Diana García Huaman Photo: Karin Larsson

Tell us a bit about your background

I am from Peru and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialization in Literature and Spanish Language from the National University of Education Enrique Guzmán y Valle in Lima. Additionally, I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Psychology from the Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia, also in Lima.

Over the past 10 years, I have worked in the field of education, with experience teaching at various levels including secondary education and the International Baccalaureate Program. I have also taught at higher education, primarily focusing on Language, Literature, and Writing. 

Why did you choose the Master’s Programme in International and Comparative Education?

My passion for education, coupled with my educational journey through various academic levels, prompted me to contemplate the educational challenges prevalent in my home country. This reflection raised questions about ways in which I could contribute and gain fresh angles. Thus, when I delved into the curriculum for this master's degree, I was impressed by the interdisciplinary nature of the courses offered and the rigor of the research processes. On the other hand, the International and Comparative approach provided me with a unique opportunity to gain a profound understanding of diverse educational realities, considering their unique complexities, and enable comprehensive exploration and analysis through holistic perspectives.

I have learned that our differences can bring balance to my ideas. Often, we share the same desires and frustrations, but at the end of the day, we recognize that being immersed in the educational realm is a challenging yet optimistic pursuit, which empowers us to become agents of change.

How are you finding your studies so far?

During the first year, I found myself immersed in a process of knowledge acquisition and the exploration of various theories and approaches that contributed to shaping a coherent horizon for my papers. This process has been taking shape thanks to the kind support and extensive experience of the teachers, who have provided me with guidance, inspiration, and challenges by offering their suggestions and advice. Furthermore, workshops and seminars have proven to be valuable strategies, offering me the opportunity to receive direct feedback from my peers in a truly multicultural environment, emphasizing the diversity in our perspectives and thoughts, and thus, our ways of perceiving the world, which I consider essential for approaching education from various angles.

Throughout this journey, now in the second year of studies, I have deepened my interest in researching education within minority groups, particularly in the context of the Global South, with emphasis on sustainability. I would like to continue researching decolonizing methodologies to create more inclusive and equitable educational systems that also promote sustainable practices. Even though these were not my initial intentions when I joined the program, the extensive literature analysis we have conducted has revealed that our research interests can evolve, guiding us on new journeys that kindle a fresh passion.

Joining this program will definitely change your perspective. The evolution, both on a personal and academic level, is notable and rewarding. The presence of multicultural diversity in the classroom is invaluable. Each student's background helps our program develop in an interdisciplinary manner, especially when we all share a common goal.

What do you enjoy most about the programme?

I enjoy learning from everyone and embracing friendships. I value engaging in those simple conversations that evolve into topics of discussion, leading me to a deeper level of introspection. Through these interactions, I have learned that our differences can bring balance to my ideas. Often, we share the same desires and frustrations, but at the end of the day, we recognize that being immersed in the educational realm is a challenging yet optimistic pursuit, which empowers us to become agents of change.
At the same time, I love that we study one course at a time, rather than taking them all in parallel, as it allows me to delve deeper into the specific topic we are developing during each course, and as we progress, we can use what we learned in the previous course and thus broaden our perspective. Likewise, due to the efforts made by teachers to provide us with the necessary tools, I enjoy knowing that I have found a purpose for which I want to guide my research.

What advice do you have for students who are thinking about applying for the programme?

Joining this program will definitely change your perspective. The evolution, both on a personal and academic level, is notable and rewarding. The presence of multicultural diversity in the classroom is invaluable. Each student's background helps our program develop in an interdisciplinary manner, especially when we all share a common goal.

I recommend that you encourage yourself to explore your interests openly. Feel free to approach teachers and express your opinion. You will surely receive valuable guidance, and sometimes their advice will help you reorient your own goals. 

Don't forget to join extracurricular activities, share moments, and explore Stockholm with your classmates. Enjoy this process to the fullest by giving balance to your life!