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Introducing Santeri

Hi! My name is Santeri and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Politics and Society of the Contemporary Middle East. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, courses, student life, and life in Lund and Sweden via the Unibuddy Platform, where you can chat with me (see below). Please note that I cannot answer questions about the application process, scholarships, or residence permits. 

About the programme and the teaching style

Why did you choose ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ?

"I had done some courses at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ before, and it felt natural to restart my studies in Lund. Part of the decision was definitely the lively student life and the array of opportunities in student associations. Additionally, ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ is among the top 100 universities worldwide, which definitely affected my choice."

What do you think of your programme so far? Does it meet your expectations?

"My programme is great! What I like most about it is the multidisciplinary approach to the contemporary issues in the domains of politics and society of the region. It has definitely met my expectations so far!"

What is the best thing about your programme?

"I'd say my classmates. A big part of how one's daily routines start looking are formed through the people in the programme. I generally enjoy my courses and always look forward to classes and seminars knowing that I'll also get to enjoy the company of my besties."

What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden?

"Coming from Finland, I believe the teaching styles are somewhat similar to what I grew up with. The professors are well-prepared for the lectures and very much open to discussion and debate during classes. This way the university encourages debate, which in turn affects critical thinking skills and personal growth."

How international is your programme?

"Very international! Our programme has many Swedish people but the majority comprises of international students. We have students that originally come from France, the Netherlands, Germany, Syria, Lebanon, and many others. Coming from an international background myself, I very much enjoy the setting!"

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies?

"Definitely! While I still am in the process of (maybe and hopefully) landing an internship for the third semester, having held numerous presentations and even peer teaching during the courses, I'd say one definitely does gain a bunch of practical experience. ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ sometimes offers the possibility to become an SI-mentor – a tutor for a specific course, which builds on your skills in tutoring and teaching. I am personally doing this for courses in Arabic."

Why should prospective students choose this programme?

"If you're interested in the dynamics of the contemporary Middle East, it is definitely for you! The theoretical and methodological frameworks that our courses are based on really let you dive deep into the topics. One also has the possibility to study Arabic and Hebrew at Lund in addition to the courses in the programme, which makes it all more exciting." 

Thoughts on being an international student at Lund, spare time and tips for prospective students

What is it like being an international student at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ?

"Due to Lund's international dynamics, it is definitely easy to blend in. The diversity makes it easy to make international friends, especially when studying in an English-speaking programme. Many student associations run their operations in English, so a non-Swedish speaker will not have any difficulties getting more involved in student life. I definitely love it!" 

What do you do in your spare time?

"In my spare time, I usually go for walks and read, and sometimes I do film photography. I also try to travel as much as I have time for (and can afford)! There is really nothing better than going out for coffee with friends when the sun is finally shining in the spring months."

What have been the highlights of your first year in Lund?

"Definitely the student life and new friends! I'm part of an international student association and have made plenty of great friends there, in addition to my classmates. Through student associations, one gets cool opportunities to take part in events all around Sweden, and sometimes abroad! My best memories are definitely associated with these opportunities, such as an event in the city of Uppsala where we got to spend the whole weekend, and when our association in Lund invited over a sister association from another university."

Do you have any advice for students that are considering coming to Lund? 

"Even though it seems like Lund or Sweden as a whole is far away and super up north, it's really not as north as your image of the Nordic countries or Scandinavia may be. The winters in southern Sweden are not as harsh as further north, and very soon after the winter break, you will start noticing that the days are getting significantly longer. In fact, I consider springtime to be the best time to be in Lund – the sunlight makes all the difference in your daily life!" 

Have more questions for Santeri?

You can chat with him and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.