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Mart from the Netherlands

How did you find out about �۶���Ƶ?

"I was really keen on biology and especially something with evolution. When I finished my Bachelor’s, I was looking for programmes in Evolution Archeology, leading me just to search for studies in evolutionary biology. I then went through the list country by country, and that is when I landed in Sweden and found �۶���Ƶ."

Why did you choose this programme?

"It matched my interest in evolutionary biology. It was also made very clear to me what it would provide, the course structure and the thesis. The clarity really made the difference!"

About the programme and the teaching style 

What do you think about your programme (so far)?

"It's really great. I really enjoy it! I have enjoyed it all the time. There has not been a single moment when I regretted my choice, because it was what I expected it to be and even more than what I expected it to be at times!"

What is the best thing about your programme?

"It is quite a small group of students, and everyone is very interested in the subject. So I feel that the general atmosphere in the classroom is lively and enthusiastic. The professors also remember the interests of every student, which is really nice.

I like the diversity in teaching with a mixture of lectures by the professor and working groups, where you work with three students on a certain problem and then present your solution or approach to it. We also have programming exercises to do simulations, writing reports or fieldwork. Most of that is structured within a certain topic, for example, speciation and diversification. Within each topic, you get to encounter the whole breadth of what you would do as a scientist, from the theory to the report writing and simulation."

Why should prospective students choose this programme?

"I think you should choose Evolutionary Biology if you're passionate about evolution and biology. To me, evolution can explain everything we see around us that is living. I would say it is a huge skill and you also learn a lot of skills that you could use in different environments. We are given a lot of different tasks which also challenge you to use your time effectively."

What is your favourite course and why?

"I really liked the first course “Evolution of Biology – Patterns and Processes” because it provided me with fundamental skills and knowledge of evolutionary biology. I also liked “Evolutionary Biology – Methods and Applications”, which provided a more in-depth view of all of the problems and topics we encountered at the start. I then learned how to solve them and how to deal with certain nuances that you would not be able to solve simply by listening to a lecture. During the course, you could encounter problems as they happen in real life and the way that the professors deal with them on a daily basis."

What do you think of the teaching style?

"It is very nice because it is super diverse and the contact with the professors is also very personal. Additionally, if you have specific interests or specific questions, the professor will answer them. If it is so detailed that you will need to consult some papers to get an answer, the professor will go after it and come back to you later that week to answer! It is a very dynamic and diverse teaching style."

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

What it is to be an international student at �۶���Ƶ?

"It is really nice to study in a different environment. Since I am a biologist, I really enjoy nature and geology and what we have here in Lund is completely different to what I'm used to. It is hilly and there are rocks which we do not have at home! It is also really nice to encounter different cultures and get to know the Swedish lifestyle. I would say people are a bit less in a hurry and calmer than in the Netherlands!"

What do you do in your spare time?

"I like to do things on my own like cooking, watching movies and going for a run, but I also love to do things in group settings. For example, I do fencing, which is really nice because you encounter both students at the university and Swedish high school students or adults! And if I feel like I want to do something else, I can always hang out with different international students here or go to nations."

What surprised you the most about Sweden?

"I would say that the people here are way more relaxed, and after office hours they really allow themselves to take time for themselves and do sports, promote culture and spend time with friends. Swedes have a very healthy lifestyle, I would say."

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

"I would, first of all, make sure to adhere to all the instructions and information that is provided by the university and make sure your application is fully correct. I would also advise you to make sure everything that you might need to arrange in your home country is taken care of, so you don't have to worry about it when you're here. Also, take advantage of still being in your home country to spend a lot of time with your friends and your family, and eat your local cuisine because you won't be able to have it here for a couple of months. Otherwise, just enjoy the process of studying in Lund!"