Zijian (China), Foundation Programme
Studying in an international classroom is my ideal environment.

My name is Zijian Dong, and I am a Chinese student from Beijing. Now, I am studying Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Maastricht University (UM). I grew up in the North of China where I experienced the typical Eastern education system. I believe that one's development should not be constrained in any single form, so I am always trying to be an atypical science student. I am curious about different areas, not only sciences but also culture and humanities. That is why I came to UM’s Foundation Programme, a challenging university in a calm and historical city.

The best way to master something is through practice

The Foundation Programme (FP) helped me in my academic study and personal life. I learned a lot this year! English is not my mother tongue, and though I have no difficulty in reading, there are still shortcomings in my speaking. The best way to master something is through practice! In the FP I met lots of friends and we all used English to communicate. That really helped my English speaking. If you have the same problem, the Foundation Programme is the perfect choice for you.  I also learned how to write in an academic context, the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method and presentation skills – those experiences are definitely helpful in my bachelor's study.

In addition to academics, I also got familiar with Maastricht. Maastricht is not a big or modern city, it is very peaceful. I really like to hang out with my friends after class. Maastricht is very friendly with students and you can always find a place to relax. Getting used to my living area last year makes me more focused on my study today.

You meet friends from different nationalities and learn about various cultures. Though we come from different places, everyone is friendly and full of respect for each other 

Studying in an international classroom is my ideal environment. You meet friends with different nationalities and learn about various cultures. Though we come from different places, everyone is friendly and full of respect for each other. You do not need to worry about being different from others – everyone is a special character. I feel really blessed to study with students from different continents, it is a very special memory for me.

Generally, the transition to the Netherlands was not so difficult for me. I am used to living by myself so for me it was just a switch of city. The biggest problem was to find a place to settle in and get acquainted with different stores and shops. I would say the most difficult part  about the transition is diet. Because I am Chinese, there are huge differences between Eastern cuisine and Western dishes. I do enjoy both but sometimes I miss my hometown’s cuisine! But that is not a big problem. Thanks to FP, I had more time to get used to my new life and now I just feel like a real member in this beautiful city.

The time really flies at Foundation Programme and I will hold on to the precious memories.

For a typical day at the Foundation Programme, I begin my first course at 8:30 am, starting with English practice. After that I will continue with other courses or go to the common room. In the common room I begin my self-study, finish my assignments, or do some more reading.

I also meet with my friends within the common room, talk to each other and help each other with common study problems. I have to say, the common room is my favorite study area, I spent lots of time in there. After a day of study, I may hang out with friends or go back to my home. On the weekend I sometimes go to the library, or the shopping street to buy some daily necessities.

Since the Covid-19 breakout we had switched to online class. This meant that I went back to my country and I only had contact with my peers through the internet. This situation continued till we graduated from FP. It is a bit sad that I did not meet my fellows in the end, but I still appreciate the time we spent together and believe we will meet each other sometime! I still remember the first time I entered the FP building, where I saw my tutors and picked up my enrollment certificate, like it was yesterday. The time really flies at FP but I will hold on to the precious memories.

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