We hope that Michael has a clogtastic Netherventure!
On the 26th of January 2012, a flock of Australian university students will be descending on the quaint cultural-melting pot of a city known as Maastricht, which is located in the far south of the Netherlands.The main reason for this academic pilgrimage is to study International Environmental Law at the University of Maastricht under the tutelage of Dr Marjan Peeters.
After studying at university for 5 years (3 years of science and 2 of law), it is time for a much deserved overseas trip ,and why not apply to receive credit at the same time. Two birds with one stone.
Preparation for the trip has been a long and tedious process involving repetitive paperwork and careful organisation. I've also made time to liaise with the other 2 South Australians who are attending the course. Also, there will be the shock of going from a cruel Australian summer, which will be a wet, humid and floody affair due to the La Niña effect, to a cold maritime winter where the average temperature fluctuate between -9 and 11 degrees Celsius. Bring your boots because we will be knee deep in frostiness.
I am awfully excited that we will be staying in a hostel for the period of the course. I had my first hostel experience only a few days ago, and it was an amazing and deeply interesting experience. You really do meet some very fascinating people resulting in cultural enlightenment. NB: Be especially careful with Aussie humour and crude jokes. I found that some people, particularly North Americans, simply do not get them and may become hurt and offended by its unfettered use.
It is clear that this trip will be a life-changing experience, and I wish the best of luck to the other attendees in your preparations. Maastricht isn't going to know what hit them.
Cheers!
Michael Goh is participating in our January 2012 International Environmental Law Program at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. Michael is going into his 3rd year of a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice degree at Flinders University. He is also an avid enthusiast photographer and some of his captures can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/serapheus/sets/
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