"After finishing highschool, I wanted to pursue higher education but I was not sure what I wanted to study or where. After visiting the Open Day at Maastricht University, I was attracted to the idea of Europe and European integration. I promptly enrolled in the bachelor's in European Studies, which enabled me to gain knowledge on this topic. After reflecting on which direction I wanted my future career to take, I discovered a passion for health and wellness. This led me to reconcile my previous education with a focus on public health through the European Public Health programme.

One major thing that drew me to Maastricht University was its Problem-Based Learning system. In my experience, it is an environment where a student can thrive by sharing their knowledge in small groups and where discussion is based on the contribution of the students.

The European Public Health bachelor embraces a multidisciplinary approach. You will be looking at public health through the lens of a clinician learning the characteristics and symptoms of infectious diseases, from a legal perspective when studying regulations and directive, and from the viewpoint of an epidemiologist with the spread and distribution of diseases.

European Public Health at Maastricht University offers many opportunites within the studies. In the third year, students complete a placement / internship while they are working on their thesis. In the second year, students may go on a six-month exchange to partner universities. What I really like about the programme is that you can get work experience before you graduate as well as experiencing a semester abroad!

The city of Maastricht can best be qualified as gezellig, cozy. Cafes and restaurants dot the streets, offering a wide variety of cuisines. There are opportunities for exercise at UM sports, the university sports centre; you can join the collective classes, go to the gym or go bouldering if that's your thing. In Maastricht, there are plenty of associations which can help you develop your interests or passions. I was able to be part of the student media group 'Breaking Maas', as well as the university’s cheerleading team."