Higher education in Netherlands is relatively unknown among Indian students despite being popular in Europe. That is what makes studying at Netherlands more interesting apart from the variety and quality the country offers for foreign students.
I am currently pursuing my Master's in Artificial Intelligence at Maastricht University's Department of Knowledge Engineering [DKE]. I did my bachelors in Production Engineering at MIT campus of Anna University.
Maastricht University is well known for its innovative approach to learning and its international outlook. Maastricht University offers a wide range of academic courses with over 14,000 students and 3,500 staff members. It finds success in all fields as it employs ‘Problem Based Learning (PBL) to educate students. Innovative teaching methods and PBL makes Maastricht University ‘Leading in Learning' and attracts plenty of international students.
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As per the QS World University Ranking, Maastricht University ranks 111 in the world. Apart from that, Maastricht University has been ranked number one in many bachelor's, master's and research fields in Europe.
The university offers many scholarships for international students. Every year it selects two talented students from Anna University and offers full scholarship for Master's programme. Being a driver's son, I struggled a lot to complete my Bachelors in a reputed university in India. In addition, my weak financial background studying abroad was not even in my dreams. I am really grateful to Maastricht University and Anna University for offering me a great career and future.
Students from various countries study in my classroom, which gives me an opportunity to learn and share our cultural and traditional experiences. Indian Students Association Maastricht (ISAM) takes cares of all needs of students coming from India and organises plenty of events like Diwali celebration or Independence Day to make students feel at home.
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Courses in the university are designed in such a way that it covers both theoretical and practical part. Assignments are given every week in order to make student to gain practical knowledge, which is the basic principle of PBL. Moreover, students and professors have a friendly relationship. The university offers a great infrastructure for students and researchers. High speed Wireless Internet can be accessed everywhere. Library is equipped with relevant study materials and one can avail 10 books for a month.
Student can make use of sound proof rooms and conference rooms available in library, equipped with Television for presentations and discussions. Apart from this, many students association conducts games, competitions and presentations for soft skills development.
Life in Maastricht is awesome. Locals enjoy their lives and respect foreigners.
Madan Raj Rajagopal
Maastricht University, Netherlands
r.rajagopal@student.smaastrichtuniversity.nl