Maysoon

How did you prepare for your stay abroad?

I prepared by researching the city. I had to particularly look into residence permits as I am not a European citizen. I recommend visiting the ESN website or social media. They have great resources! ISA (international student association) is a other network for international students you can contact. Don’t hesitate to contact the university’s international office. Annoy them with all your questions, they’re always happy to help!
I started looking for master thesis projects before summer to begin in October already. If that is something that you would do, i recommend doing that before the professors go on vacation in summer. Don’t worry if you do not find anything because I only found a group when I got there in September.

How were you received by the Host Institution?

They had a welcome period (up to 3 weeks). They also had specific arrival days where the offices and reception were open for longer to welcome students and provide transportation from train station to the university and/or to student housing.

How were your studies at the host university?

Biomed is a great program. It provided more theoretical knowledge than at the FH. Organisation is a mix between FH and University. you choose your courses but the schedule and assignments are pre-organised by the University. Courses include problem based learning as a core focus and include a lot of group work.

How would you describe the country, culture and leisure activities you experienced during your stay abroad?

Sweden was an amazing place to be during my stay abroad. The culture was this cool blend of old and new, with a focus on fairness and looking after the environment.
If you’re into outdoor fun, Sweden is the place. You can hike in beautiful national parks or hit the slopes for skiing.
But what really made it special was the friendly people. They were always up for a chat about their culture and traditions, making me feel right at home. Sweden was a mix of culture, outdoor adventures, and great company that I won’t forget.

About room/apartment search and accommodation

I lived in a corridor room. I really recommend it. How good your corridors is, is pure luck honestly. I have seen some terrible corridors, in terms of cleanness. You get to meet people very quickly and become very close with your corridormates. I recommend Flamman more than living in Ryd. It is close to both campuses and more importantly, to the city center.
I got my room from the host university. They sent me an email asking if i want a room or apartment, next I was sent a contract.

What financial arrangements did you make? What was the average cost of living?

rent: ca.400€/month
groceries: 200€/month
extra (eating out and parties): 100€/month
trips: depends on which you do, or if you travel alone or with an organisation. budget around 1500€ for ca 4 trips

Do you have any tips on what else should be considered?

How have your values and attitudes changed during your stay abroad?

During my time abroad, my values and attitudes have evolved significantly. Exposure to diverse cultures has made me more open-minded and empathetic. I’ve become more independent and adaptable, navigating unfamiliar environments and embracing change. Additionally, I’ve developed a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability, reducing waste and advocating for responsible consumption. These changes will continue to influence my life even after returning home.

Looking back, what was the greatest challenge in preparing for or during your stay abroad?

Looking back, one of the most profound challenges I faced during my stay abroad was the emotional toll of missing my friends and family. Being far away from loved ones, especially during important life events and celebrations, was a constant source of homesickness and longing.

The feeling of missing out on family gatherings, birthdays, and other special occasions was heart-wrenching. Technology helped bridge the gap, allowing for virtual connections, but it couldn’t replace the warmth of physical presence. It was particularly challenging during times of personal crisis or when I needed a support system that was thousands of miles away.

What was your most positive experience during your stay abroad?

The best part of my time abroad? Definitely the awesome friendships I made! Meeting people from all over the world opened my eyes to different cultures and gave me a deeper understanding of global diversity. Plus, these friends were my lifeline, helping me through the ups and downs of living in a new place. And guess what? These connections didn’t fade when I came back home. We’re still going strong, and it’s led to some epic travel adventures and cool collaborations. So, yeah, making friends was the real highlight of my overseas adventure!