Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. What are the program dates for the Maastricht Program?
2. Where does the program take place?
3. Is this a Xavier-sponsored program?
4. What are the objectives of this study abroad program?
ELIGIBILITY
5. How many seats are available in the Maastricht Program?
6. Is this study-abroad program restricted to business students?
7. Are there any pre-requisites for this program?
8. When can we submit our applications to the Maastricht Program?
9. What are the selection criteria for the Maastricht Program?
10. How quickly do spots fill up?
11. What happens if more than 28 people apply?
12. When will we know if we have been accepted?
13. What is the cancellation policy (in case we cannot secure financial aid or we have other conflicts)?
LEARNING FORMAT
14. What is the language of instruction?
15. How many hours and which courses are taught in Maastricht?
16. What is the teaching format?
17. Which companies will we visit during the program?
18. Will I receive a letter grade for my classes or just Pass/Fail?
COST
19. What is the cost of the program?
20. How do I make my payments/to whom?
21. Must we pay in full or is there a payment schedule?
22. Is there financial aid available for the Maastricht Program?
23. Are there scholarships available?
24. When will I receive my loan or scholarship?
25. Since I am applying for financial aid, I will not have my funds by the installment deadlines. Is this a problem?
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
26. What travel documents will I need to travel abroad?
27. I do not have a passport. How do I apply for one?
28. When should I apply for my passport and how long will it take?
29. Do I need a visa/student visa for the Maastricht program?
30. I am not a US citizen and do not carry a US passport. Will I need any special documents to study abroad?
31. What other documents are required to study abroad in Maastricht?
AIRLINE TICKETS
32. Do students travel to Maastricht together or individually?
33. Is there a recommended travel itinerary/flight schedule?
ACCOMMODATIONS/LODGING
34. Where do students stay in Maastricht?
35. May I select my roommate?
36. What if I wish to have a single room?
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
37. How do students get from the airport to the University of Maastricht?
38. Do students usually purchase a EURAIL PASS for personal travel on weekends?
EXPENSES
39. How much should I expect to spend on personal expenses and travel?
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. What are the program dates for the Maastricht Program?
Each year, the program runs from mid-May through mid-June. This is a four-week, summer study-abroad program. The 2013 dates are May 10 to June 8.
2. Where does the program take place?
Maastricht, the Netherlands. Maastricht is about 1 ½ from Brussels and centrally located—convenient for weekend travel in Europe.
3. Is this a Xavier-sponsored program?
Yes. We work collaboratively with the University of Maastricht and Centre for European Studies, but Xavier sponsors the program. A Xavier faculty member leads the group to Europe and will teach one of the classes.
4. What are the objectives of this study abroad program?
This program is designed to help students learn about international business and to better understand different cultures, economies and business practices.
ELIGIBILITY
5. How many seats are available in the Maastricht Program?
There are 25 spots available each summer.
6. Is this study-abroad program restricted to business students?
No. All are welcome. However, the courses offered are business classes.
7. Are there any pre-requisites for this program?
Students must complete ECON 200 (microeconomics) or ECON 201 (macroeconomics) before they can take ECON 300. Completing both is preferred.
8. When can we submit our applications to the Maastricht Program?
Around October 1 each year
9. What are the selection criteria for the Maastricht Program?
Students must:
- be full-time students in good standing (2.250 cumulative GPA or better)
- have completed ECON 200 or 201 (or both)
- submit a complete application, including references and unofficial transcript.
10. How quickly do spots fill up?
Each year is different, but this program remains a popular option for business students. Generally, admission is first-come, first-served. Please note that applications must be complete to be considered. Graduating seniors have priority.
11. What happens if more than 25 people apply?
We will maintain a wait list—in case of cancellations.
12. When will we know if we have been accepted?
We will send acceptance letters beginning mid-October (after midterm grades are posted).
13. What is the cancellation policy (in case we cannot secure financial aid or we have other conflicts)?
- You may cancel up to March 15 for a full tuition refund (you will not be refunded the $375 deposit). After March 15, there is a fee of $225 (plus the $375 non-refundable deposit).
- IMPORTANT: Airline tickets are purchased separately and have their own cancellation policies. Airlines may impose a substantial penalty or no refund at all.
LEARNING FORMAT
14. What is the language of instruction?
English.
15. How many hours and which courses are taught in Maastricht?
Students earn 6 credit hours—3 hours of ECON 300 (international trade and business environment) and 3 hours of BUAD 395 (intercultural communications).
16. What is the teaching format?
Classroom lecture and company visits. Generally, classes run about 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. Times vary. Classes are scheduled about 4 days per week—which allow extended weekend for travel.
17. Which companies will we visit during the program?
Typically, you will visit a European firm or US multinational. There will also be a visit to Brussels to visit the EU Offices. Company visits/excursions are required classroom activities.
18. Will I receive a letter grade for my classes or just Pass/Fail?
You will receive a letter grade for the classes – and they will count toward your overall GPA at Xavier.
COST
19. What is the cost of the program?
For 2013 the cost is $4,775.
This includes 6 hours of tuition, program fees, books, computer access, international insurance, transportation (ground only), class trips/company site visits and final banquet. Meals, personal travel (weekend and post-trip) and airline tickets are not included.
20. How do I make my payments/to whom?
Bring all payments to the WCB Undergraduate Office (NOT the Bursar’s Office). Make checks payable to Xavier University. We can process credit cards as well.
21. Must we pay in full or is there a payment schedule?
There is an installment schedule:
$375 – to confirm acceptance (this is non-refundable)
$2200 – due at first orientation in January
$2200 –due at second orientation in March
22. Is there financial aid available for the Maastricht Program?
Students may apply for financial aid—and each year we provide the Financial Aid Office with program costs. You will need to complete a FAFSA (even if you have done so for fall and spring). Most aid is in the form of a loan. Awards will be posted to your Bursar’s account in May.
23. Are there scholarships available?
The Williams College of Business offers The Phil and Beth Gasiewicz Study Abroad Scholarship. Awardees will receive $750-$1500 to support their study abroad program. Applications are due mid-October and winners will be notified the first week of November.
24. When will I receive my loan or scholarship?
For summer programs, funds (loans or scholarships) will be posted to your Bursar’s account in May.
25. Since I am applying for financial aid, I will not have my funds by the installment deadlines. Is this a problem?
No. If you tell us that you have applied for financial aid, we will hold your seat and allow you to pay in May—when the funds are distributed to you. NOTE: Once your loan is posted, ask for the funds, write a check to Xavier University and bring it to the WCB Undergraduate Office. We will post it to your Maastricht account.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
26. What travel documents will I need to travel abroad?
You will need a valid passport—and it must be valid for 6 months after your departure from Europe.
27. I do not have a passport. How do I apply for one?
You will need a copy of your BIRTH CERTIFICATE, 2 PASSPORT-SIZED PHOTOS, APPLICATION, AND FEE. For details, consult the website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
28. When should I apply for my passport and how long will it take?
Start immediately! Processing can take from a couple of weeks to a few months to process. Please allow ample time.
29. Do I need a visa/student visa for the Maastricht program?
No visas are required for US citizens.
30. I am not a US citizen and do not carry a US passport. Will I need any special documents to study abroad?
Please contact us immediately to determine if you need a separate visa to enter the EU. Most visa paperwork takes a few months to process.
31. What other documents are required to study abroad in Maastricht?
All Xavier students who wish to study abroad must also supply the following documents to us:
-Reference form (from a faculty member) to accompany your application
-Assumption of Risk Form (upon acceptance)
-Medical Care Authorization and Health History (upon acceptance) – must be notarized
-Student Agreement
AIRLINE TICKETS
32. Do students travel to Maastricht together or individually?
Both. Many students (especially first-time travelers) prefer to travel with the lead instructor and fellow students.
For those who wish to make their own travel plans, we will ask them to arrive in Brussels by 9:00am local time on Friday, May, 10, 2013—in time to catch the bus to Maastricht with the rest of the group.
Otherwise, we ask students to meet us at the dormitories in Maastricht for move-in and city orientation.
33. Is there a recommended travel itinerary/flight schedule?
We will provide a PREFERRED AIRLINE ITINERARY for all who wish to travel together. That itinerary will mirror the air itinerary of the faculty lead.
ACCOMMODATIONS/LODGING
34. Where do students stay in Maastricht?
Students are housed in international-student dormitories near the University of Maastricht. Rooms are double-occupancy.
35. May I select my roommate?
Yes. Students will have the opportunity to choose a roommate.
36. What if I wish to have a single room?
You may request a single room. You will need to pay a single room supplement.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
37. How do students get from the airport to the University of Maastricht?
Students who travel with the group and professor can take the bus which is provided by the University of Maastricht/CES/Xavier University.
There is also a group transfer back to the airport at the end of the program.
Students arriving on their own or at times other than the group itinerary must make their own travel arrangements. Students generally take a train from BRUSSELS, AMSTERDAM or other major European cities to Maastricht, the Netherlands. From there, students usually take a taxi to the university/dorms.
38. Do students usually purchase a EURAIL PASS for personal travel on weekends?
Yes. This is a popular option. Be sure to consider the numerous purchasing options—depending on the length of time, desired destinations, etc.
Some people also find inexpensive flights within Europe/EU on Ryan Air and other sites.
EXPENSES
39. How much should I expect to spend on personal expenses and travel?
Food estimates are around $400-750, train/EURAIL passes from $400-800, plus personal/gift budget. Most students spend a minimum of $1500 for personal expenditures.