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.

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!