Interview with Liliane Marques, Student Ambassador MA Arts and Culture 2024-2025
Why did you choose to study Arts and Culture in Maastricht?
“So, it's a bit of a crazy story. After my bachelor's, I was pretty set on staying in Lisbon. I knew that I wanted to do this specific master's programme. But suddenly they just closed down the master's completely without any explanation. And I had no plan B. And so I started researching and the first master that showed up was this one! It combines everything that I love. It has art and literature. And it is very contemporary, not just studying classical literature. Moreover, it is about understanding how art affects our world and the power it has to change everything.”
What do you enjoy most about your studies?
“I'd say that there are two main things. The first one is obviously the subjects. I think it's been really enlightening. It has made me broaden the way I think and perceive things. And the other thing that I enjoy is the learning system. It's been kind of life-changing because I was so frustrated with the lecture-based learning system. I was just memorizing things to then use in exams or papers. And I kept feeling frustrated because I love learning! And now for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm truly learning.
I'm not saying it's easy. Every week is demanding. We're constantly working, so it demands a lot of time commitment from us. But I think that's good because it doesn't get to that high pressure point at the end of the semester, the workload is more evenly distributed.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“Right now, my dream job would be to work at a publishing house. However, the most important thing to me is to constantly be challenged and to feel like I'm growing.”
How do you like living in Maastricht?
“First of all, I had to get used to the weather and the food. But the moment I arrived, I almost cried. Because I just felt at home. It has everything I need, and it has that welcoming and charming environment. And I love the architecture! It's been a good adventure so far.”
October 2024