I am writing just hours prior to my first exam. It is done much differently here. We will be taking the exam with many, many other students at a convention center here in Maastricht. It each exam is three hours. Today my exam is composed of several essay questions of which I get to choose several and answer them to the best of my knowledge. The concepts tested aren't very difficult but we are expected to cite recent journal articles as references to our answers of the essays. I don't expect to take the three hours but we will see. My exam thursday is the one I think will be the most difficult but we will see.
After having worked hard the past few weeks I have decided to go out with Heleen and Werner (maybe Gijs too, I don't know) to Doornroosje to see one of my favorite DJ's named Steve Bug. It will be a nice release of stress after the exams.
Next week I begin my dutch course. It is two days a week for 2 hours for 7 weeks. I hope to have a much better grasp of dutch when I am finished. I also start my next module of courses the following week (April 18th.) My new courses are Supply Chain Metrics (which only has a final paper, no exam :D) and Supply Chain Research Methods.
Here are some tracks of Steve Bug for those who are interested in it. On this playlist the second song is my favorite.
Latest tracks by stevebug
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Exams
It's been more than a month since I last updated this so I apologize. I've been busy. I visited Brugge, Belgium several weeks ago. It is a beautiful medieval city with amazing canals, towers, and churches. I went with Lieselot's younger sister Heleen. We were only there for 2 days but we had a great time.
Since then I have been winding down this study module with several presentations and papers. Next week I have two exams, one for Supply Chain Strategy and Supply Chain Operations. The following week I have off (it's scheduled for exam resits from the previous two modules.) I don't really have any plans other than to relax and spend time outside in the great weather (hopefully.)
That's it for now, back to studying...
Since then I have been winding down this study module with several presentations and papers. Next week I have two exams, one for Supply Chain Strategy and Supply Chain Operations. The following week I have off (it's scheduled for exam resits from the previous two modules.) I don't really have any plans other than to relax and spend time outside in the great weather (hopefully.)
That's it for now, back to studying...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Busy, busy, busy
Hello All!
I was reminded to update my blog by my dad as it has been a while since I posted. I have been very busy with school. This last week was a bit of a break but the week before I spent more than 25 hours in the library writing papers, preparing case studies, and making presentations. I am doing a lot of reading as well. I typically spend 2 hours reading my books per night.
Last weekend I went to nijmegen to see a change of pace and visit Lieselot's family. I didn't do much, I just relaxed and hung out. I stayed in Maastricht this weekend to work on projects and also socialize with my fellow Supply Chain students.
I went to Lieselot's aunt's house which is in Sint Geertruid, only 20 minutes by bus from Maasticht. Lieselot's cousin Rosa was there with her spouse Jeroen and their baby Daphne. We had dinner (cheese fondue) and played several games and generally had a great time visiting. I stayed past the time of the last bus so I stayed the night and returned saturday morning. I finished the weekend off with a healthy dose of homework.
Next weekend I will be back in Nijmegen for a birthday of a family friend then back to Maastricht sunday for Carnival (Mardi Gras to those who don't know.) I have all of next week off so it is a nice break at an opportune time.
Well, that's all for now.
I was reminded to update my blog by my dad as it has been a while since I posted. I have been very busy with school. This last week was a bit of a break but the week before I spent more than 25 hours in the library writing papers, preparing case studies, and making presentations. I am doing a lot of reading as well. I typically spend 2 hours reading my books per night.
Last weekend I went to nijmegen to see a change of pace and visit Lieselot's family. I didn't do much, I just relaxed and hung out. I stayed in Maastricht this weekend to work on projects and also socialize with my fellow Supply Chain students.
I went to Lieselot's aunt's house which is in Sint Geertruid, only 20 minutes by bus from Maasticht. Lieselot's cousin Rosa was there with her spouse Jeroen and their baby Daphne. We had dinner (cheese fondue) and played several games and generally had a great time visiting. I stayed past the time of the last bus so I stayed the night and returned saturday morning. I finished the weekend off with a healthy dose of homework.
Next weekend I will be back in Nijmegen for a birthday of a family friend then back to Maastricht sunday for Carnival (Mardi Gras to those who don't know.) I have all of next week off so it is a nice break at an opportune time.
Well, that's all for now.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Courses
Hello all!
I have now finishing my first week of classes. I am taking Supply Chain Organization and Supply Chain Strategy. Both courses are very interesting and will both challenge me. So far the material is not what I find challenging rather it's the style of teaching. Universiteit Maastricht is a problem based learning school where every single one of their programs (including bachelor programs) are based on students teaching students in "tutorial" groups. Tutorial groups are fairly small, about 10 to 14 students, as well as one tutor who is present to give expert opinion if necessary. Tutorial sessions are made up of one to two students giving a presentation on the day's topic. In essence, these students become the experts on their particular subject, reading extra journal articles and case studies beyond the required reading so they can illustrate the topic better to the rest of the students. It is a very unique way to learn and I am enjoying it.
This past weekend we had a going away party for Lieselot with about 15 friends and family. It was a great time to see everyone and visit. Lieselot's Aunt Hennie who lives in Sint Geertruid near Maastricht has informed me she has some work around her house that she would like me to do giving me a nice excuse to get out of the city and into the countryside.
Gemma and I took Lieselot to the airport yesterday morning (wednesday.) I had gotten a buddy pass for her through a friend at Delta and Lies was lucky enough to get first class from Amsterdam to Detroit but didn't get first from Detroit to Washington. She has booked a hostel for a few nights until she can actually look at a couple apartments she has found online and decide which one she wants. She got an e-mail tuesday night informing her that they moved her internship start date back about a week so she has a little bit more breathing room to fiind an apartment as well as to do a little bit of sight seeing.
I have also joined a study association called 3MA. It helps students integrate into the labor market a bit more smoothly as well as many other things. You can check out the website here.
No big plans this weekend really. Just relaxing in Maastricht and doing a bit of homework...
Tot straks!
I have now finishing my first week of classes. I am taking Supply Chain Organization and Supply Chain Strategy. Both courses are very interesting and will both challenge me. So far the material is not what I find challenging rather it's the style of teaching. Universiteit Maastricht is a problem based learning school where every single one of their programs (including bachelor programs) are based on students teaching students in "tutorial" groups. Tutorial groups are fairly small, about 10 to 14 students, as well as one tutor who is present to give expert opinion if necessary. Tutorial sessions are made up of one to two students giving a presentation on the day's topic. In essence, these students become the experts on their particular subject, reading extra journal articles and case studies beyond the required reading so they can illustrate the topic better to the rest of the students. It is a very unique way to learn and I am enjoying it.
This past weekend we had a going away party for Lieselot with about 15 friends and family. It was a great time to see everyone and visit. Lieselot's Aunt Hennie who lives in Sint Geertruid near Maastricht has informed me she has some work around her house that she would like me to do giving me a nice excuse to get out of the city and into the countryside.
Gemma and I took Lieselot to the airport yesterday morning (wednesday.) I had gotten a buddy pass for her through a friend at Delta and Lies was lucky enough to get first class from Amsterdam to Detroit but didn't get first from Detroit to Washington. She has booked a hostel for a few nights until she can actually look at a couple apartments she has found online and decide which one she wants. She got an e-mail tuesday night informing her that they moved her internship start date back about a week so she has a little bit more breathing room to fiind an apartment as well as to do a little bit of sight seeing.
I have also joined a study association called 3MA. It helps students integrate into the labor market a bit more smoothly as well as many other things. You can check out the website here.
No big plans this weekend really. Just relaxing in Maastricht and doing a bit of homework...
Tot straks!
Friday, January 28, 2011
1.5 weeks in (or so)
Well, this week has been very relaxing for me. It took me a bit longer this time to completely get over my jet lag (about 4 days total.) I thought I was in the clear friday night after returning to Nijmegen from Maastricht. However, after a very good meal cooked by Gemma (Lieselot's Mom) I dozed off in the middle of a discussion much to everyone's amusement!
The weekend was very relaxing. We spent time walking through Nijmegen doing some shopping. Lieselot went to Breda early in the day for a brunch with her rugby team before their game (which they won.) She then returned to Maastricht that evening as she had class early monday morning. I stayed in Nijmegen during all this. On monday morning I woke up early and took the train to Schiphol (Amsterdam's airport) where I met Rebecca Baken, a fellow student from Rocky who is doing a study abroad at Radboud Universiteit in Nijmegen. We then returned to Nijmegen where she met someone from the school at the train station. She really appreciated me meeting her as she's never left the States before so I figured I could lend a helping hand.
I then stayed in Nijmegen until wednesday afternoon when I took the train back down to Maastricht. I took care of the rest of the paperwork I needed for school thursday clearing the way for me to begin my study.
Today (friday) Lies and I are returning to Nijmegen for a full weekend. Tomorrow Rebecca is coming to the house to have dinner to meet Lies' family. Then later tomorrow night we will be going to El, a friend of the family's, birthday. Then sunday we are going Meerlo to celebrate Lieselot's grandpa's 95th birthday.
Well, that's it. I need to finish packing for the weekend and then head out for the train.
The weekend was very relaxing. We spent time walking through Nijmegen doing some shopping. Lieselot went to Breda early in the day for a brunch with her rugby team before their game (which they won.) She then returned to Maastricht that evening as she had class early monday morning. I stayed in Nijmegen during all this. On monday morning I woke up early and took the train to Schiphol (Amsterdam's airport) where I met Rebecca Baken, a fellow student from Rocky who is doing a study abroad at Radboud Universiteit in Nijmegen. We then returned to Nijmegen where she met someone from the school at the train station. She really appreciated me meeting her as she's never left the States before so I figured I could lend a helping hand.
I then stayed in Nijmegen until wednesday afternoon when I took the train back down to Maastricht. I took care of the rest of the paperwork I needed for school thursday clearing the way for me to begin my study.
Today (friday) Lies and I are returning to Nijmegen for a full weekend. Tomorrow Rebecca is coming to the house to have dinner to meet Lies' family. Then later tomorrow night we will be going to El, a friend of the family's, birthday. Then sunday we are going Meerlo to celebrate Lieselot's grandpa's 95th birthday.
Well, that's it. I need to finish packing for the weekend and then head out for the train.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Grad School
Alright, so those who haven't heard I am returning to the Netherlands for grad school. This time around I am going to try and post more frequently.
I have been accepted to Maastricht University in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Maastricht sits in the very southern part of the Netherlands right on the Belgian border. At Maastricht University I will be getting a Masters degree in International Business. The International Business program also offers 12 "tracks" and my track will be Supply Chain Management. This is a 1 year program.
I am writing this blog from the Seatac airport waiting for my flight to Amsterdam. Once I arrive in the Netherlands I will have about 2 weeks to get the rest of my affairs in order regarding registering for school, arranging paying for tuition, and officially applying for my residence permit. This whole process has been a bit of a whirlwind but I have been able to keep my head above the water.
That's it for now. I plan on updating this once per week so hassle me if I begin to slack... ;)
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maastricht
I have been accepted to Maastricht University in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Maastricht sits in the very southern part of the Netherlands right on the Belgian border. At Maastricht University I will be getting a Masters degree in International Business. The International Business program also offers 12 "tracks" and my track will be Supply Chain Management. This is a 1 year program.
I am writing this blog from the Seatac airport waiting for my flight to Amsterdam. Once I arrive in the Netherlands I will have about 2 weeks to get the rest of my affairs in order regarding registering for school, arranging paying for tuition, and officially applying for my residence permit. This whole process has been a bit of a whirlwind but I have been able to keep my head above the water.
That's it for now. I plan on updating this once per week so hassle me if I begin to slack... ;)
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maastricht
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Maybe Going Back!?!?!
So I have begun the application process for Universiteit Maastricht. I would like to get a masters there starting this fall. I am applying to get a Msc in International Business specializing in Supply Chain Management. I'm thinking that I would like to go to work for some type of company involved in manufacturing aviation related products be it aircraft themselves or somewhere up the supply chain from there. We'll see how it goes.
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