Hanne Hochlin had only lived within the boundaries of Norway, and wanted try living abroad. The goal of her exchange semester was to practice her English and German language skills. Additionally, the desire to meet new people and experience another culture was important when choosing an exchange destination.
Fastest growing business school in the Netherlands
After some consideration Hanne chose Maastricht University School of Business and Economics in the Netherlands. The university, started less than 20 years ago, is the fastest growing economics and business school in the Netherlands today, with a total of more than 3 750 students. The large amount of international students at the school gave her valuable experience and contacts.
- Even though Maastricht is close to Norway and in Europe there are significant differences in culture, school, and society. There is also a highly international environment at the university making it very exciting and different. Having a positive attitude and accepting these differences, made me appreciate my time on exchange. You learn a lot about yourself in away a normal semester back home never would have given you, Hanne says.
Five-minutes bike ride to Belgium
The time at Maastricht an experience she never will forget, both in terms of the cultural experience and the time at the university itself.
- My best memories from my time there are the openness from other students in the same situation, and the Friday night dinners we cooked together. I also enjoyed the culture. The Netherlands is a very small and flat country so you use a bike wherever you go. Belgium is only a five-minute bike ride away from Maastricht. So even though bicycling is not my thing, it will be one of the main memories from my time there, Hanne says.
There is no doubt in Hanne’s mind whether or not to recommend a semester on exchange.
- If you have the chance to go on exchange you should definitely take it! As long as you have an open mind it will be the best months of your student life. There will be a lot of things going on and you’re always busy, so remember to take a deep breath and sense the feeling of freedom, it is amazing, Hanne exclaims.
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