that time to travel a lot!
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: My greatest challenge abroad was keeping up with my classes and assignments. At Maastricht University, you take half your classes spread out between two blocks within a semester. So instead of taking four classes within 3-4 months, I took 2 of my classes in 1.5 months between August-October and then my other two classes between October-December. I took challenging courses, including genetics and biochemistry. I found the courses a lot more challenging due to the fast pace and heavy workload, and the course grade is only made up 1 exam and 1 final. I had to cancel a few of my travel plans in order to focus on studying, which payed off as I was able to pass all my classes.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: The lecture styles for my European Public Health and Social Psychology Class were smaller and more in depth compared to courses at UC Merced. There were only 10-12 people per class, and everyone is expected to talk and discuss within the course with the professor. I was able to really engage in lectures and discussions with my peers and professors, which helped me build a strong connection with the faculty. Within the science courses I took, the exams and assignments were much more conceptual and situational compared to UC Merced courses. Many questions on exams are based on case studies and real stories, which require critical thinking and creativity. I believe learning with this method really helped me understand the content in a much more in depth manner.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: The biggest skill/habit I gained from studying abroad was learning how to cook! I had my own kitchen in my dorm, which influenced me to learn how to cook. Eating out was not common and was often expensive, and grocery stores were easily accessible (5-minute walk) and affordable. A dozen of eggs were about 3-4 Euros! I experimented a lot with cooking (and failed a lot), but I took those habits back home to Merced, where I cook daily for myself.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: My biggest advice is to make local friends and be open-minded. I made many friends that I still connect with today, and I am grateful to have done so. Being open-minded and mindful is the best way to have a great experience studying abroad, especially if you want to travel to many other countries!
Q: Describe a typical day abroad.
A: My typical day was waking up to cook breakfast. I often cooked avocado toast with eggs and bacon. Afterward, I liked to snack on toast and hagelslag, which are essentially chocolate sprinkles, a Dutch staple. On the days I had class, I took the bus to the other side of the city to attend class and study with friends. Afterwards, I liked to visit the city center to shop, drink coffee, and shop at local flea markets.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
A: I would go to Spain or Ireland! They are the two travel locations I had to cancel to focus on studying and catching up with assignments!
