By Moses Caldwell

Hello, I am Moses, currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance and Political Science. I study at the Tauranga campus!

I decided to go on an exchange because I’ve always been passionate about exploring new cultures and stepping outside my comfort zone. I saw it as an incredible opportunity to experience life from a different perspective, meet people from around the world, and immerse myself in a new environment. The chance to travel, try new things, and build connections with people from diverse backgrounds was something I couldn’t pass up.

I chose the Netherlands—and Maastricht University in particular—because it offers the perfect mix of academic and personal adventure. Maastricht’s central location in Europe made it an ideal base for travel, hopefully allowing me to explore new countries and cultures with ease. I am also drawn to the city’s unique vibe and rich history, as well as the Netherlands’ open and progressive culture. Academically, I was excited to experience the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach at Maastricht University, which encourages active participation and teaching. And as a huge football fan, being in a country that lives and breathes the sport will make the experience even better.

Through this exchange, I’m excited to learn new things—both inside and outside the classroom—and gain a deeper understanding of how people live, think, and connect in a different part of the world. Most of all, I want to fully appreciate and embrace the experience of living somewhere completely new, and come away with a broader, more open-minded perspective on life.