Umeå University to kick-off Autumn Term with 425 exchange students

“We are pleased that so many have chosen to study at Umeå University. We expect around 6,000 new students. But we will have a better indication of the true figures on the 17th of September. Then, we can make comparisons with last year's figures from the same date. Since registration is held throughout the entire term in principle, we will obtain the actual totals at the end of the autumn term,” explains Åsa Bergenheim, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for undergraduate and postgraduate education at Umeå University. Student union registration is mandatory and will begin on 1 September. The arrival of international exchange students is currently in full force, and an orientation course will take place 26-29 August. The start for courses and programmes also begins during the first week of September.A summary of some of the significant happenings currently taking place at Umeå University:Record Number of Arriving Exchange StudentsOur new exchange students are currently arriving in Umeå in large masses. Most will be arriving on 25-26 August. This year, a total of 425 exchange students from all over the world (see list below) will be begin their studies for one or two terms next week.On Wednesday 27 August, the students will receive details about their studies from their departments. On Thursday and Friday, a variety of activities organised by the International Office will take place. You can read more about the Orientation Course for exchange students at:www.umu.se/international_office/Pdf/Orientation_Course_HT08.pdf Questions about the Orientation Course programme on Wednesday and Thursday can be sent to Jenny Eriksson, Project Coordinator 090-786 7181. Questions about Friday's activities can be sent to Nils Seye-Larsen, International Coordinator 073-631 9492. Autumn 2008 students arriving on exchange agreements come from the following nations: Australia 3, Belgium 9, Brazil 5, Denmark 5, Ecuador 2, Finland 16, France 45, Greece 2, Ireland 10, Italy 10, Canada 8, China 5, Latvia 1, Mexico 1, Lithuania 3, Jordan 1, Holland 6, Norway 3, Bosnia Herzegovina 2, Poland 18, Portugal 7, Romania 2, Russia 12, Switzerland 2, India 2, Slovakia 2, Slovenia 2, Spain 23, United Kingdom 47, South Africa 2, Czech Republic 5, Turkey 20, Germany 96, Hungary 1, Bulgaria 1, USA 10, Taiwan 4, Vietnam 20, Palestine 1, Iceland 1, Austria 10 Additionally, over 1,000 international students attending Umeå University outside of an exchange agreement are expected to begin study programmes this autumn. Many are enrolled in the many two-year master programmes offered in English. More precise figures will be available at a later date.Welcome Fair on CampusNew and returning students are invited to attend a Welcome Fair on 4 September at 10:00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. in the Universum Building.Around 75 exhibitors – connected with student life – will be displaying their activities, including student unions, cultural and sports associations, university and municipal branches, clubs, societies and authorities. Additionally, contents, performances and much more will be offered. Students will have the opportunity to purchase used-bicycles at the fair. Umeå University, the student unions and Umeå Municipality are the organizers for the event. Programme at Universum: Welcome Fair from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with approximately 75 exhibitors. 12:00 p.m. Dance Display, IKSU Hellsongs, lounge metal band in from Gothenburg, Culture on Campus Student Union Registration Medical Sciences Student Union Registration will be held for all students who study medical, health sciences or dental programmes/courses. At the Villan Student Union House at the University Hospital Park (sjukhusparken), during the 1st and 2nd of September, at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. medicinska.se/en/The Student Union of Science and Technology (NTK)Registration will be held for all new students studying technical or scientific academic enrolment for all new students studying technical or scientific programmes/courses. On 1-2 September at 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm at the Origo Student Union House. www.ntk.umu.se/englishThe Umeå Union of Students Anyone who is studying social sciences, arts/humanities, or any of the teacher education programmes may chose to have an dues invoice for sent to their home address. Once one has paid their student union fee, they are enrolled. Those who did not pay the union dues via invoice can go to the student union display booth. www.umeastudentkar.se/

Editor: Carina Dahlberg