Not all students have the ability or interest to participate in international opportunities abroad. At Umeå University, there are opportunities to meet the world at home, without physically travelling.
Do you want to meet international students?
A good way to meet students from all over the world is to get involved in some form of student activity, or get involved in other associations' activities in Umeå. We list some examples, below.
The Buddy Programme
The Buddy Programme is a community at Umeå University that introduces international students to Sweden and helps them to settle in Umeå. The programme organises events and gatherings where international and established students can hang out. Find out more via the links below.
If you are a new international student and want to join the Buddy Programme
If you are a current student and want to become a buddy who organises events for new international students
The student unions
Get involved in one of our student organisations and we dare to promise an even more enjoyable student life. There is plenty to choose from here - and many new potential friends. From the outdoor association Umeå Outpeak to the student orchestra Snösvänget.
Read more about student unions and student associations
Vän i Umeå
The Vän i Umeå (Friend in Umeå) association works for increased integration and to together make Umeå more open and the world friendlier. They organise activities of various kinds where there is an opportunity to meet people from all corners of the world.
Develop your language skills
Do you want to improve your English, or perhaps learn a completely new language? Then a language course or having coffee with others who want to practice the same language as you can be an option.
Language courses
The Department of Language Studies at Umeå University offers courses in several different languages, for those who want to develop their language skills. For example, you can study English, German, French, and Spanish. They also offer courses in Swedish specifically aimed at international students.
Read more about language courses at the Department of Language Studies
Language café
There are several language cafés organised in Umeå. Below we list some examples:
Language café at Umeå city library
Language café through Vän i Umeå
International courses and programmes
At Umeå University, you have the opportunity to study both international programmes and courses.
Courses and programmes taught in English
On our education website you will find the international courses offered by Umeå University. They can be both online courses and courses where the teaching takes place on campus. If you are interested in studying an entire programme, you can explore the international bachelor's programmes or international master's programmes offered here. The programmes give you the opportunity to study together with students from all over the world.