Netherlands | Maastricht

This summer program offers students in any major the opportunity to learn about the different facets of Europe and the European Union.

The Netherlands is centrally located between England, France, Belgium, and Germany. The city of Maastricht lies at the southernmost tip of the Netherlands near the Belgian and German borders. The official language is Dutch, but nearly everyone in Maastricht can speak English. Students attend Maastricht University, one of the Netherlands’ youngest universities. About one-third of the 13,000 students enrolled at the University are from outside of the Netherlands.

There is a mandatory set of pre-departure orientations at Lebanon Valley College for all students planning to participate in the program.

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Program Details

Program cost for Summer 2024 is estimated at $4,800 and will include:

  • Tuition (6 credits)
  • Shared housing in a dormitory
  • Excursions to the Hague, Brussels, and a local organization
  • Books for the Intercultural Communication Course
  • In-country airport transportation
  • Foreign medical insurance

Study abroad grant funding is available based on eligibility. In addition, this program may be eligible for limited financial aid. Please read the 2023–24 Summer Financial Aid Application instructions on the Financial Aid website for additional information and submit an application to the Financial Aid Office.

  • Program Dates: May 11–June 8, 2024
  • Application deadline: February 1.
  • $200 program deposit is due with acceptance (non-refundable after February 1).
  • Remaining balance is due by March 15.
  • Applications are available for pickup in the Center for Global Education (Humanities 107).

Students will earn a total of six credits and fulfill one Immersive Experience (IME) requirement through a mandatory course instructed by an LVC faculty director, and an elective course taught by the host university.

MANDATORY COURSE: Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
This course is designed to make you aware of the variety of cultural values in today’s world and help you compare your own cultural background with that of various European cultures. Fulfills the IC Constellation requirement or an elective.

ELECTIVE COURSE (choose one of two options):

  • BUS 275: Business in the European Union (3 credits)
    Instructor: Kimberlee Josephson
    The course aims at a deeper understanding of the European Union (EU) and its impact on business. It will focus on the origins, development, and current issues relating to the EU. Taught by LVC Professor Kimberlee Josephson.
  • POL 275: Understanding Human Rights (3 credits)
    Instructor: Dr. Chris Dolan
    The course promotes an understanding of the practice of global human, learning about different facets of law and governance with visits to E.U. sites and international courts.

Prerequisites:

  • Students from any major who are in good social and academic standing with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA may apply.

Students are housed in the Maastricht University Guesthouse in double rooms with private kitchens. Showers and toilets are shared. Students are responsible for purchasing and preparing their own food. All rooms offer wireless Internet access, so students are encouraged to bring a laptop if available. Additional amenities include free washing facilities, free tennis/basketball facilities, and free bed linens.

In addition to a tour of Maastricht, the program includes a study trip to European Union institutions in Brussels and a visit to a large corporation in the Benelux region; or to the Hague and NATO headquarters. Students will have the opportunity to explore central Europe on the weekends.