Chawanangwa Mhango
M. Phil in Sustainable Development
Semester Exchange in the First Semester, 2024 at Lund University
Pre-departure:
Expressing the full extent of what I gained from this experience is challenging. It transcended academics, offering me the chance to immerse myself in a new culture, meet diverse people, and delve into subjects I have always been passionate about. Initially, the thought of going abroad during my master’s studies felt intimidating and like a potential deviation from my original plans. However, with strong encouragement from my family, friends, and lecturers, I decided to take the leap. Additionally, two friends who had previously attended Lund University for different programs shared only positive experiences, making it an obvious choice for me.
As I prepared to attend Lund University, I was fortunate to connect with another student from Stellenbosch who was also in the program. This connection eased the lengthy and tedious process through constant communication and encouragement. I received invaluable support from various sources, including the international office, my department, my lecturer, my supervisor, and my family and friends. Although the process seemed overwhelming, I managed to complete everything on time and secure my visa and paperwork well ahead of my travel date. Arriving on schedule was a significant advantage, as there were people everywhere ready to assist, ensuring I never had to carry my heavy bags alone. With a friend’s help, I arranged my accommodation before departure, which was conveniently very close to the university.
Experience at Partner Institution:
My time at Lund University was my first official undergraduate experience, as my previous education had been mostly unconventional. While I thoroughly enjoyed the courses and was thrilled with the knowledge I gained, the workload was significantly heavier than at Stellenbosch. There were always many activities available, but balancing fun and academics was crucial.
I arrived in winter, having been warned it would be much colder than South Africa. Luckily, the previous winter in South Africa was harsh, so I brought most of my winter clothing and bedding, which proved invaluable. I only needed to buy a few essentials to stay warm. The Swedish saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing,” was true, and I managed well in the snow. I felt fortunate to experience what locals said was the heaviest snowfall in 10 years—I couldn’t have traveled at a better time.
The first few months were challenging as I adjusted to the system, made friends, and learned my way around. I had a few moments of getting lost in the bitter cold. However, I grew to appreciate the Fika tradition, where tea and snacks are offered to students, especially in the cold weather. Once I made friends and became familiar with my surroundings, it started to feel like home. The exchange program allowed me to enjoy solo adventures, learn more about myself, and develop my character.
When it came to extracurricular activities, I had planned to go on a few hikes, but time flew by, and I only managed one. Still, I appreciated everyday experiences: taking walks at night, going to the always-open gym, and enjoying the safety that allowed me to feel free and do what I loved. Living with Swedish people throughout my stay allowed me to immerse myself in Swedish culture. I learned a bit of Swedish during orientation week, which was a great experience. I also volunteered at a public school, which allowed me to interact with younger Swedish citizens and learn more about their culture. I participated in the Lundaloppet, a fundraising run, which was exciting. Additionally, I joined a church and volunteered at the children’s church, enjoying being part of a community and contributing. I also had the chance to visit a friend in Germany, which was an adventure. Navigating different transportation services and enduring 12-hour bus rides wasn’t as bad as I anticipated.
One cultural aspect I thoroughly enjoyed was the sustainable way of living, with a majority of the population walking or cycling. It was refreshing to see fewer cars on the streets and more people. With my knowledge of sustainability, it was fascinating to see what sustainable living looks like and hear stories from the Swedish people. Though every country has its problems, I felt there was much I could learn from them. I learned to recycle things in different categories as part of household responsibilities. I was impressed by the number of elderly people staying active, taking walks, and even going to the gym.
There were days when I missed food from home, but I was prepared and had brought some ingredients from back home to make familiar dishes. Eating out is expensive, so honing your culinary skills before heading out is advisable. And if you really like food from back home, carry a few ingredients as you might not find them that side.
Academically, it was a wonderful experience to study courses I had long been interested in, such as political science. While some courses felt theoretical and less practical than I would have liked, I appreciated the different educational approaches in each course. If you plan to attend Lund University, be aware that it requires a lot of individual work, but the experience is worth it. Also, consider going when you’ve made significant progress with your thesis, as I struggled to find time for mine. The School of Economics and Management at Lund University held several career workshops and activities, which I was privileged to attend. They showcased how institutions like Lund work toward improving society, collaborating with the local community, and preparing students for the workforce. I also learned how our diverse experiences bring meaningful conversations to the classroom. In some instances, it reminded me of similar experiences at Stellenbosch, highlighting how our individual experiences shape our understanding and education.
I was fortunate to receive an Erasmus scholarship, which was sufficient for my stay in Sweden, and I managed to make it work. Since Sweden is more expensive than South Africa, it’s essential to take advantage of student discounts and find bargains where you can. When you assimilate into society and make friends, they often share helpful information about where to find the best deals. Consider getting a bike early in your exchange to save on transportation costs, as Uber prices are very high.
It’s also a good idea to invest in comfortable walking shoes, as the streets are great for walking, even in winter. If you can afford it, save up to travel to other European countries, as it’s much cheaper to do so while you’re there. With the Scandinavian visa, you can travel to any of the Scandinavian countries. I had the opportunity to visit a friend in Germany, which was a great experience as I navigated planes, buses, and trains in a completely different setting. One important tip for students on the Erasmus scholarship is that you are only given a card for purchases, which does not allow for online payments. It’s wise to have additional funds for major purchases or be prepared to ask for assistance with online payments, as some important university fees need to be paid online.
Return to Stellenbosch:
Returning to South Africa was both exciting and bittersweet. I was looking forward to coming home, but I realized that I’d be experiencing winter for an entire year, as I was returning just as winter was beginning in South Africa. It was a mixed emotion, having to leave behind the friends I had made and who had helped me during parts of my stay and as I returned.
Once back, I was delighted to reconnect with my friends and enjoy some dishes I had truly missed. It was interesting to readjust to the South African way of life after becoming accustomed to Sweden’s routines. Nonetheless, it was time to embrace the next chapter of my life and focus on my thesis. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would. The experience was incredibly enriching, and I am deeply grateful for the support and assistance I received throughout.