Introduction The Maastricht program, initiated in 1992, is one of a number of Education Abroad Programs conducted by The Penn State in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. More than 600 students from a wide variety of majors participate annually in these programs. Objectives The Penn State Education Abroad Program at the Center for European Studies, in Maastricht, The Netherlands, functions within the context of the objectives characterizing all of Penn State’s study abroad opportunities, especially to: 1. enable students to receive instruction in several disciplines within the context of another culture and to enrich their general academic studies. 2. provide adequate professional training when a study abroad experience is especially desirable, and to add to the intellectual and professional development of students in specialized fields of study. 3. allow students to expand their knowledge of the culture of a country or region of the world by living and studying abroad and, at the same time, to gain a more objective perspective of the values and way of life in their own country. 4. promote the educational goals of the University by providing an overseas program designed to increase the international understanding of students. Specifically, the Maastricht program aims to: 1. increase students’ understanding of international business operations and international marketing. 2. enable students to compare various economic systems from a foreign perspective. 3. provide students the opportunity to study, in situ, the business and economic issues confronting present-day Europe. Maastricht One of the oldest cities in The Netherlands, Maastricht traces its history back to about 50 BC, when a Roman settlement was established on a high road near a ford in the river Meuse (Maas), hence the Roman name, ‘Mosae Trajectum’ meaning the Maas crossing. The settlement grew to a walled fortification, enhanced by outer walls built in 1229, which were later expanded in the 14th century to accommodate the town’s growth. Because of its strategic location by the Meuse, the town was besieged by a succession of invaders during its long history, including Dutch, Spanish and French armies. Maastricht today is the meeting place of Europe. Set along the rivers Meuse and Jeker at the foot of Mount St. Peter, the city has 115,000 inhabitants and covers an area of twenty-three square miles, and continues its key role as a centrally located European city. The major economic activities are commerce, services and industry. Maastricht is also a student city, with facilities that include a college of translation studies, a music and art school and a hotel college. The center of the city is especially attractive, due to its wealth of historic buildings; some 1,450 monuments are protected by law. Because of its rich heritage, the whole of Maastricht city center has been declared a ‘protected area.’ The city boasts museums of ancient and modern art, geology and flora and fauna of the region, plus countless monuments to its past. In addition to its value as an architectural and educational showpiece, a number of European institutes have been set up in the city, e.g. the European Institute of Public Administration and the European Centre for Work and Study. Program Description The integration of Europe, and the new European Community, offers new prospects to present and future trade partners with European countries. Knowledge of the European Community, its economy, the cultures of the various member states and of the systems of regulations, policies and developments within this large conglomerate, is therefore essential. The University of Limburg intends to play an active role in this international transfer of knowledge by actively stimulating international research and organizing international branches of study. To meet these demands, the combined faculties of the University of Limburg have set up the Center for European Studies, which administers this program. Courses are primarily intended for non-European university students or professionals who would like to gain an insight into the economic, socio-political and/or cultural developments within Europe. Participants in the Penn State program enroll for 15 credits during the Fall semester in specially designed courses taught by regular faculty from the University of Limburg. The academic program consists of a 3- credit Dutch language course, one 3-credit international business course, one 3-credit international economics course, one 3-credit European political science course. In addition to the four courses listed above, students select one regular University of Limburg course. Students register and complete a total of 15 credits as follows: BA 499 Management in an International Environment 3 credits ECON 499 Economics of European Integration 3 credits PL SC 499 The European Political & Legal Environment 3 credits GER 297 Elementary Dutch 3 credits Integrated Course 3 credits Total 15 credits The courses are especially designed to meet the accreditation requirements of Penn State's academic departments and are taught in classes offered exclusively for Penn State students. Except for the language training, all instruction is in English. Grading As with any course at The Pennsylvania State University, responsibility for assessing the students' academic achievements lies with course instructors. Accreditation A select number of courses offered in the Penn State Education Abroad Program in Maastricht are accredited under the course numbers indicated, as listed in the Penn State Baccalaureate Degree Programs Bulletin. No transfer of credit is necessary since the student remains registered at Penn State while enrolled in the program in Maastricht. Living Arrangements Students are housed in a variety of student apartment buildings located throughout the city of Maastricht. The on-site housing coordinator is responsible for assigning students to their accommodations. Apartments normally house up to four students, two per bedroom, and are equipped with kitchen facilities. Penn State students may be housed with Dutch or other international students and are responsible for their own meals on site. Eligibility The Maastricht program is open to all regularly enrolled students at Penn State, although the program curriculum is especially appealing to students majoring in some field of Business Administration. Generally speaking, a 2.50 cumulative grade point average is the minimum academic standard for most programs. Applicants must be in good academic standing, and must show evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation. Program Prerequisites MSIS 200 ECON 02 ECON 04 ACGTG 211 Orientation A specially designed orientation program, conducted during the semester immediately prior to departure, is intended to prepare students for the adjustment to living and studying in The Netherlands. Attendance at all orientations is mandatory. Costs Tuition for the Maastricht program is the same as the University Park Campus and is payable at the Bursar’s Office in accordance with the standard procedures and deadlines for regular charges at University Park Campus. Students pay room charges to Penn State. Upon arrival, they pay a security deposit to the University of Limburg housing office and are responsible for their own meals. Students are also required to pay a $150.00 non-refundable program fee at the time of accepting an enrollment offer. Textbooks and personal expenses are extra. The Office of Education Abroad programs has a cost sheet that gives an estimate of overall semester expenses. Round-trip air transportation is an additional cost to the student. Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Financial Assistance The standard forms for financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since students remain registered at Penn State while abroad, financial aid packages continue during the time in which a student is enrolled in this program. The Office of Education Abroad Programs coordinates closely with the Office of Student Aid to help needy students obtain funds to cover the additional costs entailed by study abroad. The Office of Education Abroad Programs also has a modest Grant-in-Aid Fund that can be drawn upon for exceptionally needy and qualified students. Health Insurance All participants are required to carry sufficient health and accident insurance. Personal liability insurance is strongly recommended. Planning Ahead To exploit the many advantages and benefits of a study abroad experience, it is essential that students, in consultation with their academic advisers, plan well in advance. With careful planning, nearly every Penn State student, regardless of major, not only gains regular Penn State credit while maintaining normal progress toward graduation, but can often apply the credits earned abroad to general education requirements, electives, language requirements, and/or, in many cases, to major requirements. Like all Penn State's semester and year-long Education Abroad Programs, this program satisfies the University’s cultural diversity requirement. As part of the application process, students are required to check with their advisers or deans to discuss what impact study abroad may have on their progress toward graduation. For further information and application forms, contact your campus Education Abroad Adviser or the: Office of Education Abroad Programs The Pennsylvania State University 222 Boucke Building University Park, PA 16802-5900 Tel. (814) 865-7681