Study Story: Maureen and Joëlle

“I’m really enjoying studying at Maastricht University (UM)! In particular, the problem-based learning approach suits me very well. By discussing the topics with other students and delving deeper into the material, it really sticks in your memory.

Another aspect of my studies that I really appreciate is the focus on developing a critical mindset. This is not only important when learning research skills, but it also teaches you to look critically at the world around you. Nowadays, there is more information available than ever before, which makes it more difficult to distinguish reliable and accurate information from invalid sources. That’s why it’s incredibly important that students learn to recognise bias in a source.

I also find the content of the courses really interesting. Although we can choose many different subjects from various disciplines, they are always connected in some way. UCM encourages us to apply a multidisciplinary approach.

I put this into practice during our project period. During these weeks, I had to write an essay with a student from a different academic background. I worked together with a student who studies politics and art, while my focus is more on politics and sociology. As we wrote the essay, we combined our disciplines by writing about cultural policy from both a sociological and an artistic perspective. I am still very proud of the final result and the uniqueness of the topic.

This project showed me how important it is to have an integrated view of different issues. Especially because problems are often not linked to just one specific category, and therefore usually require knowledge from various disciplines.”

“Before I started my studies at UCM, I already expected that the programme would suit me well. And now, two years later, I can happily say that this is still the case! I’m glad that in my first year I had the opportunity to take many different courses. This gave me the chance to develop a new passion for environmental studies and sustainability.

Another aspect of my studies that I’m really excited about is the opportunity I’ve been given to pursue a double bachelor’s degree at University College Freiburg next year. This means that I will be studying in Germany for a year. After that year, I will return to Maastricht to complete my studies at UCM. This opportunity allows me to delve deeper into subjects related to the environment and sustainability, and I can’t wait to go!”

“In the future, I would like to focus on policy development and policy analysis, and on addressing political and social issues. Since policy has a direct impact on society, it is important to focus on the human aspect when implementing policies. That’s why it is essential to understand how government institutions influence us, and also how we, from the outside, can influence politics ourselves.

During my studies at UCM, I have the opportunity not only to focus on politics, but also to look at the impact of politics from a sociological perspective. Combining my two favourite disciplines is very valuable to me, as it allows me to develop a holistic approach.”

“My ambition for the future is to pursue a master’s degree in the field of sustainability and the environment. It is clear that sustainability and environmental change are complex issues that require a multidisciplinary approach. The multidisciplinary nature of my studies is therefore the perfect preparation for this challenge.

I find it very interesting and useful that I have the opportunity to study sustainability and the environment from different perspectives, such as economics, law, and science, all combined within one degree programme.”

“Before I received a scholarship from the Kanunnik Salden/Nieuwenhof Foundation, studying was too expensive for me. Because this scholarship pays my tuition fees, I have a lighter burden on my shoulders and it has made it possible for me to study at university. That’s why I would like to say to all future students that I hope they will also be able to enjoy their studies without being limited by their financial background. I also hope that they will apply for this unique opportunity, because they too deserve the chance to study at a university.”

“If you’re having doubts about applying for a scholarship because you’re not completely sure whether you meet the requirements, I would especially like to encourage you to apply anyway! In the best-case scenario, you will be accepted, whereas if you don’t apply, you will never know whether you could have been awarded one.

Studying at UCM, and at UM in general, has been a fantastic experience, and I hope that many other students will also get to experience this. In other words: Be brave, and see what the future has in store for you!”