Karen Ann is in her final year of the International and Comparative Education Master's program at the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Department of Education.
Karen Ann is originally from Canada where she has achieved two Bachelor's degrees at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Her previous studies have been a Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: focusing on literature and social sciences and a Bachelors of Education specializing in Early Literacy.
Why did you choose to study in Sweden?
- My great-grandmother immigrated from Sweden to Canada, so it felt quite natural to choose this country. I was both interested in the country and the Swedish culture, as it is part of my family’s historical cultural identity. In January, I also married a Swedish man, so it is as though the circle has become complete, says Karen Ann.
Karen Ann first came to Sweden four years ago. To visit the small town of Herräng, some miles outside Norrtälje. Since she likes to dance she attended an international dance camp that takes place there every year. One of her hobbies is to dance Lindy Hop.
After that visit, she began looking for information on how to study in Sweden and found by www.studyinsweden.se/ information about a programme that fit exactly what she was looking for at Stockholm University and the Master's program in International and Comparative Education at IIE.
What does this award mean to you?
This year is the second year award Global Swede awarded. The prize was instituted by the State Department and the Swedish Institute and is intended to highlight a number of international students who studied in Sweden and excelled in areas closely related to innovation and entrepreneurship.
- I feel very honored that I was selected and received this award, as one of 24 students nationwide and the only one at Stockholm University, says Karen Ann. It will be a great honor to be a student ambassador and represent both Stockholm University and the Institute of International Education, who nominated me.
According to the Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, the foreign students who have chosen Sweden for their Higher Education are of vital importance. In addition to contributing to and building unique knowledge, in the context of education and research, they may become an important resource for Sweden's relations with the rest of the world.
The award consists of a Diploma and is given to students with excellent academic results and who are in the final phase of their Master's program. On receiving the award, students are encouraged to participate in a global network, the Global Swede Network, and in the longer term act as ambassadors for Sweden with the task of promoting a positive image of Sweden. Thus establishing relationships and possible collaborations, facilitating a lasting connection between countries.
- This is a very important characteristic of international students, says Vice-Chancellor Kåre Bremer, who would love to see more awards or grants of a similar nature presented.
Learn more about this award