Dread student debt? It can pay to go Dutch
BECKY TURNER always wanted to move abroad, but she planned to do so later on in life.
But when she couldn’t find a suitable degree course in the UK, she started looking at universities in Europe.
Becky, who is 21 and from Cambridge, had gained three Bs in history, German and performing arts A-levels at Long road Sixth-Form College.
She says: ‘ Finding a history course in the UK was easy, but I also wanted to study philosophy and politics.
‘I was surprised by the number of English-taught BA courses in the netherlands, and the Arts and Culture BA at Maastricht University covered a range of subjects to suit my interests.’
Becky attended an open day at Maastricht University, which involved a presentation on course content, student life, admin and applications.
‘ There was a specific presentation for parents, so my dad had all of his practical questions answered, too,’ she says. ‘I was impressed with the open day, and I met students from the Info-UK team in Maastricht, who assured me that I was making the right decision.
‘ Maastricht also really stood out as an international university. It was reassuring that many other students were going through the same experience of moving abroad.
‘Maastricht’s rankings are impressive, probably better than any UK university I could attend.
‘A bonus was the great value for money offered — our tuition fees are approximately £1,400 a year.’
Becky, now in the third year of her Arts and Culture Bachelor’s course, adds: ‘The course has been a lot of hard work, but I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s also been a unique learning in an international environment.’
Becky’s degree is taught entirely in English, but she has also enjoyed learning Dutch: the university offers a free course for all its new students.
She said: ‘I think attending Maastricht has definitely helped to boost my career opportunities, because it shows determination in moving abroad to study.
‘As well as this, I’ve been able to improve my German and learn some Dutch, which I’m sure will be helpful.’
After Maastricht, Becky plans to teach English as a foreign language and will also do a Masters degree in politics and society.
‘I highly recommend Maastricht,’ she says. ‘ If you’re hesitant about moving abroad, just remember most students in Maastricht have been through it, too. I suggest you contact the Student Service Centre or your sixth-form college faculty if you have any questions.’
FOR information and details of Maastricht courses, log onto www. maastrichtuniversity.nl