Interview with Elena Wind, Student Ambassador MA European Studies 2024-2025
Why did you choose to study European Studies in Maastricht?
“Maastricht University is a well-known university. I like the location of the city, right on the border of Germany and Belgium. I believe European Studies will help me to broaden my horizon. I hope to better understand the challenges we are facing in Europe. I’m interested to learn about the mechanisms that cause the crises we are currently facing, and what role different actors play.”
What do you enjoy most about your studies?
“Some friends back home told me about the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system, which immediately sounded very interesting. It feels like the opposite of the lecture-based system I had in Germany. I like the direct interaction between students and teachers. PBL allows me to become a better time manager. Instead of studying last minute, I now study already during the course.
I also really enjoy the international environment. We meet people with different nationalities from all over Europe. They bring a wide variety of perspectives to the table, which is very enriching. And this is also good for my language skills.”
What would be your dream career?
“Coming out of this programme, there are so many opportunities. I have some general ideas about what I want to do next. I want my job to be meaningful. I would like a position where I can change things for the better. Development aid or contributing to the bilateral relations between Germany and France could be interesting directions. It would be great if I could contribute to more mutual understanding between people in some way.”
How do you like living in Maastricht?
“The city is the perfect size. We can cycle everywhere and easily meet with friends. I like to study in cafés, and I enjoy a good pub quiz every now and then. And it’s so close to other major cities, like Brussels. That’s really just around the corner.”
Do you have a favourite place in town?
“Stadspark - the city park - is the best place to study or hang with friends in spring and summer. But I guess I must give a shout out to Banditos! That’s the coffee place in the FASoS building. It’s a great place to spend some time, study, meet people and eat cookies.”
October 2024