Studying in Sweden gained me many international friends Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering., New Mexico State University) for

ISEP Exchange: Lulea - Exchange Program at Lulea University of Technology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I'm ready to keep traveling. I would like to learn more languages, and keep in touch with those that I met.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was small during the quarter, only the exam was important. Lectures were generally good theoretically, but more hands on experience solving problems would have been good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The swedish students were very involved in helping exchange students feel comfortable during the entire stay.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were about 10 minutes from the university by bike. A grocery store was close by. Sheets were needed, but the kitchens were fully stocked with plates and pans.

* Food:

It's hard to find real "swedish" food. Get to know some swedes if you want to eat it!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did a good job arranging a few trips, but the most fun were those that we arranged on our own.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Sweden is very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure your home bank has cheap ATM services in Europe.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Most people spoke english; I used my swedish skills in the classroom only.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Interactions with other exchange students
* What could be improved?
  • More class choice and more interactive teaching system.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The student must be self motivated to study in LuleƄ. Be ready to arrange trips for yourself, but everyone is very helpful.