STUDYING abroad

School is in session!

The greatly anticipated start of my semester at Maastricht University has finally begun!  Maastricht University schedules it's classes in the block form, where I have 2 classes every 8 weeks.  The block schedule caters to students who are traveling because I only have class three days a week!!  I have 3 classes on Tuesday, 1 on Thursday, and 2 on Friday.  I have a three day weekend, and a nice break in the middle of the week.  This schedule may sound easier than class in the United States, but we got a firm lecture from the dean of the University saying that they take great pride in academics and that it should not be taken lightly. 

I am taking Dutch Language and Culture as well as a European History class.  It is very interesting to be in a classroom with students from around the world and to hear their opinions and thoughts on subjects.  Speaking of class and international students, my European History class is packed to the brim with 400 students.  Only one of that 400 is American.  And yes, it is me!  The majority of the students are from Germany, Holland (obviously), Australia, and other parts of Europe.  I love being in the international setting, and it is awesome for my major to get the experience.

The lecture halls here are tremendous.  Not just a crammed room with uncomfortable seats and annoying lighting.  Some are built into old churches and interesting old buildings, but the interiors are so modern.

One of my classroom buildings in town.

Now that school has started, there is a bike rush hour.  I read that there are more than 16 million bikes in the Netherlands, that means more than 1 bike per person.  It is always a challenge to find a good spot to park it and lock it up.  I am still mastering riding in the rain...I commented today that I could use some ski goggles.  I am still very interested to see how I will do riding in the snow and ice.

Enough about class already!  Our last weekend in Maastricht was fantastic.  Amazing weather gave us one last weekend with an overall relaxed feel.  Me and some girlfriends rode our bikes to a local park where we had heard about a very...'unique' piece of art.  As we bombarded the park in our matching cruisers, we approached the one of the oddest things I have ever seen. 

Artsy?

It is life size and looks like the cages for animals in the zoo, moat and everything.  In the middle, as you can see, is a dead giraffe and a girl crying over it.  As I took a closer look, there are other animals at the bottom of the moat all looking up at you.  It was very frightening, but also very touching to see such conviction in a piece of art.  I just wouldn't want to come across this at night. 

The herd.

Maastricht is becoming to feel more like home after being here for 3 weeks.  I have found a grocery store that has good food for fair prices and I am getting a feel for the University.  The only difficult part is riding into town to be at the university buildings.  I have to leave about twenty minutes before my class, unlike DU where we all leave with 5 or 10 minutes before class starts.  I will no longer complain about the 5 minute walk to a class again!  There are many differences I am noticing after living in the Netherlands for 3 weeks.  It may be annoying to pay for water, pay to use the bathrooms, and to bag your own groceries, but it is certainly an eye opening experience.  I'm sure I will adjust to some differences, but also notice new phenomenons. 

Godenavond!