Tourism programmes attract students from all over the world to Mid Sweden University

In the breaks between lessons several languages are spoken, but this year there are an unusually large number of nationalities that gather in the classroom at the master's programme in tourism at Mid Sweden University in Östersund. The program has students from Sweden, Colombia, China, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Australia, Nigeria and Liberia. A unique international environment that not only enriches the education, but also contributes to the understanding of sustainability and global perspectives.

Tourism is an international subject

The fact that the Master's Programme in Tourism attracts students from all over the world is no coincidence, says Lusine Margaryan, Programme Director and Senior Lecturer in Tourism Studies. She says that the students have sometimes grown up in popular tourist destinations and other times they have travelled a lot themselves, which has sparked an interest in studying tourism.

"Tourism is an international subject. Our students come here with different backgrounds and perspectives, and this makes the discussions about sustainability and global challenges in our courses deeper and more relevant," says Lusine.

Cooperation with the Tourism Research Centre ETOUR

The Master's program in Tourism is taught in English, making it accessible to students from all over the world. At the same time, the tourism education programs collaborate with ETOUR, which is Mid Sweden University's tourism research center and a leader in the country in its field. The combination of a strong research environment at ETOUR and a global focus makes Mid Sweden University's tourism education stand out in the Nordic region.

Unique education and research environment in the Nordic region

"There are not many universities in the Nordic countries that have such a strong research and education environment in tourism. We have teachers and colleagues from around 20 different countries, which makes the environment both unique and dynamic for our tourism students," says Lusine Margaryan.

The presence of international students and teachers creates a special educational environment. Tourism students learn a lot not only through the courses, but also by listening to each other, says Lusine. 

"The students share their unique experiences and thoughts. Although differences are interesting, there is an atmosphere where everyone, regardless of background, tries to understand each other, works towards common goals and shares basic human values. It is humbling to observe and becomes especially important in discussions about things such as sustainability, global challenges or international cooperation," says Lusine.

Sylvester has come from Liberia to study in Östersund

One of this year's master's students is Sylvester Choloplay from Liberia. He has a background in communication and media, but now wants to further his education in tourism and in the future work as a consultant in the tourism industry.

"I'm very interested in the environment, sustainability and environmental economics. I chose between studying in Sweden and Italy, but in the end the choice fell on Sweden. Here it is close to nature and sustainability issues are really at the center," he says.

Sylvester is planning to perhaps continue his studies and get a PhD in Sweden, but right now he is enjoying his master's studies. However, he would like to meet a fellow countryman in Östersund, if there is one.

"I'm proud to represent my home country here, but I wonder if I'm perhaps the only student from Liberia at Mid Sweden University", Sylvester says. 

Read more about our tourism programmes

Here you can read about the Tourism and Destination Development Programme, 180 credits, one of Sweden's most attractive programmes in tourism and destination development. Gain knowledge and broad expertise in tourism and destination development, entrepreneurship, planning, strategic management, marketing and regional development.

Here you can read about the Master's Programme in Tourism, 120 credits, a higher quality education with strong links to current research in tourism and human geography. The programme collaborates with ETOUR, which is the Nordic region's largest research environment in tourism.

Here you can read about the Master's Programme in Tourism, 60 credits, a higher but shorter quality education with strong links to current research in tourism and human geography and collaboration with the tourism research centre ETOUR.