2024-25: GEOG4001 - Netherlands

05-18 JUN 2025

On June 5th, 2025, in Amsterdam, a group of 27 undergraduate students majoring in Geography and/or Urban Governance began their 14-day field trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, with two staff members as supervisors (Dr. VAN DER WOUDEN and Prof. Chen).

This field trip covered cultural, economic, governmental, and geographic aspects of the three countries, aiming to increase academic learning and broaden international perspectives. Students visited several major cities, including Amsterdam, Maastricht, Utrecht, Aachen, and Brussels.

In Amsterdam, the students joined policy discussions with local government officers, took part in a historical walking tour, and visited the Heineken brewery, the coastal dune areas, and the Rijksmuseum. In Utrecht, the students conducted interviews with local university students to investigate issues concerning housing demand. In Maastricht, the focus was on cross-border cultural exchange, underground cave visits, which also included nearby Aachen. The final part in Brussels included academic activities such as a visit to the European Parliament and studies on urban diversity and sustainability.

A variety of transport modes—including train, bus, walking, and boat—were used, showing a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. By combining academic work with hands-on learning, the field trip gave students valuable insights into European history, politics, and urban development, helping them grow both academically and culturally.