Program Overview

Introduction to the Netherlands: CES Maastricht Program

The Netherlands: CES Maastricht program is a summer study abroad opportunity hosted by the Center for European Studies in Maastricht. This program allows American students to take classes and experience life in the beautiful medieval city of Maastricht for six weeks. The CES Maastricht program is Kenan-Flagler's most established summer study abroad program and is an excellent opportunity for students who haven't been to Europe or the Netherlands before.

Program Overview

• The program is located in the city of Maastricht, a lovely medieval city of 120,000 people, which is a good size for students seeking a vibrant atmosphere without a large urban experience.
• The city is known for its picturesque setting, culture, education, and festivals.
• Located near the Belgian and German borders, Maastricht is an excellent point from which to explore other parts of Europe.
• English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, but students will not have to travel far if they'd like to practice a foreign language.

Quick Facts and Links

• GPA Requirement: 3.00
• Program Options: Direct Enroll
• Language of Instruction: English
• Eligibility:
  • Business Major, Business Admin Minor, Real Estate Minor, or Business of Health Minor
  • Seniors graduating in May are not eligible
• Class During Program (min): Rising Juniors
• Program Dates:
  • Block 1: June 19 – July 10, 2026
  • Full Program: June 19 – July 31, 2026

Application Information

• Apply for a Kenan-Flagler Global Program and Global Programs scholarship through the same application system using Kenan-Flagler credentials.
• Application deadlines, requirements, and the application process can be found through the application system.

Program Logistics

Academics

• In this program, students will enroll in either the full summer program (consisting of two blocks) or the first summer block only.
• Students may take one course per block, so they will take either one or two courses.
• If students enroll in the full program and take two courses, they may choose either two business electives or one business and one general elective.
• To study abroad through Kenan-Flagler, students must take at least one business course while abroad, so if they choose to take a course that is not approved for business credit, they must take their second course for business credit.
• Each CES course is worth 6 ECTS credits, which is equivalent to 3.5 UNC Credits.
• Per Kenan-Flagler policies, the maximum amount of business credit students can receive per course is 3 credit hours, thus each CES course approved for business credit will transfer back 3 business elective credit hours + .5 general elective credit hours.

Approved Courses

• The following courses have been approved for BUSI elective credit for the 2026 summer term:
  • Block 1:
    • BUS3005 Entrepreneurship: it’s all about creating value
    • BUS3104 Business Strategy in the European Luxury Industry
    • ICC2001 Intercultural Communication
  • Block 2:
    • BUS2001 Leadership and Management in a Global World
• All other courses offered at CES were not approved for business credit.
• Students may choose to take one course approved for business credit + another course at CES.
• Other course offerings at CES focus on economics, public health, Dutch literature and culture, Dutch art, psychology, study trips, Dutch art and European law, politics, and psychology.

Credit Transfer

• Courses taken at CES Maastricht will transfer back to UNC Pass (CES grade of 6 and above)/Fail (CES grade below 6).
• Pass grades do not affect the UNC GPA.
• Fail grades transfer back to UNC as Fs, which will affect the UNC GPA.
• Though transfer credit for this program is Pass/Fail, future employers and graduate schools will also look at the CES transcript, so grades are important.
• If students pass both courses, they will earn a total of 7 UNC credits for their summer abroad.

Housing

• Housing is provided in the International Student Guesthouse.
• The Guesthouse offers a total of 350 furnished single or double-occupancy rooms, either with a private kitchen (P-building) or with a communal kitchen (C-building).
• All rooms come with shared bathroom facilities (showers and bathrooms).
• They are all furnished with a bed, mattress, desk, wardrobe, washbasin, bookcase, reading lamps, table, and chairs, and wireless internet.
• Bed linens are provided (students should bring their own towel), and laundry is free of charge.
• Housing fees depend on whether students stay in a single or a double room and whether they live in P-building or C-building.

Program Cost

• The program cost includes:
  • UNC Tuition and Fees: $0 (students will pay CES tuition directly)
  • Global Programs Administrative Fee: $700
  • BCBS Global Solutions Medical Insurance: $40 (block 1 only) $70 (full program)
• Out-of-pocket estimates:
  • CES Maastricht Tuition: $2,875 (block 1 only) $4,025 (full program)
  • International Airfare: $1,150
  • Housing: $800 (block 1 only) $1,320 (full program)
  • Meals: $350
  • Immigration Visa/Residence Permit: $0 (U.S. citizens)
  • Passport Application Fee: $165
  • Course Materials: $85
  • International Cell Phone Plan: $90
  • Personal Expenses: $2,000
  • Travel Insurance: $200
  • Local Transportation: $350
  • Miscellaneous: $2,000
• Total estimated expenses (direct enroll): $8,805 (block 1 only) $10,505 (full program)

Funding Your Global Program

• Scholarships and Financial Aid:
  • The Undergraduate Business Program offers both merit and financial-need-based scholarships to support students who wish to study abroad.
  • Average merit scholarship amounts for this program range between $500-$1,000.
  • If students are applying for a financial-need scholarship, the specific scholarship amount will be determined by supplemental UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid information.
• Study abroad scholarship applications are embedded in the global program application, and award amounts will be communicated with program decisions.

Travel Documents

• Students must have a valid passport that is valid at least 6 months after the program's scheduled end date.
• If students do not have a valid passport, they will need to submit a passport renewal application.
• U.S. citizens may enter the Netherlands for up to 90 days without a visa, so students will not be required to acquire a visa for this program.