Category: Okategoriserade (Page 17 of 20)

To all of our newly arrived international students, we would like to say a big “Welcome!” By now you will have landed in a new country, moved into your new accommodation, and met your new classmates. You will have found your way to campus, and done your first grocery shop in a foreign supermarket. You may even have bought yourself a bicycle, and had to remember how to ride again. For some of you, it may even be the first time you have lived outside of your family home. These first few weeks are energising and exciting, and full of memorable new experiences. But as you start to settle in, and the novelty starts wearing off, it is perfectly natural that you start to miss home.

One of the biggest challenges our international students face, especially those living abroad for the first time, is homesickness.

What is homesickness?

Homesickness is defined as the distress caused from actual or anticipated separation from one’s homeland, family, friends, and an environment which is familiar. It commonly leads to one feeling sad, worried, and having difficulty focusing on topics unrelated to home. Simply put, feeling homesick is not fun at all.

Symptoms of homesickness can be cognitive, behavioural, emotional and physical. They can include:

Cognitive:

• Preoccupying thoughts of home, and all that you left behind
• Negative thoughts about your new environment, and critically comparing it to home
• Idealising home
• Obsessing over all that you are missing out on by not being at home
• Thoughts of inadequacy

Behavioural:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent crying
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Social withdrawal

Emotional:

• Depression
• Loneliness
• Moodiness
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Feeling stressed and overwhelmed
• Feeling tired, drained and unmotivated

Physical:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Muscular tension

Homesickness varies in severty from person to person. While many international students are able to overcome these feelings, for some it can be quite debilitating.

What to do if you start to feel homesick

First of all, it’s important to realise that homesickness is not a sign of weakness, but a normal part of the international student experience. In fact, nearly all people miss something about home when they are away, so the actual prevalence of homesickness is close to 100%, mostly in a mild form. In the international student population, homesickness is often experienced more intensely. If you find yourself feeling sad and longing for home, know that you are not alone. These feelings won’t go away overnight, but you can find ways of coping, and eventually get through it. Once you remove the homesickness glasses, everything in your new environment can be received in a much more positive manner. Each individual has their own way of dealing with homesickness, but here are a few tips and strategies to help you started:

1. Talk to others

As I mentioned, homesickness is something that is felt to some degree by almost every single international student. So find someone to talk to and share what you are going through. Getting your feelings off your chest may make you feel instantly lighter, and it may also comfort you to know that others are going through the exact same thing. If they know that you are feeling down, your new friends, classmates or dormitory mates may go out of their way to cheer you up, and might also share with you new strategies for overcoming these emotions. We understand that not everybody feels comfortable initiating conversations with others. If you feel shy or are having trouble making new friends, we suggest joining a language exchange group for example.

2. Keep busy and get involved

While withdrawing and staying in your room may be all that you feel like doing, it won’t help you in the long run. One of the best ways of overcoming homesickness is to distract yourself, so go out and have some fun. Join a club, start exercising, explore the city extensively and say yes to all the social invitations that come your way. Plan a weekend away, sign up to work at a student nation, learn Swedish, and make a bucket list for all the things you want to do and see while you are here. If you are busy enough, you might just start forgetting how homesick you are.

3. Keep in close contact with your friends and family

Connecting with a close friend of family member can instantly brighten your mood, and make the distance between you feel shorter. These days, with social media and smart phones, it is so cheap and easy to stay in touch with people, no matter where in the world you are. Book in weekly Skype calls, send photos and videos back and forth, and ask your friends to keep you closely updated on everything they have going on. It may help you to conquer your feelings of missing out. And your family and friends are likely to be just as interested to hear about your new life in Sweden.

4. Learn to make your favourite meals from home

Food is more powerful than you think, and eating your favourite comfort food can help you to feel more at home. There are several international grocery stores in Uppsala, so you should be able to find many of the products you require, or at least a good alternative. There are also a variety of restaurants in town specialising in international cuisine, so you may be able to have a taste of your homeland at one of them. You could find other students from your country, and take turns cooking for each other. Or, you could invite other students with different nationalities to dinner, so that they can enjoy a meal from your country. If you are lucky, they may even cook one of their national dishes for you in return.

5. Make your own traditions

Remember, feeling homesick is about your instinctive need for love, comfort, security and stability, all qualities that are regularly associated with home. So whatever you can do to make your new environment feel like your own, the better. One way of doing this is to establish new traditions. They don’t have to be complicated, and can be as simple as grocery shopping on a Sunday morning, or taking a brisk walk before dinner. The more you build routine in your new life, the more familiar things will feel.

6. Stop comparing everything to home

Try to stop judging everything new against what you are used to, and idealising your old life. When you are homesick, it is very easy to fall into the pattern of thinking everything is better at home. Remember that nowhere is perfect, and make an active effort to focus on the positive aspects of life in Sweden. The grass is not always greener on the other side – it’s just different.

7. Remember that your time here is limited, so try and make the most of it

Whether you are an exchange student here for six months, or a Master’s student here for two years, at some point your time as an international student will be over. This is such a special period of your life, and one that you will look back on for years to come. It will go faster than you think, so make every day count and take advantage of every opportunity you are given.

Remember that if you really feel as though you are struggling we are always here to help. You can contact my colleagues Lina, Hannah or I at the International Office, speak with your programme coordinator or get in touch with the Student Health Centre.

/Jorja

A day in Gripsholm Castle.

Gripsholm Castle, is located in Mariefred, Sodermanland, not very far away from Uppsala, in front of the castle you can find a lake called Malaren, just about 60 kms west of Stockholm.  Since the King Gustav Vasa, Gripsholm has belonged to the Swedish Royal Family, and it was used as one of its residences until 18th-century.  Today is now a museum, but its still at disposal of the Royal Family.

Here are some fun facts:

1. This was a Carthusian convent for almost thirty years until it was confiscated by the King Gustav I during the Swedish Reformation.
2. The king Gustav tore it down, and built a fortified castle for defensive purposes.
3. The castle was constructed between 1537 and 1545, and often serve as the residence of the royal court.
4. Sigismund, later king of Sweden was born in here in 1566.
5. This place is known as the widows castle, because it served as home for all the widows of the crown.
6. For a short period it was used as a prison in the 18th-century.
7. Gustav III spent several months in this castle every year.
8. It has a theater inside, where the king Gustav III and his friends performed.
9. Gustav IV Adolf, sign his abdication in this castle.
10. The museum includes a baldy stuffed lion which has become in most famous one in the recent years, I am sure you all have seen him.

A day in Linnaeus’ Hammarby.

‘Omnia mirari etiam tritissima’, which translates to ‘Find wonder in everything, even the most commonplace’. Linnaeus.
Most of you might not recognize the name of “Linnaeus” or more properly the name of “Carl Linnaeus”. He was a Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist who laid the foundations for the modern biological naming scheme of binomial nomenclature, among other things.

Here are some fun facts that I learned of him when I visited his summer house in the small estate of Hammarby in Uppsala:

1. He was the eldest of five children.
2. His father was a Lutheran minister.
3. He entered the University of Lund after a year of studies he was transferred to Uppsala University.
4. He was the first to name the humans as “homo sapiens”.
5. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy and ecology.
6. He could host as much as 300 students from all over Europe and the world in the garden of his summer house.
7. He lived in Netherlands for three years.
8. The Swedish King Adolf Fredrik made Linnaeus a noble in 1757.
9. At the time of his death, he was one of the most acclaimed scientists in Europe.
10. He died on January 1778 and was buried in Uppsala Cathedral.

/Pollo

One week prior to the beginning of classes, the International Committee (IK) and the Student Nations arrange a large number of activities with the goal of welcoming international students to Uppsala. These activities are a great opportunity to get to know the city, culture, meet new friends, and of course, learn more about the Student Nations. Since classes have not started yet, and the weather is still very nice outside, this is the perfect time to go out and experience many of things Uppsala has to offer!

During this year’s orientation week activities included guided tours of the city, FIKA, Swedish games, beer pong, pub-quizzes, mini waffle day, a light hike to see viking graves at Gamla Uppsala, among many others.

Viev from Gamla Uppsala

Besides the events organized by the IK and the Student Nations, I highly recommend taking a look at the “Nationsguiden” app (an official app to check what is going on at Uppsala’s Student Nations) and see if there is a restaurant, pub, or FIKA open and go there with your friends as well. Going to a Student Nation outside of the organized events is also a great way to learn more about a nation, meet some of its members, and determine if it is a nation you would like to join or not.

Friends and I enjoy dinner at a nation’s restaurant

It might also be the case that the department you will study in has also organized a few welcome activities. Make sure you go to these as well such that you can get to know your classmates and in some cases get free food too!

ecue at the IT department – Photo by Divyansh Khunteta

My first week at Uppsala has been hectic and with many things going on at the same time. Take advantage of this week to go out as much as you can, make new friends, and enjoy all of the activities that have been organized. This week is specially designed to set you on the right path towards an awesome experience at Uppsala!

/Diego

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It is that time of the year when the buzz and vibrancy of Uppsala returns with the arrival of new and old students after the long summer break. One place which takes centre stage in any student’s life in Uppsala is a student nation. If Uppsala was Twitter, then the words ‘Student-nation’ would most certainly be one of the top trending words. Apart from being the epicentre of a student’s social and cultural life, student nations also provide employment opportunities. It is probably one of the very few employment opportunities in Uppsala for non-Swedish speaking International students. Though relying just on the income from working in a student nation is not a very wise idea. The nations are organisations run by the students and so quite naturally the pay is not something that can be correlated to a regular job. Working daily is generally not possible as it is bound to affect one’s academic performance. The real USP of a job at the nations is the complete package of some money, food/drinks and a huge opportunity to socialize and make new friends. The salary generally differs from nation to nation. The bigger nations are known to be more generous in their compensation package than the smaller ones. The pay is generally higher for private rentals and during special occasions like Valborg. One can work in a variety of positions during a nation activity. The usual jobs include bartending, helping in the wardrobe, serving, manning the door, washing dishes etc.

A bartender on a semi busy day

My recent experience of working for a student nation

The whole concept of a ‘Student nation’ was so new and fascinating  that I decided to experience it in close quarters and the best way to do that is  by working in one.

I decided to try out a shift in a nation during my second semester in Uppsala. It was the second week of the new semester and I opted for the supposedly easier wardrobe shift at the Friday Club at Varmlands. The first few weeks of the semester generally has the new students flocking to the clubs in large numbers. The enthusiasm mellows down a bit as the semester progresses. My first shift, being at the start of the new semester was extremely busy with a constant inflow of students wanting to use the wardrobe facility. Luckily I had 4 other fellow workers to help me .This allowed me to take breaks, avail the free drinks (non-alcoholic) allowed for the club workers and mingle with new people. After the end of the club, all the club workers of that day clean the nation together. Though it was a pretty hectic day, I ended up making many new friends. After my first taste of a nation shift, I decided to continue the new trend. I actually became a regular as a wardrobe staff in Varmlands during its Friday clubs. To be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and have made many friends and memories throughout the semester. I have also worked in few other nations and at times they have offered a higher per hour pay. But the rapport I had with the club-masters and my fellow staff made sure that I keep coming back to Varmlands. Some of my friends had similar preferences and attachments to other nations. On the downside, there have been instances where the shifts in some of the nations were not enjoyable due to either mismanagement or rudeness of the Nation staff. Thus it is important to choose a nation (for working), which has a balance of good pay and good people (in the management)

That feeling when a hectic & unpleasant shift is about to end

FAQs

– How can I get a job in a nation?

Every nation (club/pub /rentals) has its own facebook group where they advertise the vacant positions. One should join all the groups and respond to the relevant/convenient post

– What is the general pay package?

The pay ranges from 15 kr to 60 kr /hour + tips .Most shifts will have food and drinks included

– Do I need any documents/proof?

The requirements vary from nation to nation. Generally a ‘personnummer’ or the personal identify number provided by the tax office is a must. Some nations may also ask for a copy of the resident permit card and passport. These have to be sent to the Second Curator (2Q) of the particular nation. To get the salary one should also send the following information:

Name:
Swedish personal number or coordination number:
Email:
Address:
Swedish bank and account number:

– Is it necessary to be a member of a particular nation in order to work there?

One can work in any nation without even being a member.

– How and when do I get my salary?

The salary will be directly transferred to your Swedish bank account (if and when provided). Normally the payment is never made in cash. The salary will be sent after a week or next month (for special events) depending on the event.

– Do I have a choice regarding the work I want to undertake in a shift?

Yes there is always a choice. Depending on availability, one can choose between the different vacant positions i.e. wardrobe staff, glass picker, bartender, dishwashing staff etc.

– Is prior experience necessary?

Most of the shifts don’t require prior experience. Specialized tasks like bartending, serving (especially during rentals and gasques) and cooking may require prior work experience.

/Arindam

I arrived in Uppsala less than a week ago and I’ve had to get accommodated quickly!

Day 1:
Landed in Arlanda Airport and tried to buy a train ticket from inside the airport. No luck, the machines only sell tickets to Stockholm. Once outside the airport I found a tourist helpdesk, they directed me to the main train station where I bought a ticket to Uppsala from a big yellow machine. Train time – around 20 minutes.

Arrived at Uppsala train station. Luckily my UK Sim card has no roaming charges so I used google maps to find the best route to my new home (either no. 2 or no. 3 bus to Kantorsgatan). Took money out at a cash machine only to find that the bus machines accept solely card payments. Bought my bus ticket (aware that the cost of the bus ticket was less that the charges that would be applied to my overseas card transaction) and hopped on bus number 3 with my luggage in tow. After arriving it occurred to me that the ticket I bought at the train station may have applied to the buses as well, but it was too late.

My new room: big, bare and grey/white. How much more student-y can you get? I have a shared apartment with one other person who, as I later found out, had been living there alone for 4 months prior to my arrival. I had no internet, kitchenware, sheets, blankets, towels, study materials, food and limited toiletries. My classes in Basic Swedish started the next day. I had to register. I had to get items. I had to get food. I had to get to know the city. I had to do all this relatively quickly.

A few hours and a few bus trips later and I had some food, information from the University, paper and pens, a blanket and a little more knowledge about Uppsala.

There are so many flies in Uppsala.

Day 2:
Introductory class to Basic Swedish. Easy to find, helpful, awkward. The first day of class if always awkward. Talk to others or spend time on your phone? I did the latter, but only because I was trying to figure out where I could buy towels after class. I made a shopping list. I half-listened. They told us about tours, Nations, the fact that help was limited right now because most of the staff were on holiday. We got all the information in person, in our welcome pack and by email. Somehow, we always forget or lose track. The information is still never where you need it when you need it.

They told us Summer only lasts 6 weeks in Sweden. Maybe that’s why there are so many flies around right now.

After class, I ventured out to IKEA, around 40 minutes by bus. I bought as much as I could carry: pillows, towels, sheets, patterned fabric, a bin, a rug… I was unsure about the rug, it was quite large, but it was nice and it was cheap (200kr), so I bought it too.

When I tried to get on the bus the driver said something to me in Swedish (something about ‘matten’) I thought he might have been saying I couldn’t take the rug on the bus, but when I replied ‘sorry, pardon?’ in English he smiled and waved me on. Same as anywhere, there are nice bus drivers and not-so-nice bus drivers.

Now my home was starting to feel like home. Every hour I scanned the FB group ‘Uppsala University buy and sell’. Occasionally I could bulk buy items

IKEA

Day 3:
Classes continued and, naturally, friendships formed. I was a master’s student in a group with other master’s and PhD students / academics. Two days in and we were already quite talkative. After class I tried to buy tickets for the group tours, but the card machine wasn’t working. We only found this out after waiting in a queue for 40 minutes. So, shopping instead, this time for clothes and a frying pan. Every time you think you’re set up, you think of something else you need. I kept scanning ‘Uppsala University buy and sell’ for used bikes. I needed a bike. I really needed a bike.

That night I researched the student nations. To get a student card you need to join a nation. There are 13 to choose from and I wasn’t taking the decision lightly. I made a list of pros and cons for each. I considered their libraries, work opportunities, size, parties, clubs, pubs, food, gasques, sports teams, history, websites, Facebooks and, ultimately, whether they seemed open to accepting international students. I narrowed it down to three relatively small clubs and made my final decision.

My student card was on its way.

My room once decorated

Day 4:
Bike, bike, bike, bike. I still needed a bike. The 35-minute walk to campus seemed longer considering the possibility of a bike. After class, I went again to buy tickets for the group tour. Unfortunately, Stockholm the next day was fully booked and it was Stockholm’s pride parade. What a day to go. I joined two classmates for a Chinese Buffet lunch. There’s a big Asian presence in Uppsala, I can hear people all around the City speaking Thai, Hindi and Mandarin, not to mention the copious Indian, Chinese, Thai restaurants and massage parlours.

It’s nice, it’s diverse, everyone seems happy and friendly. I think I’m going to like it here.

Oh, and I finally bought a bike – from Bibblans Cycle shop. I bumped into my Swedish Professor in the shop who encouraged me to get one without hesitation. ‘You will need one’ he assured me and reminded me they cycle on the right here.

What happens when you cycle in Uppsala in the summer? You get a healthy diet of flies.

Top things to remember:
1. Make sure you have an EU sim with credit on arrival, otherwise get a Sim ASAP – the University welcome pack has a Sim included, so if you can make it there first it’s helpful.
2. Get a flight in the morning if possible, your first few days will be busy, but your first day especially busy.
3. Join ‘Uppsala University buy and sell’ Facebook group.
4. Be prepared to spend a lot of money on arrival.
5. Buy a bike ASAP with a very good lock.
6. Join a Nation.
7. Make sure you have a card you can make Visa/Mastercard payments with, some shops don’t accept cash and getting a bank account here is a lengthy process.
8. Be friendly, walk around and get a lay of the land. It’s not a big City, but it’s beautiful and it’s your home for now!

/Rhianna

August will see me pack up my bags and hop on a flight to Sweden. Naturally, this move requires slimming down the wardrobe and being selective in terms of what to put in the suitcase. Studying Sustainable Management, where better to start managing sustainably than in your own life. I’ve had clear outs over the years but approached this one with a different mindset after being inspired from The Minimalists Ted Talk.

The Oxford English Dictionary describes minimalism as “deliberate lack of decoration or adornment in style or design”. The Minimalists take it a step further claiming it as a “tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favour of focusing on what’s important”. The philosophy stretches beyond decluttering and is a welcome respite from the consumer culture I’ve become accustomed too.

The past two weeks has been a real challenge, trying to adopt this living style and pairing back on the “stuff” in my life. I still have a full wardrobe so definitely a long way to go yet I am already feeling the benefits of having less unnecessary things. I’ve compiled a list of tips for you to try if you to want to declutter and focus on what is important in your life.

5 Tips

• Find your Easy-Wins – start with the stuff you hate or haven’t worn in years and stick them in a bag. Now you’ve made a start! Everything from here is a bonus towards a simplified life.
• Start Small – I started with my bedside table drawer and after emptying that, I had the strength to tackle my cabinet. I worked my way up to the biggest challenge which in my case was the wardrobe.
• Picture It – Some of the stuff wasn’t even on my radar for getting rid of, but when I had it laid out and photographed I realised the only reason I was keeping it was the memory. Now that I have the memory in an image, I don’t need to hold onto the physical possession. 
• Have a Purpose – Mine is simply that I’ll be moving out and need to clear the room, although a fresh start and leading a more conscious life are nice bonuses. It’s tough going and I realised through the process how sentimental I am but afterwards you’re left with the pieces you love.
• Go Easy – One of my friend’s mothers routinely picks up boxes she hasn’t opened for a while and flings it into a bin. Aside from the lack of recycling/donating in that scenario I just don’t have the ruthlessness to do it. You can do a review of all your items on a regular basis as not everything needs to go today. Needs change over time and the longer it’s not used the easier it can sometimes be to get rid of.

Embedding this routine into your life will mean you’ll be less susceptible to fast fashion bargains and think more consciously about the item. What needs is it satisfying in your life? Will this cheap item be up for review in 6 months’ time? If the answer is maybe, don’t buy it. Save your money and invest in something more worthwhile. Donating, recycling and selling off these items will hopefully put you in a great position to start the new academic year with a fresh start.

/Daniel

Early on, when my age just reached double digits, I became fascinated with a particular painting. It was alive,a scene in motion. It was also a little morbid. It is titled Valdemar Atterdag holding Visby to Ransom, 1361 or Valdemar Atterdag brandskattar Visby den 27 juli 1361. How do you pronounce that? No one knows. Painted by Carl Gustaf Hellqvist, dated 1882. It depicts Visby in disarray. The Danish king Valdemar IV has laid out three great beer vats and demands that the people of the town fill them with gold and riches. If they do not, he will burn the city to the ground. Not very fun times, the middle ages.

I wouldn’t have imagined that I would be living in that city. I visited it last October, and I didn’t realize until later that it was the same place as in the painting. The old town is much more modest than Hellqvist’s depiction. It’s much nicer than what’s shown in the artwork as well. No invading soldiers. But like the emotion of the painting, I did feel a sense of fear. The thought of moving halfway across the world to live on an island in the Baltic Sea. I don’t have much experience with islands. Hearing the word, I imagine a sandy piece of land with a single palm tree. While I do like alone time, I could imagine I might feel isolated living on a big rock protruding from the depths. My visit to the campus there was rather pleasant though. In fact I liked it much more than any university that I’ve visited. It felt homey. I had learned from a previous attempt at higher education that I really don’t like the anonymity in a herd of students as I had thought I might. In fact I only was in class for two weeks before I concluded I was going to leave (although my decision was partially based on not wanting to do a very tedious assignment. You could say I’m a bit lazy). My good feelings about the place did have a hint of uneasiness.

I soon came to the hurdle that is the immigration process. I found the Migration Agency’s website to be pretty confusing. Different sections seemed to contradict each other, some of the information was vague. To make things worse, I was rather delayed at collecting the money needed to show I can sustain myself in Sweden. It’s a whole lot of money. A whole lot. But it maybe won’t last all three years, as travel is much more important than food, of course. I look forward to budgeting though. Seems fun. Like a game. I’m sure many people agree. You have the control. The power. The taste of independence, while scary, is delicious. A good trick is to never shower so you save on utilities. And people? Who needs them. Going out is just a waste of money if you ask me. Sitting alone in the dark doesn’t empty your wallet.

I’m not a very outgoing person. I’ve never had very many friends. Not that people don’t like me. They love me. I am irresistible. My flowing hair hypnotizes them. Unfortunately, this does not satisfy me. I tend to avoid people, a habit that doesn’t serve me well much of the time, but most of the time it does. Many have told me that at university I will find my “tribe”. In fact it’s a little suspicious that they say the exact same thing. If I do find one, I’m not so sure I’d really be into a hunter-gatherer lifestyle if that’s their sort of thing. I have considered befriending the animals of the forest instead. I don’t doubt that I will find the tribe, but how long will it take? One difficulty is that I find many of the best places to meet people unenjoyable. Often my peers are aliens to me. But after some time, I just might find an E.T. And if you are reading this and are in Visby, I would like for you to ignore what I say here. Don’t let it affect your view of me. It’s not that I have a hard time with people, it’s that I am mysterious and hard to understand. What do I do? Where do I go? Why do I do the things I do? You may never know.

Meanwhile at present I face another task. After two experiences of traveling with a mighty collection of bags, two weighing around twenty kilograms (and I have the physical strength of a twelve-year-old) both times, I vowed to live a spartan life and release the majority of my possessions, never wanting to go through that again. Then I didn’t do that. My flights to Europe however have some serious luggage weight restrictions. That gives me the motivation I need to purge my belongings. Learning what is essential, now that is a wonderful thing. I have taken many clothes to second-hand stores. Then I bought more clothes at those stores. I had the fantastic and original idea of shipping things. I can even ship things I’d want very soon, before I even leave. I congratulated myself on my genius. I also found that not packing twenty books really reduces the weight of the luggage. Those books, however, are a symbol of hope for the future. I used to read a lot. I would get up early and read. I would stay up late and read. And this year I have finished one single book. I’m optimistic though, maybe next year it’ll be two.

I do feel a little overwhelmed at times. There are so many things to do. I’ll have to visit the immigration office. Open a bank account. I will want to buy things for my apartment. I will have to cook. And I’ll have school on top of that. I don’t have time for this when I need to perform copious amounts of procrastination. Even now I spend most of my time not doing what I should be. This is my way of life, what I enjoy doing. I have been putting off selling some of my larger and more expensive possessions. I should be getting a head start on my studies. I should be reading up on some Swedish. I should be memorizing facts about Abba to fit into society there. Lately I have been doing some things though, as I have said, like booking my flights. I arrive late at night, so I need to get some kind of lodging, though I already have an apartment (for which I need to call about scheduling to pick up the keys). I’ve been thinking as an alternative, I could just wander the streets until morning. Sounds easier.

The day is ever approaching. I’m not the type to get excited. When I was accepted, I thought “Oh, okay, cool, I guess.” Yes, I am looking forward to it. It’s an adventure. A new point of view. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t really care. What I do know is to look out for invading Danish kings.

/Anders

Like many students in their final year of university, I was faced with what seemed like the fork in Frost’s famed divergent road: finding gainful employment (good luck!) or applying to graduate school.  The latter option, for me, felt most natural, since I’m one of those slightly odd people who loves conducting research and analyzing data in my spare time, pouring over dusty tomes in the library for hours on end, and taking detailed, color coded notes during lectures. With this in mind, I set aside my pile of job applications and cover letters last summer and began to search for the Master’s program best suited to my personal and professional goals.

Initially, I focused on American schools with highly rated, specialized programs corresponding to my research interests. Narrowing down these diverse interests to just one preferred field of study, however, proved more difficult than I’d initially anticipated, and one look at each of the program’s price tags left me hyperventilating over glimpses of my well-educated, albeit extremely impoverished future.

There had to be a better way. Sensing my frustration, a professor and mentor of mine suggested I consider graduate programs overseas. I wasn’t exactly opposed to the idea, having spent a semester abroad during university, but I was clueless as to where or how to begin the research and application process for foreign schools.

A quick google search for “graduate studies abroad” produced several thousand results and a variety of opinions on the subject. Unfortunately, being inundated by information didn’t seem to answer many of my questions. Even once I had decided on schools in Sweden and initiated the application process, I often felt alone and overwhelmed, since so few of my peers chose to pursue graduate school overseas and it seemed like a riskier, perhaps even foolish endeavor.

Does this scenario sound familiar to you?  If you’re reading this post right now, you might be considering graduate studies in Sweden and looking for application advice or general guidance from fellow students. When I was in your shoes, I wish someone more experienced had come alongside me to debunk the following myths pertaining to graduate programs abroad:

1. The application process is too complicated.

Multi-step? Yes. Complicated? No.  You should definitely do your best to stay on top of deadlines and keep application materials well-organized, but the process itself isn’t any more involved or difficult than it would be for your typical American school. The most confusing aspect is that you might have to submit some documents online to Universityadmissions.se and others by mail to individual schools – that’s it.

Should you be accepted to a Swedish Master’s program, you will need to apply for a residence permit, a personnummer, and other identification and immigration documents (at a later date). Once again, if you keep track of all applicable deadlines and ensure your supporting materials are easily accessible and well-organized, everything is very straightforward.

2. There won’t be programs applicable to my field of study.

You might be surprised! Swedish schools offer international Master’s programs in diverse disciplines – more than 980 programs are currently offered in English, many of which are highly ranked in terms of scope, content, and rigor.

Both one-year and two-year plans of study are available, each including compulsory and elective coursework and culminating in a research-based Master’s thesis. Thus, you are able to develop advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in your field, while also gaining increased familiarity with subjects pertaining to your specific research interests.

3. My GRE score isn’t competitive enough.

Again, surprise! When it comes to the application review process, many Swedish schools take a more holistic approach than their American counterparts. I didn’t even sit for the GRE and the program to which I was accepted (MSc in Political Science) evaluated international candidates based on their undergraduate coursework (transcripts) and thesis.

These requirements do differ from one program to another, so be sure to check online or consult with your admissions officer for information specific to your application.  As a general rule, however, don’t allow a less than stellar test score to hold you back. Put yourself out there, apply, and see what happens – worst case scenario, you’re told “no,” but you can always try again!

4. I don’t speak any foreign languages fluently.

Speaking as an American, here – while fluency in more than one language is certainly a wonderful thing, there are plenty of reputable programs offered in English by schools outside the US. Uppsala University alone features nearly 50 English-language Master’s programs, with more than 80 different sub-specializations.

English is often sufficient for day-to-day life outside of the classroom, too – many Swedes speak and/or understand English quite well, so you needn’t worry about mastering Swedish prior to your departure or facing a severe language barrier upon arrival.

That being said, knowing at least the basics of the primary language in your host country makes long-term integration much easier. There are numerous web-based resources readily available to those interested in studying Swedish, including the Swedish Institute’s free distance learning course. For even more practice, try browsing news articles on Swedish-language websites or listening to radio programs streamed online.

5. It’s too expensive.

If you’re thinking primarily about the cost of living, you might be correct in this assessment – sometimes, you’ll have to budget a little more for food and rent and transportation while studying overseas than you would in your hometown. Generally speaking, however, I’ve found that it’s actually far more affordable to pursue a Master’s diploma abroad than it would be in my home country.

One year of tuition for an American program relevant to my field of study, for example, demands a jaw-dropping $39,000. This doesn’t cover books, rent, food, or transportation costs (particularly inconvenient if you have to purchase and maintain a car due to non-existent or unreliable public transit infrastructure).

In contrast, thanks to a generous tuition scholarship from Uppsala, I’ll only be paying $36,000 total for a two-year program (including living expenses and related costs/fees) AND I’ll be able to fulfill a lifelong dream of living abroad, immersing myself in a new language and culture.

6. I don’t know anyone.

This is intimidating, I get it – I’m not the most outgoing person by nature and few things make me feel as nauseated as does forced small-talk with strangers.  If you’d told me several years ago that I’d pack up my entire life into 80 lbs of hand luggage and move across the ocean on my own, I would have laughed in your face and called you crazy. That just wasn’t “me.” Yet here I am, preparing to embark on my second solo-stint in a foreign country, and I’m a little nervous, yet exponentially more excited.

Living on your own might be a huge step outside of your comfort zone, but the opportunities for personal growth are endless. Besides, in a university setting, you’ll be surrounded by fellow international students who can easily relate to what you’re going through (and who will likely become your new best friends!).

Few experiences teach you more about yourself, your worldview, and your limitations and strengths than several years spent studying or working abroad… if you’re anything like me, you’ll discover that you know far less than you once assumed, yet you’re far more competent and confident than you ever could’ve imagined.

7. Employers won’t consider a degree earned abroad valuable.

Last, but not least, it’s seems to be a common perception that employers in your home country will hold degrees earned abroad in low esteem. Perhaps local universities are also trying to steer students away from foreign schools, citing accreditation concerns, inferior rankings, and return on investment figures.

Educational standards do vary, even among institutions within the same country, so evaluating diverse schools on the same sliding scale is often impossible; however, depending on the program, numerous international institutions have an excellent reputation, emphasizing collaborative research and faring very well in global rankings.

While factors like rankings and name recognition are certainly important to consider, and vital to positioning yourself for future success in some fields, I would argue that an international education is especially attractive to many employers in today’s globalized society. Not only are you exposed to new material and teaching methods in a foreign classroom, but you’re also introduced to a new culture and way of life.

By pursuing a graduate education abroad, you’ll meet a diverse range of people, gain independence, learn to appreciate nuances in language and culture, and develop a global, more informed perspective on your area of study, your home country, and the world at large. (Check out these statistics on international education and employment prospects, if you need even more encouragement!)

Best of luck in your future endeavors, wherever they may take you, and if you have any questions about studies in Sweden (or life in small-town Texas), feel free to reach out and say hej 🙂

Margaret

How I ended up with the decision to pursue my Masters:
It was during my last year of undergraduate studies in 2016 that I decided it was time, time to decide what I want to do in future and as a teenager its not at all easy. Indian families and parents have very high expectations about their children’s education and careers. My father never forced me into anything but I knew he had high hopes from me. It was a very difficult time for me. Finally after a lot of thought, I finally decided that I would like to work in the field of Renewable Energy in the future. So in order to do that, I needed to upgrade and enhance my knowledge, my know-how.

Why Uppsala University?
The next task on the list was to decide on the country I would like to study in and looking for support on my work field in the future. The quest of seeking the perfect place for my Masters ended when I read the news that Sweden’s government want Sweden to be the first fossil fuel-free country in the world. I went through the list of top universities in Sweden and found Uppsala University. Not only that but my friend’s grandfather studied from Uppsala University and he assured me that it would be a great place. “Good Education is important but Experience and Exposure matters more. It’s how you learn LIFE.”

Destination Sweden Seminar:
It was like a dream come true when I received my acceptance letter on 22nd of March 2017. Soon I was invited to “Destination Sweden” at the Embassy of Sweden.
Many of my friends have gone for their masters abroad but this “Personal Touch” through the interaction with the representatives of Uppsala University which I got, worked like a charm and each and every question and query on my mind when I reached for the seminar were acknowledged and answered in the best way possible. All thanks to Lina and Hannah for travelling out here all the way from Sweden.

Residence Permit Application Process:
It was the most seamless and easy visa process I have ever known.
1. Fill the application form online.
2. Attach the necessary documents.
3. Pay the application fees.
4. Go to the embassy on the given timings and get done with your biometrics.
5. Wait.
After about one and a half month, I received my Residence Permit Card.

Welcome Kit:

Its the small things and the gestures that make all the difference. A Welcome letter, Uppsala Map, Student guide and the most important thing, The Bumper Sticker. Being a collector of bumper stickers, you guys had me right at that very moment. Cheers.

What am I doing now?
To be very frank, there is a lot to do for preparing to move to Sweden. Researching about the local customs, learning Swedish(Duolingo for now), various cities and places nearby, some laws that I am not yet accustomed to, talking to people who are already there for their valuable experience and tips. Visiting the doctor will be next as we’ll need to carry prescription for the medicines we are taking with us. Shopping is sometimes fun and sometimes a really tedious task.

There are some things that I think we all should carry:
1. Electronics: Lan Wire, Wi-Fi Router, Travel Adapters(the power outlet switchs in Sweden might
be different from where we are from)
2. Medicines: Some general medicines, First Aid kit and Vitamins.
3. Spices, Pickels,etc
4. Basic Stationary stuff
5. Utensils: Cooker(Must for all the Indian subcontinent students), some spare gaskets
5. Clothing: Winter clothing is something that we should buy in Sweden, formal clothing, formal
shoes, Towel, small sewing kit and a traditional wear for the occasion.
6. Basic Tool kit

I think that will be all.

My plans for future:
I am a clean energy visionary for the better future. In the future, I would like to work on an off-grid local Renewable Energy plant. It will help me with my goal of a clean future. Maybe even a Ph.D. but who knows where I will be after 2 years but one thing is for sure, I will be working in a multinational company or an Energy Consultancy that works on this path. But for now I am eagerly waiting to travel to Sweden on 18th August. A month seems like a lifetime of wait.

See you all soon. Signing off.
/Kanishk