Tag Archives: Maastricht

Amy’s Anticipation of Adventures Abroad!

Greetings from Lancaster PA (not just the home of the Amish)!

My name is Amy Kautz and I will be coming to you from Maastricht, the Netherlands this coming August 20! I am a world campus student, working and schooling full-time, and am striving to keep my Crohn’s disease (an chronic inflammatory bowel disease that = crappy, literally) under control. Although this should technically be my last semester, I will have to complete the capstone class at PSU when I get back from studying abroad.

I currently work as a barista, baker and candlestick maker (just kidding on that last one). Here are a few pics of the little cafe at which I work, located strangely enough in a (upscale) retirement community.
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The residents for the most part don’t get it…”Starbucks” or “cafe” is just not in their vocabulary, but I try. Just try explaining “espresso” or “g�teau au chocolate” a 90 year old! Most of my regulars, however, are very excited for my study abroad trip to begin. We have a weekly count down going…some of them are very sweet.

I am a psychology major and will be studying at Maastricht University (UM…well, that’s the abbreviation from the Dutch spelling!). I signed up for the Psychology and Neuroscience Program because they offered so many neuropsychology courses that I couldn’t begin to fathom trying to fit similar courses into my already crowded life! I wait with bated breath to hear back from UM on whether I got my first choices for my fall schedule. If all goes as planned, I’ll be taking the core course for the program, a Dutch language and culture course, a neuropsychological rehabilitation class (with work-site visits, I think!), intro to clinical neuropsychology, and evolutionary psychology!!! There are not enough exclamation marks in the world to express my joy/anticipation/anxiousness/giddiness/delirium/excitement/terror/fear/bliss at all these lovely course selections and to the whole studying abroad thing–IN EUROPE!

Insert cheesy line~~~> sometimes dreams really do come true!
…okay, that will be enough cheesiness, I promise 🙂

If you couldn’t tell, I am as surprised to actually be studying abroad as I am that I will be studying such a wonderful courses…in Europe, the dream of my youthful dalliances in fantasy and adventure! So, aside from the obvious “I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M ACTUALLY GOING TO EUROPE–FOR ALMOST FIVE MONTHS!!!”, there is the “oh crap, I still have to take care of my Crohn’s!” When initially contemplating studying abroad, I nearly let the fear of a flare or the difficulty in obtaining the medicine needed stop me. I pushed that silliness down fast! You see, I have to take a medicine called Remicade–an immunosuppressant that knocks out my immune system to keep it from attacking itself (i.e., ME!). In the states I go to a medical outpatient unit, where they also do blood transfusion and chemo treatments, get hooked up to an IV and then usually watch a free movie while it infuses (about 2 to 2 1/2 hours). Not knowing what the frak I would or could do while abroad, I nevertheless pressed the button: APPLY (for study abroad). Upon a little more research, I thought it a good sign when I searched where to get Remicade in Europe and found a manufacturing plant in Leiden–right there in the Netherlands! Good news. When I broke the news to my GI doc, I received a surprisingly exuberant response…not the furrowed brow and shaking head that I had envisioned, rather his excitement for me only solidified by confidence in my decision. 

My goals for this blog are: to contribute to it regularly, try to minimize (or give fair warning to) the toilet talk–sorry, that’s just such an intregal part of my daily existence from which I can’t escape that it will inevitably end up here–, relate my experiences as world campus student (who has only ever taken university classes online!), and as a non-traditional student. And also include lots of photos, videos, and maybe some vlogs!

As of now, I am of the mindset that this will be akin to a life-break…no house, no kitty-cats IMG_0123.jpg, no boyfriend, no JOB!, no car–I feel like I am about to time-travel back in time to an alternate history version of my life! Upon all else, my goal is to give a unique perspective to studying abroad, through which I can hopefully inspired someone else, be it a non-traditional or on-line student, a full-time worker or someone with a chronic illness, to study abroad! My original inspiration was reading someone else’s blog (located I’ve forgotten where now) about struggling with Crohn’s disease AND studying abroad…twice, if I recall correctly. Inspired.

Thanks to all who have read through this long-winded, rambly first post!

More gratitious cat pics…what can I say, I love ’em!

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Two weeks later: Maastricht, Berlin, and life in Europe

Hello all!

So I thought I’d wait until I’d started classes to write my first blog abroad, in order to have ‘enough’ interesting things to write about… turns out there are more than I could ever describe in 10 entries!  But I’ll give you a brief overview of my life abroad thus far.  I will make a list of events so that I won’t forget everything:

 

1. Arriving in Maastricht

I took a 7 hour flight into Brussels, where a taxi van driver picked me and 4 others from the CES program up to drive the 45 minutes or so it took to get to Maastricht.  Upon meeting my peers at the airport I realized that I brought nearly double the luggage that they each did, but I chock this up to being the only girl in the group lol.  Traveling with that much luggage reminded me that I want to learn the skill of ‘packing light’ while I’m here.

After moving into my sweet digs (single room that was big enough for two by Penn State standards) and taking a much-needed jet lag- induced nap, I met my coordinators, Nathalie and Laura, who then showed the group of us (which now included 2 more later arrivals) around downtown Maastricht for the rest of the day.  The next day we all met up again to have a nice breakfast of bacon and eggs (fabulous) and then orientation activities with Nathalie and Laura for the rest of the day.

 

2. Berlin Study Trip

Just as I was starting to get over my jet lag hangover, we prepared to go to Berlin for a study trip.  I was super excited (and super exhausted) to say the least to visit a city so full of life, history, and beauty, and to see Germany for the first time.  The plane ride was less than an hour, and before I knew it I was in another European city after only 3 days of being away from home!  My first impression was that Berlin certainly was cold.  The kind that made me want to wear all of my clothes I brought at once!  Ah but it was beautiful, too, and the airport and train station were amazingly clean.  The second impression of Germany was how orderly everything seemed to be;  Nathalie told us that it’s a common (and true) stereotype that as a culture Germans are utterly Obsessive Compulsive, and MUST have everything in its right place and everyone doing their rightful job.  We saw evidence of this almost immediately when the train we got on to take us to our hotel was delayed.  Berliners have one of the most efficient and timely public transit systems in the world, but the way the people were acting, you’d think two minutes’ delay meant the end of the world, or at least a MAJOR inconvenience.  Two hundred seconds of watch-glaring, finger-pointing, annoyed grumbling, and melodramatic eye-rolling ensued before the train started again and everyone sighed as if to say “Well it’s about time!”.  I was beginning to think how much I’d like these crazy Germans.

We did so much in Berlin that it literally would have taken any normal person at least 10 days to accomplish what we did in four.  Therefore I will give you the highlights.  Firstly, we went on a fabulous (and I mean Fabulous with a capital F) five hour walking tour of the city, seeing the great sights of Berlin such as the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the site of Hitler’s bunker, the Reichstag, and so much more, all while listening to our tour guide, Tom Williamson, throw so much history at us he aptly described it as a “250 page book”!  I never knew history could be so interesting, funny, and just flat out surprising, and learning it all from an ex-pat American with an iron wit was certainly unforgettable.

While in Berlin it is also important to mention we went to museums, LOTS of museums!   And I mean all kinds.  One day we went to a former concentration camp outside of Berlin called Sachsenhausen, which was turned into a museum of sorts.  I won’t easily forget how I felt walking in the footsteps of thousands whose last days were spent there.  It is impossible to not feel something when you look out across the barren property, empty save for a few remaining original living barracks, the only sign of nature being two tall trees flanking each side of a Nazi guard tower.  However disturbing it was, visiting the grounds is something I’m glad I did, as it really made the history of the war and the Holocaust real for me, and I won’t forget it.

Another emotionally heavy excursion was to the Stasi prison in the former East Berlin, through which we were guided by a former prisoner.  We saw the cells, torture rooms, interrogation rooms, and heard the incredible story of our guide, who turned out to be a famous anti-communist protest leader in East Germany, and who got elected to parliament when the wall fell, helping in the reunification of the country.

Besides these we went to at least five other world-famous museums that housed treasures such as the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, works by Monet, and countless others.  It was incredibly hard to say goodbye to the city I fell in love with after only four days, but I’m promising myself that I will return – when the weather’s nicer! haha.

 

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Well, that’s all for this post, the next one will be all about the start of classes.

Tot ziens, vrienden!


Location: Maastricht, Netherlands

Traveling is the Best Education.Delirium cafe

Hello everyone,

 

            I know it’s been awhile and that everyone is wondering why I am MIA. Did I get kidnapped in some godforsaken land and am now located in some obscure town in Eastern Europe? Fortunately no, I have just been extremely busy. With all the travelling, planning, reading 21 chapters on the European Union in six days, and the inability to find an Internet connection in some places blogging has proven to be quite difficult. So to make up for all the missing pieces of my adventure in Europe I will be writing consecutive entries to catch you all up!

Last time I left you I believe I was about to travel for my study tour.  Here we would visit different EU institutions such as the Court of Auditors, European Commission, Council of Regions, etc to meet representatives and learn about the overall functions of each specific organization. At the end of the day we would go back and write essays on each of these institutions for PSU professors to grade. Now don’t think that all we did was go to these institutions–although interesting–it is not the number one way I want to spend my time in Europe. While in Strasbourg, our first overnight stop, we went to a palace that use to belong to the royal family of France and also rode on a boat tour that showed up the quaint town of La Petite France. But the most impressive thing of the city for me at least was the cathedral; it towered against the skyline with it red stone, beautiful engravings, and mesmerizing bell tower. Turning the corner of a street into the square where it resides, I have never been so awestruck to see such a magnificent basilica. A picture shows what it looks like at night with the light penetrating into its deep crevices.

From the eastern part of France we made our way to the City of Love and Lights where we explored all the sights–the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, Napolean’s tomb, the Louvre, and of course Moulin Rouge. We did not visit any institutions here but we did enjoy a free day on the town which I would have to say was one of the most beautiful days of the trip. We travelled a little outside to see the majestic palace of Versailles which splendor and grandeur could be considered unparalleled. The enormity of the gardens is really what struck me, and I actually got lost in the maze that is by the little town Marie Antoinette had made for her pleasure.

Leaving Paris we made a quick stop at Reims, France heart of the wine country to enjoy the champagne at the Pommery Estate where 20 million bottles of champagne are stored. We even got a free sample of the famous champagne. Now I am no connoisseur of champagne but I thought it was pretty good.

Next stop was Brussels and I honestly have to say that this was one of my favorite cities. It seems to be a mix of modern and ancient building lining the streets with the Royal Palaces and Gardens, the Grand Place, and the Atomium being essential spots to visit. I loved all these places but what grabbed me most was the shopping and good sector of the city. Located in tight, winding allies coated with Italian, Chinese, Thai, French restaurants, sports grills, Irish pubs, and everything else under the sun this quarter made Brussels different than any other place I’ve ever been to. Storeowners would be at the front door attempting to persuade you and your company to enjoy the night inside their establishments. They would complement you, ask you what you like, and even offer special discounts just so you would come and eat. So being a lover of economics I took advantage of this situation and bargained a meal with free drinks and appetizers–a pretty good deal I think.

In the center of all this hubbub lies the world famous Delirium, a bar that holds 2,004 beer types giving it the Guinness World Record. The group spent its nights here enjoying the different assortments of tastes unheard of back in the United States. Just be careful not to over indulge yourself for the Belgian beer can be 12% alcohol content–some people learned the hard way. It was here we met people from all over the world and celebrated the 4TH of July with all the Americans present–of which there were many.

While staying in Belgium we made our way to Bruges. I can safely say that if I were to retire and got to choose my residence in the world it would be this charming village. Boasting canals, cobblestone streets, gorgeous churches, quaint cafes, and old-world homes, Bruges really lives up to the title, “Venice of the North.”

It was here we went on a great boat tour, which showed us all the ins and outs the town has to offer, and ventured into a brewery to teach us the making of beer. Although just a day trip, it was one of the most enjoyable trips on the study tour!

            The study tour really has made the trip for all of us here in Maastricht. Our bus driver Huber and our tour guide Tim showed us a good time day and night and really made an effort to make sure we got the most out of every experience. We so happened to have the honor of being Tim’s last tour after six years of working for CES and to commemorate all he has done for Penn State students throughout the years we roasted him on the bus and gave him many gifts to remember us by.

 All in all this experience couldn’t have been more enjoyable and will be a fond memory for all involved. Next entries will include the weekend trips to Barcelona and Amsterdam.

Brussels

Versailles

caves pommery

Delirium cafe

Notre Dame

Eifell tower

Strasbourg cathedral

Eifell tower

Strasbourg


Location: Maastricht, Netherlands

A week in the middle of Europe!

P1000073.JPGHello Everyone!

Last time I left you I had just arrived here in Maastricht. A lot has changed since then, the jet lag has finally worn off and I’ve gotten to explore the city quite thoroughly. The city is big enough that you end up in places but small enough that you know the general area–so it is pretty manageable!  

The Dutch way of life is a little different than that of the United States. People leisurely sit eating lunch for 3 hours, the cars always stop for you at crosswalks, and of course everyone uses a bicycle. I honestly cannot believe how many bikes you see, it is just strange for me to see business men in their three piece suits riding bicycles around. But all in all the Dutch way is relaxing and it is nice to be immersed in it.

To make everything better Maastricht is centrally located in Europe giving us the opportunity to travel anywhere easily. We have picked out three places already: Barcelona, Prague, and of course Amsterdam. But those will have to wait till after our Study Tour in which we will be able to enjoy the sites of Brussels, Bruges, Luxembourg, Paris, Strasbourg, Reims to name a few. There we will be visiting important institutions within the European Union’s structure.

We just had our first weekend which was only two days of full free time–therefore it’s the shortest weekend–so we decided to go to Utrecht, a city close by. The city itself is known for its college scene and its towering cathedrals. Both were great to experience, the young population really made the city seem like it would never go to bed and the towering medieval structures just put an aura around the whole town. It would be like partying with all your friends in State College but with enormous, gorgeous sites hundreds of years old looking down at you, not that Old Main isn’t beautiful. Also we walked into the most bewitching cathedral I have ever laid eyes on and a choir starting singing angelic music in harmony right upon entrance. It was just one of those moments that you could not make more perfect.

So I promised last times and I have taken over a thousand so without further ado I give to you some of my favorites!

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Location: Maastricht, Netherlands

Maastricht: The adventure begins

So I am finally here! Hello to everyone my name is Brenden Dooley and I am currently a soon-to-be sophomore double majoring in Political Science and Economics. It’s been a long arduous road to get here but in all honesty it is worth it. I’ve met everyone, who are all very extroverted and gregarious, and I think we have all gelled quite well. Tonight is our first night in the city and we are all going out to celebrate our arrivals and new found friendships-should be an interesting time. I do not have any photos to offer at this time but believe I will have many to appease your curiosity in the imminent future.

Until next time,

Brenden


Location: Maastricht, Netherlands