Bryan Lau - Exchange Alumni Testimonial

What motivated you to participate in an overseas experience?

My peers who had previously participated in the exchange program recommended that I apply. Hearing about their amazing experiences abroad inspired and motivated me to pursue my own overseas adventure. I also saw this as the perfect opportunity to study and live abroad – an opportunity I may not have again after completing my degree.

What was the highlight of your Exchange?

My exchange program was filled with unforgettable experiences. Meeting people from around the world, visiting the beautiful Dutch cities and historical sites around Europe, and immersing myself in the diverse cultures in Europe were some of the many highlights. If there is one thing that I have learnt, it’s that the friends you make during your exchange will be your lifelong friends – I still keep in contact with my friends from overseas despite the time difference.

What challenges did you face during your Exchange, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing and keeping on top of various administrative requirements. The Netherlands, whilst known for being an efficient country, is also very bureaucratic. I overcame this by setting reminders for important registration and administrative deadlines both before and during my time in the Netherlands.

What was your biggest takeaway from your experience?

My biggest takeaway is that, even though the world is big, we have more in common with people from other parts of the globe than we might think. From sharing similar music tastes to discovering names of famous TV characters in different countries, our interconnectedness has made it surprisingly easy to build friendships across borders. 

Do you have 1 piece of advice you would tell other students thinking about going on Exchange?

There’s no other opportunity quite like an exchange program where you can live, study, and travel alongside like-minded peers. Embrace the experience, try something new, and you will find yourself coming back with a whole new perspective on life. In other words: Just do it!

What new skills or knowledge did you gain from the experience?

Academically, I have gained a deeper understanding of European law and the concept of harmonisation. Personally, I have become a much better cook, picked up some Dutch (and decided to keep learning it after my exchange), and learned how to travel more wisely.

What is something that would entice you to travel back to the Netherlands?

It wouldn’t take much to convince me to return to the Netherlands—I loved the culture, language, and lifestyle in Maastricht. I can easily see the Netherlands as one of the few places I’d consider calling home if I ever moved to Europe.

How did participating in an Exchange influence your personal growth?

My exchange program helped me grow in many ways. I became more independent and adaptable, handling new challenges like navigating and managing paperwork in a different country. I also picked up practical skills, from learning some Dutch to becoming a better cook and a smarter traveller. Most importantly, it gave me a broader perspective on life and made it easy to connect with people from all over the world.

How did this overseas experience impact your academic or career goals?

My experience in the Netherlands has greatly influenced my academic and career ambitions. I now aim to live and work in the Netherlands – or somewhere in Europe – permanently within the next few years. While in Maastricht, I applied for and was accepted into a legal traineeship at a law firm in Prague, where I hope to learn more about legal practice in Europe. I'm also currently exploring options to pursue a Master of Law in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe.