Maastricht University - UM
speciality: Marketing

This reflects my experience as an international student studying Marketing. I appreciated the problem-based learning (PBL) approach because it encouraged independent study and active learning. The frequent presentations were also very helpful, as they prepared me for future job interviews and workplace presentations.

However, the workload was often very heavy. In many cases, some tutors did not seem to have enough subject knowledge or professional experience. I was hoping to receive expert guidance, but many tutors were still students themselves or had only recently completed their master’s degrees. Because of this, they also had limited professional networks, which made it difficult to receive support when looking for a job after graduation.

I also did not enjoy the overall atmosphere. Group projects were challenging, and at times I felt that my opinions were not taken seriously. While teamwork naturally comes with difficulties, there were moments when I felt excluded, and I believe some of these experiences were influenced by racism or sexism. When these issues were raised with tutors, they usually tried to help and calm the situation.

Additionally, during the Iran war, the university did not provide financial support or flexibility for Iranian students regarding tuition fees. As international students paying around €17,000, many were unable to contact their families or receive financial support, yet the university showed very limited empathy.

Finally, as an international student seeking a marketing job, Maastricht offers limited opportunities, especially due to strict Dutch language requirements. If I had the choice again, I would prefer to start at a university in the north, where I could avoid moving cities and potentially find a job more easily and quickly.