By: Moses Caldwell

Hello to everyone reading this!!!

I’m now two months into my exchange semester at Maastricht SBE in the Netherlands! Time is flying faster than I cycle to class — which, believe me, is saying something.

Student Life

Like every exchange student will tell you, the university has so much to offer. There are countless associations to join, covering every interest imaginable. At the start of the semester, I joined the football club, but I quickly realised it didn’t quite fit my schedule. Luckily, I was able to switch to the futsal (indoor football) team instead. We train twice a week and usually have a game on Friday or Monday, which means I still have my weekends free to travel or catch up on study.

Joining a sports team has been such a great way to meet new people, stay active, and work towards improving a skill. photo after we won 6–5 against the top team in the league!)

I’ve also joined a young adults group at the church I attend here in Maastricht. We meet every Monday, and it’s been an incredible space to grow friendships, connect with others, and continue to practice my faith.

Travelling While Abroad

I’ve quickly learned that if you want to make the most of your travels, time management is key. The workload at Maastricht SBE is no joke, but so far I’ve managed to explore a new city almost every second weekend — including Amsterdam, Brussels, Manchester, and Rotterdam. As I’m writing this, I’m packing my bag for Paris!

Once you register with the city municipality and receive your Dutch residence permit, you unlock all sorts of student discounts — like free public transport within the Netherlands and baggage discounts on Ryanair. Thanks to that, I was able to fly to Manchester for just $50!

It’s been incredible to visit and appreciate places I’ve only ever seen on social media or in photos.

Final Thoughts

In just two months, I’ve learned so much — not only about Dutch culture and life in Maastricht, but also about myself. Moving to a new country where you don’t know anyone pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you grow in ways you don’t expect. There are plenty of challenges, but even more moments of joy and discovery.

So if you’re on the fence about applying for an exchange next year, I 100% recommend it. Put yourself out there and see what the world has to offer!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at mosescaldwell10@gmail.com

Cheers, Moses