| November 2025
Honouring those who share Maastricht with the world
CORYNNE RITTNER
Christopher Newport University
ELAINE CHUANG
University of California, San Diego
EDDIE KAAKE
Xavier University
GRETCHEN WANG
Brandeis University
KATHERINE EKMAN
Beloit College
MADY FLEEGER
Indiana University
MAEESHA NAOMI
Mount Holyoke College
SOPHIA WATSON
Susquehanna University
YI YANG
Shanghai International Studies University
INSIDER INSIGHTS
Welcome to this special Ambassador Edition of cestories; a celebration of the students who carry their Maastricht experience with them long after their programme here has ended.
CES ambassadors give their time and enthusiasm in
so many thoughtful ways: supporting future students as they prepare for their own study abroad journeys, sharing insights and advice from their experiences, and representing our programmes with warmth and sincerity during study abroad fairs and info sessions.
"CES ambassadors give their time and enthusiasm in so many thoughtful ways "
In these pages, you will meet nine of our ambassadors, each sharing a unique journey that highlights not only their personal growth, but also the vibrant academic and cultural community that makes Maastricht feel like a home away from home.
As we enter this season of thanks and reflection, I want to express my gratitude to our partners, our students, and our ambassadors.
To our partners, thank you for your shared commitment to fostering meaningful global learning experiences. Our collaboration allows us to welcome exceptional students each semester, and we are truly grateful for the trust you place in us.
To our students, thank you for choosing to study abroad with CES, for your curiosity, and for embracing Maastricht with such openness and enthusiasm.
To our ambassadors, this edition would not exist without your dedication. A heartfelt thank you to the alumni featured here for sharing their reflections, and to all our ambassadors, past and present. Your willingness to represent CES, to share your experiences, and to bring Maastricht to life for others enriches our study abroad community in countless ways.
Releasing this edition during the Thanksgiving season feels especially fitting, as it gives us the chance to celebrate what lies at the heart of study abroad: community, gratitude, and connection.
Laura Byrd
Assistant director
m, warmest wishes and
of the Center for European Studies (CES) and Maastrich
Corynne completed our Cross Cultural Leadership in Maastricht programme in summer 2023. She joined our ambassador programme when she returned to Maastricht for an internship at CES a year later.
connected to Maastricht: “I enjoyed every second of my study abroad and internship experience, and I wanted to help other students find their way to have the same experience.”
"I have always loved learning about different cultures, and when I found Maastricht, I fell in love."
Why
Her main reason for studying abroad in Maastricht was to immerse herself in the Dutch culture. "I have always loved learning about different cultures, and when I found Maastricht, I fell in love. Everyone at the university was so kind and caring. The city life was safe and welcoming. I felt as if Maastricht was my home away from home from the start."
Corynne’s favourite memory took place during a visit to Amsterdam: "I spent my free time wandering through the city with a peer, and when we came across an old-timey fire station, we stopped to admire it and take a photo. The firefighters kindly invited us in and gave us a tour, let us try on their gear, and even brought us up in the bucket of the truck to get a
bird's-eye view of Amsterdam. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
What she enjoys most about being a CES ambassador
“I enjoy creating promotional content for CES and being able to share my story with others!”
"Every day you will make new memories, so make the most out of it!"
What she learned from being an ambassador...
“I have learned how to communicate with others during my time as an ambassador. I have learned how to give a pitch to interested students and helpfully answer questions!”
Elaine completed our Psychology & Neuroscience in Europe programme in fall 2024. She joined our ambassador programme at the end of her semester in Maastricht.
“I became an ambassador because I felt like I had a really great experience in Maastricht with the university, the community, traveling and making friends! It felt like everything I could ask for in a study abroad, and as someone who already works in marketing, I like creating and being a part of things that inform and excite people.”
"I had a really great experience in Maastricht with the university, the community, traveling and making friends!"
Why she chose to study abroad in Maastricht...
Elaine knew she wanted to study abroad in western Europe. Maastricht stood out because of “its central location and the tailored psychology and neuroscience program that fit seamlessly with my major at UC San Diego (cognitive neuroscience). I knew all the classes would transfer and be relevant for my coursework, and that the program would fully be in English.”
Choosing just one favourite memory is not possible for Elaine: “This is unbelievably cliche but how do I choose? Hiking down to the scenic Howth cliffs, trying to blend in with the kids at the Miffy museum, celebrating Halloween at Thuis with Riya in our horrendously bad costumes, having lunch on the old wall when the sun would come out, eating fries every other
day, having soup in Nat and Lana’s room, and it goes on…”
What she enjoys most about being a CES ambassador
“I love working at study abroad fairs and expos because it’s basically an opportunity to be that person who’s always saying “when I studied abroad…” but people are personally invested in what you have to say, haha! It’s most rewarding when someone who didn’t think study abroad was a possibility/would suit them, starts to change their mind after you share.”
"It’s most rewarding when someone who didn’t think study abroad was a possibility (...), starts to change their mind after you share."
What she learned from being an ambassador
Elaine believes that anyone can be an ambassador because “it’s really nothing more than being willing to share about your experience and giving honest advice to people who are asking.”
Eddie will return to Maastricht next summer for an internship at CES!
Eddie joined our ambassador programme in spring 2025, while participating in our Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe programme.
“I chose to become a CES ambassador because I wanted to be able to give back to Maastricht and help provide other students with incredible experiences like I had with CES.”
For Eddie, studying abroad in Maastricht was motivated by two factors: “due to the high reputation of the university and because I was personally motivated to reconnect with my family ancestry.”
He loved finding things to do in or nearby Maastricht during the week. “There are so many fun activities and day trips you can take if your schedule gives you an “awkward” 1-2 day break.”
What he enjoys most about being a CES ambassador...
“I enjoy staying connected to Maastricht from home and I enjoy still being able to contribute to the program no matter where in the world I am.”
What he learned from being an ambassador...
“I have learned about a lot of opportunities available in Maastricht as well as general advice for life in the city and at the university.”
Gretchen joined our ambassador programme after completing our Politics, Law and International Relations in Europe programme in spring 2025.
“I had a great experience studying abroad in Maastricht and wanted to share it with others.”
She decided to study abroad in Maastricht because she “liked the Netherlands and was interested in the Politics, Law, and International Relations program.”
Her most cherished study abroad memory is “biking next to friends on the way back home from class”.
Gretchen’s favourite thing about being an ambassador is “speaking to prospective students about life in Maastricht and seeing the things they get excited about.”
“I’ve learned how to communicate more effectively with fellow students.”
Katherine decided to become a CES ambassador after completing our Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe programme in fall 2024.
e Maas
"Maastricht stood out to me the most because of its vibrant student life, class options, and rich history."
Why she chose to study abroad in Maastricht...
Katherine knew she wanted to study in the Netherlands and was looking for “ a smaller, cozy city that still had many things to do and travel options”. Maastricht stood out to her the most because of “its vibrant student life, class options, and rich history”.
She loved the Paris weekend trip organised by CES: “I had always wanted to travel there and it was so nice to have accommodations and activities set up for us. The city is very beautiful and I feel lucky to have experienced it with CES!”
What she enjoys most about being a CES ambassador...
“Still having a connection to Maastricht wherever I go! I am able to tell students about how wonderful Maastricht is and connect with the many other people who adored the city as much as I did.”
The biggest thing she learned is “how to help others with their study abroad process. It is very daunting at first, especially with visas, paperwork, and accommodations, so it is very helpful to speak with someone who has been through the process.”
Mady Fleeger
ambassador programme after niversity-specific programme ana University in spring 2025.
desire to stay connected and share my experience with others!”
Why she chose to study abroad in Maastricht
She picked Maastricht as her study abroad destination since she “loved the old architecture and small size of the city and its location compared to the rest of Europe.”
The memory that stands out most from her time abroad is “hanging out with my friends in the lounge every night until the early hours of the morning. There was never a dull moment!”
What she enjoys most about being a CES ambassador...
“I most enjoy having a community of people around me that all had the same experience and being able to share something that I am passionate about!”
What she learned from being an ambassador...
The most important thing she learned is how to build relationships. She loves being able to “keep in contact with people I was in the programme with and meeting new people who have either gone previously, or are looking to go in the future”.
Maeesha chose to become a CES ambassador after completing our Psychology and Neuroscience in Europe programme in fall 2023.
“ experien the program a of such a fantastic p
For Maeesha, Maastricht’s location in the heart of Europe was a major draw: “such a good location to explore cultures in many neighbouring countries”. As a neuroscience major, she was also excited by the opportunity to take courses in psychedelic therapy, offering an academic perspective she had not encountered at home in the United States.
Her favourite moment abroad happened on a CES weekend trip to Paris: “ on the way to our hotel, everyone saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time from the bus. There was French instrumental music playing in the background in the bus, and everyone got so excited. That was a fantastic (or rather CEStastic) moment!”
"I enjoy connecting with other CES ambassadors the most!"
What she enjoys most about being a CES ambassador...
“I enjoy connecting with other CES ambassadors the most! Some of the people
I got to know in my home institution is because we are CES ambassadors.”
"I realized how much better I became at talking about my experiences and myself."
Reflecting on what she gained from the ambassador role, she shared: “when answering questions at study abroad booths held at Mount Holyoke, I realized how much better I became at talking about my experiences and myself. I also learned how so many people are interested in studying in Europe, which was interesting to know.”
, Law and ramme in onnection mbassador ogramme.
"I feel like something was waiting for me there and I found it."
Why she chose to study abroad in Maastricht
Sophia chose Maastricht as her study abroad location because “the staff and programs looked very intentional and involved, and they were! I felt like something was waiting for me there and I found it."
She fondly remembers “the support, kindness, and continuing loyalty and friendship of the CES staff”.
What she enjoys most about being a CES ambassador
“Sharing my lived experiences as a means to connect with others. Also, having an excuse to wear the comfy merch from the university. :)”
What she learned from being an ambassador
“Being an ambassador is much more than the title I try to take my experiences from study abroad with me everywhere.”
Yi joined our ambassador programme after completing our Summer Programme in European Studies in 2024.
“I decided to be a CES ambassador because I really enjoyed my time there, and by sharing my memories with others, it feels like I am back in Maastricht.”
Choosing Maastricht as his study abroad destination was easy for Yi, as his major is Dutch studies. He also appreciated the city’s proximity to Belgium and Germany two countries he was eager to explore.
When asked about his favourite memories, Yi shared: “I will never forget the discussions in class and the days spent hanging out with friends afterwards. It was the first time I had the chance to talk with foreign students in person, and I really liked the moments when our different perspectives came together.”
When a friend told Yi he wanted to join next year’s summer programme, Yi happily introduced the city and the university to him. “When I was talking to him, I remembered the days when I was planning to study in Maastricht.”
“When I share my happiness, I receive even more in return. It’s always nice to share something that you truly like with your friends (and even with strangers).”
When we asked our ambassadors what tip or advice they would give to incoming students, here’s what they said:
Elaine:
“Make sure you know how to bike! It’s definitely the best way to get around and personally, I’ve never lived somewhere with such good and thorough bike infrastructure, and it was such a delight to bike everywhere! It helps you get immersed in Dutch culture and is a great, quick exercise.”
Corynne:
“Go out and have fun. Participate in field trips, spend time with your new friends in the park, at restaurants, or just wandering the city. Every day you will make new memories, so make the most out of it!”
Mady:
“Stay open to new experiences One thing that made my time so impactful was getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things I never would have done before ”
Sophia:
“Be prepared to study! Be spontaneous! Get up early/stay out late to watch the sun rise on the river, or at the Frontenpark.”
Gretchen: “Walk around the city without a map or destination and just explore!”
Eddie:
“Don’t overpack! People often donate their items to the next set of incoming students, Anything you might not find can be purchased at Brusselse Poort ”
Maeesha:
“Make sure to talk to other people who went to the program before you to learn about the classes/courses you want to take. Some of the classes provide field trips and have more hands-on learning, which I loved about CES.”
Yi:
“Try to learn some Dutch beforehand! It will be a wonderful memory when you talk to Dutch people in their own language.”
Katherine:
“Take up a new hobby while abroad! I chose to learn how to cook. Through my hobby, I was able to explore new recipes (including Dutch ones), visit many different stores throughout town, and connect with friends over a good meal. Taking up a hobby helps keep you busy and allows you to connect with other people.”
For this edition:
Text & photography
Ideas & input Design & layout
Corynne Rittner, Elaine Chuang, Eddie Kaake, Gretchen Wang, Katherine Ekman, Mady Fleeger, Maeesha Naomi, Sophia Watson and Yi Yang
Naomi Nijssen
Naomi Nijssen
CENTER FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES
Bonnefantenstraat 2, 6211 KL Maastricht +31 43 388 5282 | ces.info@maastrichtuniversity.nl
