We celebrate diversity and are therefore delighted to welcome over 370 international students from 49 countries who are studying at Stralsund University of Applied Sciences. They make up 21 per cent of the student body – a testament to HOST’s international focus. In this series, we feature one international student every month – whether from South Asia, North Africa or Latin America. Why did they choose Stralsund? What advice do they have for other international students, and what do they love about their degree programme? But international mobility works both ways: what are our outgoing students from HOST looking for, and what do they find? – They reveal all here.
Lena, 22, LTM, 6th semester
Spent a semester abroad in the 5th semester at Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
What motivated you to go abroad?
To meet new people, gain new experiences, see new places, and get a better insight into Swedish culture.
How did you choose your host university?
It was clear to me right from the start that I wanted to go to Sweden. So I looked at each of HOST’s three partner universities there individually, found out about the social activities, the towns and the courses on offer, and then decided on Linnaeus University in Kalmar.
What were your expectations or hopes before you left?
My aim was to have a great time, meet lovely people, experience Swedish culture and improve my language skills. I wanted to get involved in as much as possible and simply enjoy my time there. I’d say I managed that really well.
How did you prepare for your time abroad?
I watched films and read books in Swedish, and had already been chatting on social media with a few people who were also going to Kalmar.
What did you do whilst abroad (studies, work placement, research stay, etc.)?
I studied there for one semester
How does the course differ from the one in Germany/at HOST?
There are significantly fewer lectures, but in return, more self-study is expected. Also, in Sweden you only take one subject at a time, in blocks of 4 to 5 weeks. This means there’s no big exam period at the end, as there is in Stralsund, because you sit the exams straight after each course.
What did you learn? What did you learn about yourself?
Generally, more self-confidence – simply because you realise how quickly you can actually settle into a new place, find your feet and feel at home. It’s just very reassuring when everything works out so well. I’ve also learnt how quickly strangers can become close friends, and to take things as they come and be a bit more spontaneous.
How did you find the country, the culture and the people?
The Swedes are absolutely lovely people, and really open-minded, especially at the language café. Outside of that, it’s often a bit trickier, because everyone’s naturally already in their own groups and you tend to stay within the international bubble yourself. It was particularly lovely to experience the (student) culture over the Christmas period and during the introduction weeks – for example, dancing around the tree at Christmas.
What advice would you give to students who are still hesitating?
Just do it! I found it a really enriching experience and can highly recommend it to everyone. It’s simply a brilliant opportunity to get to know new places, people and yourself – one you shouldn’t miss out on.
How would you describe your time abroad in one sentence?
A really lovely time with lots of trips, time in the library with friends, and loads of fika*!
*A tradition of a sociable coffee break
