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<\/p>\nHej! I\u2019m Jessica. I have just returned from a semester-exchange at Lund University, Sweden, where I completed a free-standing course in Advanced Neuroscience. My time at Lund was one of the most life-changing experiences I\u2019ve ever had. It was filled with many adventures, new friends and LOTS of fika. More importantly \u2013 it was an extremely eye-opening educational experience. For these reasons, I would highly recommend Lund University as your university of choice when considering studying abroad.<\/p>\n
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Alright so honestly, this is the most stressful yet exciting time of the entire experience.<\/p>\n
The difficult part: I\u2019m a bit of a \u201cstresser\u201d by nature (Stressy-Jessy if you will), so this period was quite tough for me! Be prepared for a lot of administration and a lot of emails back and forth. But I promise you \u2013 every. single. second. spent organising this exchange will be so, so worth it.
\nThe exciting part: This time is filled with so much uncertainty and possibility that you can\u2019t help but dream about what it\u2019s going to be like. I did as much research into Sweden and Lund that I possibly could so that I had a rough idea of what to expect.
\nBecause you never really know what it\u2019s going to be like until you\u2019ve arrived, and you can only control so much – there comes a point after all your preparation where you just have to let it be!<\/p>\n
Here are a few tips I learnt along the way:<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s an example of mine:<\/p>\n
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I arrived in Lund a few days before the official Arrival Day. In hindsight I\u2019m glad I did this, as it allowed me to settle in and get my bearings before the whirlwind that was Arrival Week commenced. I spent those few days wondering aimlessly around the town with no destination in mind, trying to soak it all in. This was going to be my home for the next semester. It was a concept that took me quite a while to come to terms with, but I was beyond excited to start this new journey. The weather in August was superb. I had no idea I was going to be treated with ~25\u02daC and clear, sunny skies. My grocery store visits took ages initially, and it was here where Google Translate became my best friend.<\/p>\n
Lund University has an incredible orientation programme for international students, and it is an amazing opportunity to make friends. I took full advantage of the jam-packed programme and attended as many activities as I could, making many close friends along the way. This orientation period really sets you up for the rest of your time in Sweden \u2013 you get a taste of the Swedish culture, history, nature and cuisine. I took a 3 credit Swedish language course during these 2 weeks and learnt the basics of Swedish which was incredibly helpful in daily life (read: grocery store). I would also highly advise taking the semester-long Swedish language course if possible, as things will get busy and the structured learning environment will give you a big advantage.<\/p>\n
Lund is a small, quaint town and thus its no surprise that the main mode of transport is a bicycle. It only takes about 20 minutes to get from one side of Lund to the other, and the best part \u2013 it\u2019s completely FREE. Lund also has a very efficient public transport system, and so getting anywhere by bus or train is completely hassle-free, using the Sk\u00e5netrafiken app. Remember \u2013 it\u2019s always cheaper to buy your ticket with a friend! My friends and I took trains to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Kivik, Stockholm and Kiruna (a 22 hour train ride to the very north of Sweden!).<\/p>\n
I took the semester-long Advanced Course in Neuroscience, which consists of a research project performed in a lab within the Wallenberg Neuroscience Institute. I ensured I could incorporate this research project into my MSc thesis at Stellenbosch University. My research at Lund was a complete learning-curve for me, however it was so rewarding to be able to work in a lab practicing such progressive techniques. I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with everyone in the department \u2013 there was \u201cFika\u201d twice a day where everyone on the floor mingled over coffee and treats. After my research project had finished, I was given the opportunity to stay for an additional 2 months as an intern, where I continued with the project and learnt additional techniques \u2013 this is how I stayed for a total of 8 months in Lund.<\/p>\n
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On saving money:<\/p>\n
On activities\/events in and near Lund:<\/p>\n
Some things to do\/see in Malm\u00f6:<\/p>\n
I returned back home one week prior to my original departure date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Arriving home was a bit of a whirlwind. I started my 2 week quarantine as soon as I arrived and the nationwide lockdown was implemented one week after. The main feeling I experienced was that \u201cEverything had changed, but yet nothing had changed at all\u201d.<\/p>\n
My time at Lund feels a bit like a dream, and I\u2019ve just woken up. I think it\u2019s important to remind myself that everyone who has studied abroad feels this way, and that one should just continue to treasure the memories made with friends. I also believe that the unique experience makes for a powerful bond between you and your friends. I\u2019ve been making a concerted effort to keep in touch with all the friends I made in Lund, and I already have future travel plans with a few of them. All in all, my time abroad has made me more appreciative of time spent with family and friends, as sometimes it is only fleeting.<\/p>\n
Studying abroad made me appreciate the diversity present in the scientific world. It taught me that communication is vital among colleagues and that it should be prioritised to a great extent in any department. It also showed me that a collaborative effort is often more fruitful than working independently. Lund University is largely an international university, and I appreciated the diversity of cultures and will be more inclined to that type of environment when making future plans. Lastly, Sweden is an extremely progressive society, where equality among the sexes is extremely prominent, and there is limited weight placed on hierarchy and authority. This was extremely refreshing, as it is something I am not accustomed to in South Africa. It is inspiring and I believe that with consistency and education, South Africa can too (and NEEDS to) achieve this state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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