Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: I was not confident in perusing a master's in the future due to self-doubt. I felt that the only way to get rid of that self-doubt was to study abroad. Helping me to get out of my comfort zone and demonstrating what I could achieve.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: The highlight I had throughout my study abroad experience was being able to travel to other countries around Europe, such as Germany, Spain, the UK, etc.. Not only, but also being able to interact with many international students across the world helped me be more open-minded. Of course, making great friends from other parts of the world and keeping in contact.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: The greatest challenge that I overcame was facing a new education system that was completely different from what I was used to. The major difference is that the class size was very small. For example, in each class, there would be 10 to 12 students. For this reason, it was important to engage in class because it was a big portion of our grade. Adjusting to a whole new culture, as well as the environment was also very difficult. Which is something that I learned to appreciate throughout my journey because I feel very comfortable interacting with anyone without feeling timid.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: Maastricht had the quarter system which was very intense compared to UC Merced that has the semester system. Exposing me to the different structure of the classes, assignments, and exams that I was not used to in the beginning.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: Maastricht University is one of the top ten schools in the Netherlands and being able to pass my courses gave me the confidence of not being afraid of pursuing my Masters in the future. Reminding myself that I can do anything if I'm willing to give it my best. And even if I do not succeed at times, it is alright because you learn from those experiences. Demonstrating that the Netherlands has changed my views about not adding too much pressure to myself and that sometimes it is okay to sit down, drink coffee and breath.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: I strongly recommend reading the "Student Guide to Study Abroad" which helped me understand how to deal with cultural shock and other emotional factors that helped me cope with coming back from studying abroad. Without the guide I would not have known how to adjust back home.
Q: Describe a typical day for you abroad.
A: I wake up to a cold but bright day and getting ready to head out to class while walking I see the preserved walls that once covered the city. When I get to my class, I interact with people from different parts of the world. Which in the beginning I felt out of place, but as time passed, I started to feel at home. When class is over, I head out to the guesthouse, but as I'm walking by the cafes, I see people sitting and sipping their coffee or tea. They are not rushed. Instead, I see the joy in their face and the calm atmosphere they project on me. Afterward, I go for a run and I go to my favorite place where there is a very large canal and all I see is forest and boats on the canal.
