Yenenah Haileselaissie, Ethiopia (part 2)

Yenenah Hailesellasie will spend the summer break in Sweden studying Swedish. “I think it’s important for social life, to feel part of things, and, also for example, to understand letters from the University.” But he makes it clear that he is pleased with the international mix of friends he has made through his master’s programme. “At one time you will find me with a Canadian, at another with a friend from Iran or Ethiopia. These are the friends I would turn to if I needed help.

He’s still not sure whether or not he’ll have the opportunity to visit Ethiopia before finishing his two year master’s programme. “I know one thing though,” says Yenenah, “when I do go back I’ll look at the people in my country differently.  He feels he has learned so much from people here, so much about life and not only from his professors. “I know now that I had the same opportunity to learn from my own people as well, but didn’t realize it then,” explains Yenenah.  “I also plan to explore the traditional medicine of Ethiopia when I go back, medicine that cannot be tested scientifically. I took a lot of things for granted before.  Coming here has shaped me, helped me see new possibilities.”

With Yenenah’s busy schedule he has had little time to explore Stockholm, but he has found one special place:  City Hall. “After completing each of my three exams,” he says, “I’ve taken a bus to City Hall, gone down to the water and sat there for a while. “It really helps me relax. It’s a beautiful building, I love the architecture.”

On Sundays he goes to the Ethiopian Church in town. “It’s the same as a Christian service in most respects,” he explains, “except for Easter which we celebrate a week earlier than the western Easter, on account of the calendar.”

Good friends, a supportive spiritual community, stimulating courses, these are the ingredients that have helped create a positive international experience for Yenenah. He feels grateful for the opportunity.  “I thank God for all of it.  This has been a life changing experience,” he says.

Text and interview: Sarah Hollister

Read previous articles in the series:

• www.su.se/english/study/student-profiles/yeneneh-hailesalassie
• www.su.se/english/about/news-and-events/new-masters-students-orientation-day