By Matt Clark

While at times it seemed like my exchange would last forever, it is unfortunately coming to an end, and I find myself saying my final goodbyes.  For my final blog post, I have been asked to share a few thoughts on my semester abroad.

Highlights of my exchange

• The study at University College Maastricht (UCM).  I enjoyed having smaller classes with discussion-based learning.  I felt this helped me to better digest the course content, improve my core academic skills as well as get to know my classmates better, some of whom became very close friends.
• The ability to travel and sightsee with friends made during my time here.  Personal highlights of mine include attending Oktoberfest in Munich, sightseeing in Paris, a long weekend away with floor-mates in Dublin as well as day trips to the nearby Dutch cities and neighbouring countries.
• Maastricht itself. I cannot recommend UCM and Maastricht enough as a semester exchange location.  It is not a big city, but there is always something new to explore.  It is beautiful & charming, something straight out of a movie.  I enjoyed the social opportunities on offer in Maastricht – there were no barriers to meeting new people and making new friends.

Challenges I faced while abroad

I had a great time abroad. Thankfully, I didn’t have many major challenges or homesickness to work through. When living abroad, EVERYTHING is new – where to buy groceries, gym memberships, transport, academics, directions, etc. Even trying to figure out the printing system proved to be a handful! These differences can be made even harder by a language barrier. If you are reading this and are considering a semester exchange – a piece of advice: It will be challenging! It is all part of the experience, and you will be much better off for it. Another challenge I had while abroad was with one of my papers. I chose an AI elective course thinking it would be interesting and relevant given our increasing reliance on the technology. The paper teachings were not at all what I had envisioned, and I was unable to change this paper for another. If you ever find yourself in this situation – seek help immediately. I did not do this, and by the time I did seek help, it was already too late for me to change course.

What my exchange has taught me

It has certainly changed the way I view myself, the world and my role in it.  During my semester abroad, I have been able to interact with people from all corners of the world.  Learning about their countries, cultures and languages has given me a new appreciation for international relations and politics.  Our world is very connected – you certainly feel that  more so when living abroad.  I kid you not, every day or week while in Maastricht, there seemed to be some sort of international news, event or crisis, and I would know someone who was directly impacted.  Not only did it give me greater appreciation of global events (sometimes we can be a bit blissfully unaware  down under) but I was able to talk to people to better understand these events and ask questions.

How I expect my exchange will affect my future

This exchange has instilled a level of confidence in me I did not have before.  Having previously lived at home and never travelled alone, I have now travelled and lived abroad for 4 months in an entirely new setting and with an entirely new group of people (I did not meet a single other Kiwi in Maastricht!).  I know that if I ever decide to pursue a new opportunity, whether it be living abroad, a new job or hobby, I am capable of adapting.  I feel like a global citizen, and while my semester exchange is coming to an end, I do believe it has opened my eyes to a world of opportunity I was previously unaware of.  Thank you to UCM and the Waikato Global Experiences team for their help and this awesome opportunity.  Memories to last a lifetime.