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Introducing Quyen 

Hi! My name is Quyen and I'm the student ambassador for the Bachelor’s programme in Development Studies. 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 �۶���Ƶ? 

"In high school, I studied an international programme and was fascinated by stories from all around the world. After graduating, I wanted to be a part of an international environment again, which made �۶���Ƶ the perfect option as it is ranked within the top 100 universities worldwide and is known for its international profile."

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

"I think the programme really suits me in terms of how it makes me more curious about development, particularly in different social contexts. Development is not necessarily measured by economic development solely because other factors need to be considered such as quality in education, health care etc. 

The programme meets my expectations in terms of how international it is. Many of my classmates come from Europe, and the rest of the class comes from all parts of the world. The content of the courses piques my interest in sociology as well."

What is the best thing about your programme? 

"I think the best thing about the programme is the element of surprise. Studying development means that you never know what you lack in knowledge. Moreover, you get different professors coming from all walks of life. They are not only passionate about their job but take an active interest in development as well. Finally, the element of surprise comes from the environment: the city and classmates. Who will be your next friend? What does Lund have to offer as a city? It is yours to discover!"

What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden? 

"One of the first things I noticed about the teaching style is that we address our professor by their first name. This is strange for me because, in Vietnam, we always add “Ms, Mr or Mrs” at the beginning of the name. This small but significant change allows students to feel more comfortable with the learning environment which I deeply appreciate. Moreover, the professors also take the time to communicate via email, which is accommodating for those who may be a bit shy asking questions in class. Professors are actively engaged in the classroom and ensure the class understands the content. With this, the course literature is close to the content of the exam. It might not be much to notice at first, but I appreciate how helpful this is given university can be stressful at times."

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

"One of the many practical skills that I learned is critical thinking. The programme does not necessarily make me solve global problems, but it helps me rethink the obvious, and figure out why the problems persist for so long. Another important skill I have learned is to work in groups, which promotes efficient communication and teamwork."

Why should prospective students choose this programme? 

"First, this programme is interdisciplinary. While the programme allows you to choose your major, you learn the basics from the other three majors as well and that is crucial to understand development. Moreover, the programme prepares you for the uncertainty. As a graduate of the programme, you can continue with your academic journey or work for NGOs and humanitarian organisations, the choice is yours." 

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

What is it like being an international student at �۶���Ƶ? 

"I think international students at �۶���Ƶ are very inclusive because there are many opportunities for international students to learn about Swedish culture and to also experience different cultures. Overall, I think there will always be something for everyone and I appreciate that."

What do you do in your spare time? 

"In my free time, I usually cook or meal prep for the week. I also enjoy having fika with friends and hanging out in the city if possible. Another hobby of mine is to watch movies with family members." 

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

"One of the highlights of my first year in Lund is getting to know so many professors who come from different backgrounds. This degree has 4 different majors, so the knowledge that comes from them is enormous. I finished high school in Lund, but I moved away for a while, so this is my time to rediscover Lund as a city and participate in different student activities as well. Finally, I made a few new friends from all walks of life which makes me very happy." 

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

"My advice for students considering Lund as their option is to experience Europe at your own will. Whether you want to enjoy nature or prefer to stay in the city, there are always options for you. Just because your friends have a European checklist doesn’t mean you have to. Another piece of advice is that even though the weather in Sweden will get cold and there isn’t a lot of sunlight, the city will decorate itself with beautiful lights to celebrate Christmas and other winter events so I guarantee you will be able to enjoy Sweden during the winter months too. Lastly, work-life balance in university is key because you will always be able to have time to study, so why not use it to experience university life to the fullest as well?"

Have more questions for Quyen? 

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