Before arriving I didn't know what I was getting myself into, or what to expect at all, really, but upon arrival I was greeted by a Dutch student ambassador who took me from the train station to the Guesthouse. The following year I spent there was really great. The coursework was significantly more difficult than that at my home university in the States, which I appreciated, because coursework was way too easy where I went, anyways. The social life of the Guesthouse is by far one of the most significant parts of studying at Maastricht University as an exchange student. Most students are European, less are American. The city itself is small, and really nice. There are a handful of bars and pubs that I came to be a regular at during my relatively short stay. Didn't meet that many Dutch people or Dutch students, but did meet a lot of students from other countries. I don't really have any critiques of Maastricht University. One thing I'd consider before going is taking all your courses at University College Maastricht, rather than at one of the faculties. UCM is like a little mini-college within the university that offers a wide array of topics to have courses on.