“You have the opportunity to really grow as a writer and academic”

What made you interested in the programme?

I always liked studying political science and institutions, but I was struggling to meaningfully connect what I learned abstractly to real problems we face today.  I hoped this Master’s program could help me apply academia to what I believe is society’s biggest problem—climate change and unsustainable use of the earth.

With my American background, I was used to mass production.  But this program really prioritizes high quality work that requires weeks to produce.

Are you satisfied with your education so far? Is there any part you find more interesting than the others?

Yes, I’m very satisfied. The second level quantitative course is the best methods course I’ve ever taken.  I learned so much that I know I can use outside of school. But then to pivot into the environmental courses the second term was really helpful.  It was really interesting to understand how the research was done (rather than just skim the methods section like I used to in my bachelors).  I especially enjoyed the environmental institutions course because it was a really intense workload in the beginning of the course where I learned a lot.

In the second part of that course, based on everything we’d learned, we could pick any topic to write about.  The professors and my classmates taught me a lot during that time, and I feel more prepared for what a thesis may feel like to write and produce this coming year.

Can you describe a normal study week, what do you do?

Depending on the course, we may not have many lectures or seminars.  So I prioritize attending all of the in person lectures and seminars. Beyond that, I typically go to Campus Haga twice a week to do my readings and work. Hopefully I run into my classmates there and we can have lunch. Otherwise, I often work from home depending on the season and weather. I’ve also been working 20 percent as a research assistant or with other extra jobs unconnected to academia.

If you were to encourage somebody to apply, which attractive features would you emphasize?

With my American background, I was used to mass production.  But this program really prioritizes high quality work that requires weeks to produce. It’s not enough to just “crank out” an essay the night before.  You have the opportunity to really grow as a writer and academic.  Because the courses are pass, fail, or pass with distinction, I don’t sense competition between classmates. Everyone just wants to help each other get through the hard assignments. You have the space to explore topics you really like.  This may first seem like “it’s easy” but actually it’s just the opportunity to dive deep into what you’re learning as opposed to being spread over many subjects. Plus, every classmate is studying or writing about something different so I have learned just as much from my peers as the required readings.

What is it like being an international student in Sweden?

I first moved to Sweden six years ago as an exchange student. I was welcomed by Swedes and other international students alike. Specifically in this program, I especially enjoy my classmates and I hope we remain friends outside of this program. I come from Colorado which is a snowy place with four seasons, so it wasn’t very difficult to transition to Swedish weather. I imagine if you’re from a very tropical place that could be difficult though.

What do you think of the University of Gothenburg and the city of Gothenburg?

I used to be an exchange student in Lund, which was my first experience in Sweden. Lund is a really cool student city and a great place to meet people from all over the world, but I decided that I could not live there long term because everything I did was connected to the university. I like at University of Gothenburg is a part of the city rather than the primary reason the city exists. I love Gothenburg; the proximity to the ocean, forest, bars, music, etc. makes it a very exciting place to live. I sing in a choir affiliated with Sahlgrenska—the medical school. But other than that, all my fun activities and personal life exist outside the university which is a nice way to get a break and enjoy your free time to the fullest.