Although exchange articles are a widely popular and well appreciated staple of each PerVectum, we decided to take a different approach in this last edition before most second year Econometrics & Operations Research students embark on their journeys beyond the Maas. Whether you’re headed to Aachen or the North Pole, we’ve got you covered! Many senior students who have already enjoyed their semester abroad were kind enough to give us certain location-specific tips, which Dr. Vectum has compiled in a handy guide book below:
If you’re headed to Asia, keep in mind that …
• … as a Dutchie, you may tower over most of the locals in your respective destination. Domestic air travel and public transportation may test your limits of cramming in to seats that may remind you of Gulliver’s Travels.
• In case you may be considered gargantuan by the locals’ standards, be prepared to pose for many pictures. Regardless of whether you abhor or relish the ensuing attention and paparazzi, do not let it get to your head when you come back to Maastricht. :)
• Flourish in the excitement and adventure of not being able to decipher signs written in an entirely different alphabet.
• And last but not least, never forget to be respectful of the local cultural and societal norms that differ from ours in Europe!
If you’re headed somewhere in Europe, remember to…
• … cash in on your Erasmus grant!
• … enjoy those cheap RyanAir and WizzAir flights! While this is possible to do from Maastricht as well, you may find that you finally have more free time to explore all the corners of Europe!
• … have an extremely easy time sorting out your travel documents! While your other friends may be stressing out about visas and permits, you can relax and thank EU laws!
If you’re headed to Australia or New Zealand, be prepared to….
• … hear a lot of German. If you thought SBE was bad, just wait till you meet all the Germans spending their gap years here!
• …. get used to different words and phrases in English. If you make your way down to Australia, be sure to pick up as much local lingo as you can, mate. Not only does it sound awesome, you’ll also be able to show off in front of all your friends when you return!
• … pet koalas, kangaroos, and other cute, exotic animals. Arguably the biggest motivation to go here; all the wildlife! Make sure to enjoy it all while you’re here!
• …. run away from crocodiles, spiders, and other scary, exotic animals. Pack your running shoes and insect spray!
If you’re headed to Central or South America, get ready for …
• … Spanish spoken at the speed of light. No B2 Spanish class will prepare you for the real deal. Just accept it and try to pick up as much Spanish as you can.
• …. the locals’ impeccable moves on the dance floor. Even if you attended the salsa workshop organized by SCOPE | Vectum this year, you may find that a little brush up of all the moves could prove useful.
If you’re headed to North America, get ready to …
• … kiss the metric system good bye. All those years of metric education should be forgotten before arrival. No matter how illogical the system may seem, you will soon find yourself several feet deep in it.
• … go big or go home. This motto will apply to everything during your exchange, from your adventures all the way to your waistline
• … kiss cheap international flights goodbye. No more RyanAir. No more WizzAir. From now on your new best friends are Greyhound busses.
If you keep these few tips in mind, then your exchange is guaranteed to be full of fun and adventures!