Why did you choose to enrol in your degree programme at Umeå University? First, I yearned for experiencing life in Sweden before I came here. It is a country with high education quality and friendly people. It was a good chance for me to study here. Besides, I like the programme I am taking now. It is pretty similar to my bachelor's programme. Umeå University is the only school which is giving this programme. I think it will be very helpful for my future career.
What's it like to study at Umeå University? Comfortable. It is not about studying all the time. You have liberal and flexible time to study and solve problems. It makes one think thoroughly.
What do you like most about your programme? I like my teachers. They give students advices and care individually. I get much help from my teachers and coordinators in this programme.
What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas? Cold, dark, quiet and clean. Maybe, that is because I haven't experienced summer in Umeå. I hope summer will be vive.
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden? Chinese people are usually shy and discreet. Swedes are open but also careful. Regarding education, there are lots of differences. Swedish education focuses on practice. It is more about how to apply your knowledge. And Chinese one focuses on how much knowledge students can learn from the course. The types of examination I have experienced are different. The Swedish ones are about using the knowledge to solve problems. It can be a written exam or presentation. A Chinese exam is to check if the student memorize those important points.
What you would say or what advice would you give to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University? Think carefully about what you want in the future. It is not easy to adapt to a new environment and a new education system. But it is worth to try. You will learn a lot here. More than you expect.
What are your career aspirations? I want to be an IT consultant or specialist.
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Favourite thing about Umeå University: Cozy environment of study. We have nice places to study in the library and the teaching building as students.
Favourite Swedish word or custom: Swedish people think about others. For example, when people finish using some equipment, they clean it for the next person who uses it.
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: Study, Iksu, Thinking
