Activities during your stay

A half-day excursion approximately 40 kilometers south of Gothenburg to the Tjolöholm Castle. Its picturesque grounds boast beautifully furnished rooms, a garden overlooking the sea, and several cafés. In November, the castle hosts its annual Christmas market. With roughly a hundred vendors selling decorative items, crafts, and locally produced delicacies, it is one of the largest Christmas markets in West Sweden.

On 13th December each year, international students and researchers from the University of Gothenburg and the Chalmers University of Technology gather for an unforgettable evening celebrating one of Sweden's most beloved traditions. The melodies of the Lucia choir fill the room, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.

A lecture about coping with the Swedish— a season known for its length, cold, and darkness. This informative session addresses the psychological and physical impacts of limited daylight and dropping temperatures, offering strategies to counter these effects effectively.

Students, researchers, and staff from across the whole University share and enjoy an array of food together. Everyone brings a dish, either from their home country or one that they’ve come to love

while exploring the world. Through food, this gathering celebrates the diversity of experiences in our university community.

The International Student Welcome Programme is held at the beginning of each semester. The programme of events and activities provides international students with practical information about the University and living in Gothenburg. It is also a perfect opportunity to meet other international students and Student Buddies from all over the world.

Welcome Programme Autumn 2024

The language cafe is an opportunity to meet new people over a fika. Different languages are spoken at different tables, so you chose the one with the language you want to speak. That could be English, if you just want to chat, or Swedish or another language if you want to practice.

We try to organise an excursion once per semester. It can be a visit to a local nature reserve for a hike and picnic, or a visit to a museum or Christmas market. If it is within public transport distance, we use that. If not, we charter buses to take us there.

Together with the student health centre (Feelgood), we offer lectures and various topics related to sustainable student life, such as stress, how to handle the dark Swedish winter, healthy diet, the importance of physical activity and recovery, and much more.

Prepare a sweet or savoury dish for four people, your own plate and cutlery, and join our potluck dinner. We will place the dishes on a long table to make a buffet out of it, and then we will eat and have fun together.

We try to organise one potluck dinner during the autumn and spring semesters. Between Christmas and New Years’s, we organise a special Christmas potluck dinner. This is a time traditionally spent with friends and family, which can be difficult when you are hundreds of miles away from home. So we want to organise something for you here, where you can meet other people who are also staying in Gothenburg over the winter holidays

We organise lectures covering how the Swedish job market works and how to approach finding a job here, as well as what you should know once you have a job and are getting ready for your first day at the workplace.

Explore Gothenburg's rich history and cultural treasures through our diverse range of guided tours. Led by experienced guides, international researchers and PhD students have the opportunity to explore different facets of the city.

Join us for a leisurely stroll through central Gothenburg during our guided city walk. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the lush landscapes and botanical wonders of the Gothenburg Botanical Garden with a guided tour led by knowledgeable garden staff. With its extensive collection of plant species and serene ambiance, it's a delightful destination for nature enthusiasts.

Lastly, uncover Gothenburg's past at the Gothenburg City Museum, where expert guides illuminate the city's history and cultural heritage. These tours are just a few examples of the guided experiences we offer, all designed to introduce you to our vibrant city.

Welcome Services collaborates with the University’s Unit for Academic Language (ASK) to offer workshops on doctoral writing skills. These workshops cover various aspects such as academic language use, strategies for scientific writing, overcoming writer's block, and enhancing overall well-being during the writing process. Join us to explore reflective discussions, interactive exercises, and practical tips to optimize your doctoral writing experience.

The International Café, organized in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology, offers a casual monthly gathering for international researchers, PhD students, and their families. Enjoy fika as you connect with peers in a warm and welcoming environment, perfect for networking and exchange.

An informative lecture on the Swedish pension system, offering a comprehensive overview of the national, occupational, and private pension funds, as well as retirement rules and important considerations if leaving Sweden. Participants will acquire valuable insights into planning for their future, along with tips and tricks to maximize pension benefits.

The International Reception, held in collaboration with the City of Gothenburg, marks the beginning of each autumn season. This event serves as a formal welcome to international researchers employed at the University of Gothenburg or Chalmers University of Technology. It also provides an opportunity for researchers to mingle, forming new friendships and professional connections among peers.

Every semester we invite Neuroscientist and Psychologist Desiree Dickerson, who shares her strategies for thriving and maintaining well-being in academia. In her inspirational talks she discusses, among other things, valuable strategies for productivity, motivation, and overcoming procrastination, as well as insights into imposter syndrome and the importance of embracing imperfection.

A comprehensive lecture for international employees, typically held once per semester, and designed to familiarize participants with Swedish work culture. The program focuses on social benefits (covering insurance, sick benefits, and parental leave), working rights (such as vacation entitlements, and pension schemes), as well as insights into unemployment insurance and trade unions in Sweden.