Program Overview
This 3-week program designed specifically for CISaustralia students is hosted at Maastricht University – considered one of the best young universities in the world! Maastricht is a perfect city to enjoy part of your summer Uni break while gaining academic credit for a course in International Environmental Law, Positive Psychology or International Relations and Politics in the EU.
The town invites you to explore its historic buildings, cutting-edge architecture and industrial heritage. Thanks to the large international student population, the city also hosts a vibrant cultural scene and has numerous cafés, restaurants, pubs, museums, theatres, music venues, sports facilities and shops to explore.
Maastricht University focuses on a global outlook while being closely connected to the surrounding community and preparing students to be ready for the national and international labour markets. The University plays a leading role in the creation and diffusion of world-class knowledge and innovation, with the aim of providing students and staff an international learning experience and environment. With half of its students coming from abroad, the University is an extraordinary melting pot of cultures, languages and nationalities.
This comprehensive study abroad experience and on-site support provide full assistance with everything from academic advising to immersion into Dutch life. Each course incorporates course related field trips to various places within and/or outside of the Netherlands. Located in the heart of Europe, this hands-on program, both inside and outside of the classroom, is sure to provide an unforgettable and life-changing experience!
Highlights
Here are just a few highlights that make this program exciting and unique:
- Study at the most international university in the Netherlands! Considered one of the best young universities in the world, Maastricht University has a strong focus on social engagement and is a pioneer of Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
- Enjoy a comprehensive program that prides itself on providing the best possible European study abroad experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
- See European and International institutions at work, e.g. visit European Parliament and the European Commission in Brussels or the International Criminal Court in the Hague*
- Gain credit for a dynamic and engaging course (taught in English) designed for international students.
- Experience life in this popular student town that mixes medieval and modern architecture and is home to a vibrant cultural scene.
- Located in the heart of Europe, enjoy quick and easy access to other countries and major European cities!
*course selection dependent
Sample Itinerary
Week 1/ Arrival:
- Check-in and welcome pizza dinner (Sunday)
- Opening ceremony and introduction (including lunch)
- Maastricht excursion
Week 2:
- Classes
Week 3:
- Classes
- Final exam or symposium
- Closing ceremony
- Check-out of accommodation by 12pm on final day (Saturday)
Choose Your Course
The January in Maastricht, the Netherlands program is hosted by the Center for European Studies (CES) at Maastricht University. Each 3-week course is dynamic, hands-on and intensive. Some courses integrate course related field trips. All courses are designed for international students and are taught in English.
Course Offerings:
- International Environmental Law
- International Relations and Politics in the European Union: Peace, Conflict and Human Rights
- Positive Psychology
Note: There is a minimum class size of 10 students for each course. There is a maximum of 25 participants for International Environmental Law and Positive Psychology and maximum of 32 students for International Relations and Politics in the EU. If the minimum class size is not met, the class may not be offered. For more information, please contact your CISaustralia Program Advisor.
Course Load: 1 course, each equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits / 36 contact hours
- Depending on your Australian university, “courses” may be referred to as “subjects” or “units”.
- Each course/subject/unit you undertake on a CISaustralia program is designed to be a full-time, semester course that has been condensed to fit into an intensive, short-term program. As such, for any 1 course you study abroad, you should receive the credit points for 1 full-time course/subject/unit at your Australian university.
- Many universities work off of a 1-for-1 equivalency (1 course abroad = 1 course in Australia), but ultimately credit approval is the decision of your faculty and Australian university.
- CISaustralia strongly recommends that you have any overseas courses pre-approved for academic credit before you depart for your program. Some documentation that may be useful are the course outline/syllabus, program overview and the contact hours.
- Although you will only take 1 course on the program, it is best to get 2-3 courses approved by your university before you go overseas. This gives you some flexibility in case your first choice is not offered due to low enrolment.
- Please be aware that the courses listed below are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed year on year.
- Your CISaustralia Program Advisor can assist with any questions or details your university needs to make a decision.
Academic Requirement: To qualify for this program, students must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 4.5 (out of 7) or equivalent. If your current GPA falls below the requirement, you may still be considered for the program but will need to be prepared to provide supporting documentation. Please contact us to discuss your situation and we will work with you to help find another suitable program if required.
Course Descriptions:
Prerequisite: a background in law
The environment knows no boundaries, while national legal systems do. It is therefore of the utmost importance to develop international law approaches in order to deal with transboundary and global environmental problems. While environmental law originally focused on local problems like smoke and noise, today we are confronted with transboundary and global environmental problems like the continuing loss of biodiversity, long-distance air-pollution, and the threat of climate change. The conservation of important nature, the sound condition of air, water and soil, and the environmental safety of products and economic activities are core concerns.
Law serves as an important instrument to improve and protect the environment. The course International Environmental Law (IEL) discusses the role of international law – and the emerging body of global environmental law – in order to protect the environment. It takes a fundamental approach which means that we will examine environmental law from the perspective of principles, environmental rights, and the choice and design of regulatory instruments. Both strengths and, unfortunately, weaknesses will be discussed. As far as international law falling short, the importance of national approaches and private initiatives will be addressed. Some specific attention will go to the European Union as a regional international organisation addressing, inter alia, environmental problems. The world-wide problem of climate change serves as the leading case of this course.
Prerequisites: a background in politics/ international relations/ history
The European Union started in 1951 as an attempt to prevent a new World War in Europe. No other region has displayed similar willingness to give up important parts of national sovereignty in pursuit of a stronger global competitive positioning.
The European Union keeps pressuring the integration-process at a pace which is too fast for some and too slow for others. This integration has a direct impact on the daily lives of all citizens in Europe. The accession of the new Central and Eastern European Member-States poses new challenges for the EU. The East-West labour migration, which is driven by wage differentials creates both opportunities and problems. The free movement of people, and the current refugee crisis, has strained social welfare systems in some of the richer Member-States. Political pressures and the credibility of the EU integration system question the present forms of integration. Pressure such as Brexit, the Eurozone crisis and the related high-unemployment figures make national sovereignty more attractive for some voters.
The course offers a comprehensive coverage of the key political and economic policy areas of the European Union with analysis of the different approaches to regional integration throughout the history of the European Union. The course analyses the historical, political and economic bases for the rise of the European Union from its origins in the post-World War II recovery, to its historic enlargement in 2004 and 2007. Most of the present tensions inside the EU directly relate to the economic integration process and reflect on all other fields of European integration.
Further attention is paid to the protection of human rights within the European integration process. A comparison between the European and UN-framework for the protection of human rights will be made and practically applied to specific cases.
The course will give students an in-depth look at the European legal, economic and political landscape. The course contains academic classes around these themes, as well as field trips to a number of relevant institutions.
This intensive course includes two course related field trips to Brussels and The Hague.
Prerequisite: a background in psychology
Positive psychology was introduced by Martin Seligman around 2000 and can be viewed as a supplementary approach to clinical psychology. The positive psychological movement formulated three aims: (1) to focus on well-being and happiness instead of abnormal behaviour and psychopathology, (2) to be concerned with building positive qualities and strengths instead of repairing damage, and (3) to prevent future problems instead of correcting past and present problems.
The course will start with a general introduction to the field of positive psychology. The main concepts will be introduced and clarified, and an overview of the results of happiness studies will be presented. In subsequent meetings, various more specific topics will be discussed by means of lectures and group discussions. There will be ample room to gain hands-on experience with positive psychological techniques ranging from simple journaling exercises to mindfulness meditation. A scientific evidence-based approach will be leading. Students will be provided with the tools to be able to evaluate and design research in the area of positive psychology, and also with the skills to apply some (basic) intervention techniques.
The instructional approach will include lectures, interactive meetings, group discussions, practical workshops and student presentations. Final assessment will be by means of an individual paper on a topic of choice. On the last day of the course, a student conference is held where each student presents their paper (review or research proposal) either by poster or an oral presentation.
This intensive course includes one course related field trip.
Prerequisite: a background in law
The environment knows no boundaries, while national legal systems do. It is therefore of the utmost importance to develop international law approaches in order to deal with transboundary and global environmental problems. While environmental law originally focused on local problems like smoke and noise, today we are confronted with transboundary and global environmental problems like the continuing loss of biodiversity, long-distance air-pollution, and the threat of climate change. The conservation of important nature, the sound condition of air, water and soil, and the environmental safety of products and economic activities are core concerns.
Law serves as an important instrument to improve and protect the environment. The course International Environmental Law (IEL) discusses the role of international law – and the emerging body of global environmental law – in order to protect the environment. It takes a fundamental approach which means that we will examine environmental law from the perspective of principles, environmental rights, and the choice and design of regulatory instruments. Both strengths and, unfortunately, weaknesses will be discussed. As far as international law falling short, the importance of national approaches and private initiatives will be addressed. Some specific attention will go to the European Union as a regional international organisation addressing, inter alia, environmental problems. The world-wide problem of climate change serves as the leading case of this course.
COVID Safe Travel
The health and safety of our students is our highest priority. We take our duty of care for our students, their families and our Australian University partners seriously. For all of our program locations, we have developed a site-specific COVID-19 risk matrix and risk management and emergency response plans so that health and safety response protocols are monitored, managed and communicated.
In preparation for your overseas program, it’s important that you carefully read and understand information related to COVID-19 Travel Safety and Insurance Requirements.
CISaustralia monitors Smartraveller and reliable news feeds to keep up to date with the latest COVID information and any associated travel restrictions and entry requirements for all destinations where we have programs. Due to the constantly evolving COVID-19 situation, Government travel advice can change quickly. For the most up to date information on the Netherlands, visit the Smartraveller website.
The Volunteer's Role
Placements
Job Board
Excursions
During the program, you will enjoy an excursion in Maastricht, a group dinner, a group lunch, and an opening and closing ceremony.
Depending on the course students choose, there may be course-related excursions included in the academic program. These excursions are included within the program fees.
Please note course field trips are subject to change and are indicative only.
January 2025 Excursions:
- The International Relations & Politics course will have 2 field trips (Brussels and the Hague).
- The International Environmental Law course will have 1 field trip (the Hague)
- Positive Psychology does not have a specific course related field trip, but the professor organises special events herself, for example, a sound bath meditation.
Location
Situated on the southern tip of the Netherlands between Germany and Belgium, Maastricht is one of the oldest and most visited cities in the country. It is a popular student town distinguished by its mix of medieval-era and ultramodern architecture, cobblestoned old town, impressive churches and squares, and a lively cultural scene. More than 10% of the population is students, and almost half of those are international.
This beautiful European town and historic city centre makes for a very safe, comfortable and inspiring learning environment. Stroll the picturesque streets and discover the countless number of inviting sidewalk cafés, restaurants, pubs, museums, theatres, music venues, sports facilities and shops. The city is compact with most of the population commuting by bike. Within 10 minutes, you can even find yourself in nature. Most of the population speaks English (and many also speak French and German) so you shouldn’t have any difficulties making yourself understood.
Maastricht was established over 2,000 years ago and has become a melting pot of Germanic and Latin cultures. Located in the heart of Europe, this makes for a perfect location to explore other parts of the continent. There are 8 airports within a 1-hour drive of the city, and Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt are all 3 hours away (or less) by train.
The University
Maastricht University is the most international university in the Netherlands with 18,000 students and 4,400 employees – and growing! It stands out for its innovative education model, international character and multidisciplinary approach to research and education. There is a strong focus on social engagement and is considered one of the best young universities in the world.
Half of the University’s students are international and represent over 100 different nationalities. The University is a pioneer of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), which challenges students not only to learn their subject matter, but also to actively develop their talents, interests and skills such as self-reliance, assertiveness and problem-solving.
Maastricht University is part of two leading European and international university networks. It is the only Dutch member of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) made up of 18 research universities across 6 continents. The network offers a platform for collaboration on education and transnational research projects. It is also among the 18 highly-ranked founding members of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN), which facilitates cooperation in scientific research, academic education and service to society. It also coordinates the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) alliance, a major strategic partnership established between 8 young research-intensive universities and 6 associate partners from across Europe.
This program is facilitated by the Center for European Studies (CES) at Maastricht University. Since 1987, CES has prided itself on providing the best possible European study abroad experiences inside and outside the classroom. CES has been organising comprehensive, English language study abroad programs for international students for more than 30 years. The small, international team of dedicated staff offer assistance with everything from academic advising to immersion into Dutch student life.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be at the Maastricht University International Guesthouse. Students can choose between a single or double room:
- Single room, C building* – you will have your own bedroom and share a communal kitchen and bathroom with the people on your floor (typically 12-16 people). The kitchen is a student residence kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, microwave oven, an electric cooking plate, and basic limited cutlery. As the kitchen is shared amongst all people on the floor, it is up to you and all other students of the residence to ensure a certain level of cleanliness is maintained. There is also a common area with some couches and a TV, where you can spend time with other students.
- Double room, P building – you will share a bedroom with another program participant and have a private kitchen. Bathrooms and additional facilities are communal with the people on your floor (typically 12-16 people). Please note there is no common area available in this building.
*Note there is limited availability for single rooms.
Each bedroom has free wireless internet. Bed linen is provided, however students need to bring their own towel. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to go shopping where you can purchase towels and other items that you may need.
Students also have free access to a tennis and basketball court as well as free laundry facilities.
Over 30 years ago, the Guesthouse was the academic teaching hospital of Maastricht. Nowadays, the student dorms are located in this building, as well as 3 general practitioners, a pharmacy and other medical facilities. The Guesthouse is staffed by security and a receptionist. Grocery shops are within 3 minutes from the accommodation and campus is about 10-20 minutes by bike or walking. Downtown Maastricht is also within a short walking distance.
Program Fee & Dates
| January 2025 (3 weeks) | |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 08 November 2024 |
| Arrival Date | 05 January 2025 |
| Departure Date | 25 January 2025 |
| Application Fee | A$ 95 |
| Program Fee | A$ 7,599 - 8,599 |
| OS-HELP | A$ 7,921 |
Program fees include the following:
- CISaustralia support services before, during and after the program
- Academic advising
- Financial advice
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Visa assistance
- Pre-departure guide and session
- Airport pick-up (on specified program arrival date within designated arrival times)
- On-site orientation
- Accommodation – single or double room
- 1 group dinner & 1 group lunch
- Opening and closing ceremonies
- Tuition fees (course material on loan (pending course selected) – EU50 refundable deposit to be asked upon the start of the course)
- Maastricht University student card with access to the University library
- Maastricht historical city tour
- Maastricht excursion including lunch
- 1 or 2 course related field trips (pending course selected)*
- Program risk matrix and COVID-19 risk assessment
- Risk Management and Emergency Response Plan
- CISaustralia 24/7 on-site support – Site Director
- Maastricht University official transcript
- CISaustralia Certificate of Participation (available on request)
What is not included:
- Program application fee
- International Student Identity Card
- Flights (CISaustralia will however provide travel guidance and support via our formal travel partner)
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees**
- Vaccinations (if required)
- Meals (unless mentioned above)
- Extra travel/excursions (other than those mentioned above)
*Positive Psychology does not have a specific course related field trip, rather the professor arranges special events, such as a sound bath meditation. For more details, please refer to the excursions tab.
**No visa is necessary for Australian citizens if staying in the Schengen zone for less than 90 days. Please speak with your Program Advisor if you are not an Australian citizen and/or are planning to travel for more than 90 days.
Note: The International Relations and Politics course offers course materials on loan for a €50 refundable deposit.
Dates are for reference only and are subject to change. Please do not book flights until you have received the confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork.
CISaustralia reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.
