Spring term international students arrive for Orientation Day
Although referred to as spring term, the Orientation Day, which took place on January 18, was cold and snowy here in Stockholm. Once inside the University auditorium, however, Pro Vice-Chancellor Lena Gerholm's introductory remarks warmed up the audience of international students, giving them their first official welcome to Stockholm. The Magna Aula, nearly full to capacity, contained an attentive and enthusiastic group from all parts of the world. On the agenda: an overview of everything from setting up their student email account to the way the Swedish academic system works.
During a break in the session, we spoke to several students, asking them about their first impressions.
Exchange student, Bella Burgess, from Auckland University in New Zealand came to Stockholm University to study international law. "Sweden is held up as an example of how societies should be run. I chose Stockholm and Sweden in particular because of its humanitarian and environmental policies," says Bella.
The snow is a definite plus for Bella who has never seen it before. "In Auckland it never goes below five degrees," Bella explains. "This is exotic," she says.
Although jet lagged from his Hong Kong flight, exchange student Wong Wai Sing was also impressed with the snow. "It's beautiful, like a fairy tale," he says. An economics student, Wong plans on travelling while he is here. He wants to see Norway, Denmark, and of course more of Sweden, before heading home in June.
"I'm excited to meet new people from around the world," says exchange student Stephi Walker. A third year undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh, Stephi will continue her studies in Geo Science for one term at Stockholm. "I've already begun to feel at home, putting up a few posters on the wall in my room. It's a great opportunity to be here," she says.
Asya Yekaterinburg, from the Ural Mountains in Russia, is here to study Intellectual Property Law. "The internet is developing fast and it's unregulated," she says. "There's so much to learn and Sweden is more advanced when it comes to this field. I plan on using my knowledge to help in my country," Asya explains. Although she will study Swedish, Asya is also pleased with the opportunity to practice English.
While most international students don't speak Swedish, it's not a problem. On offer at Stockholm University are around eighty Master's programmes in English. Still for those who want to learn the local language, there are courses available. Check out www.su.se/english/study/courses/swedish_courses.
As part of our commitment to providing information about life at Stockholm University, the team at www.su.se/english will be following up with our new crop of International students later on in the semester to see how they are getting on.
Text: Sarah Hollister
Content owner: External Relations Office
Created:
January 29, 2010
by
Paul Parker
Updated:
January 29, 2010
by
Paul Parker
