Where do you come from?
Canada
What program do you study?
Master's Program in Journalism, Media and Democracy, Sundsvall Campus.
Why did you choose to study here at Mid Sweden University?
There are currently no programs like the one I'm studying in Canada.
What is special/unique about the program that you are studying here?
I like that I'm able to explore a new dimension of my previous studies (my background is in International Relations). Also, the vast diversity of my classmates, we represent every continent except Australia, makes for some very interesting discussion during classes.
What do you like concerning studying at Mid Sweden University?
The class sizes are great, small enough to be able to interact at a parallel level with your professors.
What do you like about Mid Sweden University in general?
The community-based feel — that is, it focuses on a few strengths rather than trying to encompass all fields like some larger universities.
What do you appreciate about Sundsvall?
Sundsvall at first was a slight shock since I'm from a city of 2 million; but I've grown to like the laid-back, slower pace of life here. It's nice to be close enough to everything that you can ride a bike and not really need a car to get around (unless you're heading out of town, of course). I also like that there's great scenery and nature right on your doorstep—there's no excuse to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.
What do you like about Sweden in general?
I like that in a lot of ways, it reminds me of home—surprisingly, Canada and Sweden have more similarities than differences (like being crazy about hockey, lots of nature, similar weather).
What is the biggest difference to your home country?
The language (obviously) and the food — I miss not being able to get food from around the world at a moment's notice like I can at home.
How do you spend your freetime?
Since there's a huge abundance of free time, it's hard to know what to do sometimes since there isn't that much to do here if you're not into winter sports or are just beginning. I read, watch movies and TV and Skype with friends from home. I take dance classes from time to time as well. Recently, I started a small business where I proofread and edit English documents for students—it's called Word for Word (wordforword4.wordpress.com) and is starting to take up any free time I have left! I've heard that there is rock climbing here as well; I tried it once before and wouldn't mind trying it again.
Describe the social life as a student in Sweden.
There seems to be 2 versions of student life in Sweden which I have been able to experience. With my Swedish friends, there is a lot of time for fika, and there are pub nights with a lot of drinking, especially when it's Caps night (a game that slightly resembles Beer Pong in North America); there can just as easily be a quiet cozy night with games or movies, especially when it's too cold to go anywhere.
With my international friends, you're able to meet more people and make connections. Games nights and movie nights are also popular, but what I've noticed, at least among my friends, is that we love to eat—we get together often and try dishes from each others' home countries. In addition, we travel a lot more since this is new territory for us.
Is there the opportunity for doing sports at Mid Sweden University or in your city?
Thanks to a few well-connected friends, I keep active by playing volleyball and squash. I also cycle when it's warm and safe enough to do so — it's too bad this is only possible from April to October every year.
Would you recommend other international students to study here?
I would recommend the university to other international students, but only on three conditions:
- You must be adventurous. Being in a new country is not easy, but you can't let that prevent you from experiencing new things—and to be excited about it.
- You must be open-minded. Be ready to see and experience things from others around you that you never have before, and don't reject something (or someone) right away because you're not used to it.
- You must be ready to rely on yourself. Sweden is a self-serve society where help exists but isn't always available, and the education system is no exception. Think for yourself, work for yourself, and most importantly, be yourself.