Maastricht - Universiteit Maastricht

Q. What does this program offer?
A. The University of Maastricht has been listed in the Top 10 business schools of Europe for over a decade. About 12,000 students are enrolled at the university. The University of Maastricht immerses students into a different system of education: problem-based learning. This type of education has been widely acclaimed by business professionals as yielding effective and well-prepared business professionals. Furthermore,The University of Maastricht operates on a block schedule, meaning that students take only two courses at a time (two courses during the first two months of the semester and two more during the last two months of the semester).

Q. What is it like there?
A. Maastricht is the oldest city in the Netherlands and its student population accounts for about 10 percent of the city's total population of 122,000. Located just an hour from Brussels, and just over two hours from Amsterdam, the city encompasses many aspects of contemporary European culture while maintaining a section of town where you can see older churches, houses, and musuems. All sections of Maastricht are easily navigable thanks to a well-organized public transportation system. Many citizens of Maastricht also enjoy biking to the city center to enjoy cafes, shops, outdoor markets, the library, and museums. The Meuse River also offers many water sports including candle-light cruises and a boat trip to the St Pieter Caves and the Dumoulin Fortress. Many students even choose to walk over the border to Belgium, and take a day trip to Amsterdam or Aachen, Germany.

Q. What will I study?
A. The University of Maastricht offers business courses with an international emphasis in English as well as Dutch language and culture. No previous Dutch language study is required.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. Students live in or around town in either privately or publicly owned student houses and apartments. While there is no housing shortage in Maastricht, it is advisable that students make their housing preferences early in order to have the best chance at their first choice of accommodation. The accommodations are all fully furnished and students can request a double room or a single room. All housing is located within walking distance to the university.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you will earn between 12 and 15 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not be figured into your GPA. Although you are guaranteed to receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to get pre-approval for how the courses you might take fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will need to look up what courses are available on the program and then arrange to meet with your academic advisor to get pre-approval for the courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable to you. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, information technology fees and the student health center fee. You will also pay a $500 study abroad administrative fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include international airfare, on-site housing costs, residence permit/visa fees, health insurance and other miscellaneous expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application. More information is also available on the MU Financial Aid Office website.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior with a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or better, you are eligible to apply.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Universiteit Maastricht website for more information about the program.