SBE: also coming semester possible to do an internship instead of an exchange

SBE: also coming semester possible to do an internship instead of an exchange

Exchange during corona

20-10-2021 · News

MAASTRICHT. Students from the School of Business and Economics (SBE) who are currently unable or unwilling to go on exchange due to corona, may replace their experience abroad with an internship in the area or a minor at Maastricht University. This arrangement will be extended until the summer of 2022. The Faculty Council decided this week.

However, there are two adjustments from January 2022: postponing the exchange to the next semester is no longer allowed, because it will then be moved to the new academic year, which means study delay. In addition, it is no longer possible to take a minor at another faculty, simply because these are no longer offered in the second semester. The options of an internship or extra electives at SBE are still possible.

The board of SBE cannot say whether there will be another extension after the summer of 2022. “It has everything to do with the pandemic. Unfortunately I don't have a crystal ball”, says Wilko Letterie, portfolio holder for education and research during the most recent meeting of the faculty council.

Student councilor Dhruv Savadekar from India would like to see the arrangement become permanent. “I have problems with my visa, for example.” An internship, or minor at UM would be a solution for him. An internship instead of an exchange is worth considering, says Alexander Louwes, councilor on behalf of the support and management staff. “The importance of an internship is great for graduates who want to enter the labor market.” Letterie promises to look into it. “I see you want more flexibility. I will put it on the agenda of the educational institute.”