My time in Maastricht has been filled with many exciting moments and educational opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom (I seem to prefer the ones that occur outside the classroom). These experiences have occurred in Maastricht due to the city’s rich history and culture that dates back to the time of the Roman Empire.
I have also had many learning opportunities at Maastricht University as the international approach of the university has allowed me to study with students from all over the world and allowed me to learn about their views on business, international relations and American culture. Lastly, these educational experiences have occurred as I have traveled around Central Europe to major nearby cities such as Paris and Amsterdam. Placed in the heart of Central Europe, Maastricht has many elements of the countries (Belgium, Germany, France, and Luxembourg) that surround it.
First, traveling to Amsterdam and the surrounding countryside exposed me to the Dutch influence in Maastricht. From the countless amount of bicycles being ridden around the city to the architecture, Amsterdam’s culture is truly prevalent in Maastricht. The reflection of culture is shown in the Dutch people who have incredibly unique personalities which are hard to describe in a few words but include: intelligent (many speak 3-4 languages), blunt (their efficient habits seem to carry over to their vocabulary), and fun-loving (Maastricht holds a weeklong Carnaval celebration in which people of all ages parade through the streets in Halloween-esque costumes).
Secondly, my trip to Paris showed me the French influence on the city of Maastricht which can be described in one word, food! To many students’ delight, the traditional bakeries and cafes of Paris can also be found on the streets of Maastricht serving pastries and baguettes.
Maastricht’s location allows it to have not only an international blend of cultures, but also have the feel of a traditional medieval, Dutch town. While I have explored the Dutch and French influences on the city, I still plan on exploring nearby cities such as Antwerp and Bruges to learn more about the Belgian influence and Cologne to experience the German culture.
Peter Quirk is a junior studying Finance.
