Carolina Johnson- Master Student in Cultural Anthropology

Name: Carolina Johnson
From: Stockhom, Sweden
Studies: Final year of the master's programme in Cultural Anthropology

Why did you choose this program?

-Anthropology thoroughly expanded my worldview when I was first introduced to it at the bachelor's level and I wanted to continue this path of learning and deepen my anthropological knowledge.

What did you do before you started studying here?

-I got my bachelor's degree majoring in Anthropology and Politics at Oberlin College in Ohio. After that, I moved back to Sweden and started this program. I am actually back after taking a leave of absence from the master's program and working for an organization called DIS. It is a non-profit academic institute offering semester, academic year, and summer abroad programs for students from North American universities. I never thought I would go back and forth between studies and work, but it has been fruitful in its own way, and I am really overjoyed to be back with the goal to finish the program in spring 2025.

What is it like to study at Uppsala university?

-Uppsala is a place buzzing with the love of learning, and so it is exciting to be a student here. The staff at the libraries, university cafeterias, front desks and student support offices are all incredible and I have been met with so much patience and kindness. I have also been inspired by all the amazing faculty in the department, and sometimes I wish I could go back in time and take certain classes over and over again because that's how fun and engaging they were!

What is a typical day like in your program?

-The typical day has really varied throughout my time as a master's student. From regular classes and seminars during the first year, to periods of fieldwork where I conducted interviews and participant-observation and today when I structure my own workday around my thesis.

What is typical for the Master’s programme in Cultural Anthropology?

-It's typical to read really interesting work on your own and then engage in seminar discussion with peers. The own thesis process also takes up a lot of time and energy as you need to both plan and execute fieldwork, so the program itself involves several transitions which really sets you up to understand the anthropological process and method.

What is it like to write a master thesis?

-It is an interesting experience because it really highlights both personal strengths and weaknesses and tests my patience and ability to trust the process every day. Some days I just want it over with but other days I think about what a privilege it is to have such a flexible schedule where I get to be creative and lead my own work day - I try to remember that I will miss this time when it is over!

Tell us about student life in Uppsala!

-I am afraid I am not the best person to ask about this, since I am a commuter. I will say that Uppsala is an amazing place to meet new people and bond over studies and shared interests. I usually plan my Uppsala days so that I can have a lunch, fika, and maybe see a friend or two as I always feel I leave way too soon when I just take the train to go to class and then back to Stockholm directly afterward. Uppsala is a wonderful place and I feel at home when I arrive even as a commuter!

Three quick questions

What is your favorite place in Uppsala?

-As someone who commutes to Uppsala and walks from the central station, I love taking a break at Café Uno or in the park that shares my name - Carolinaparken.

What is your goal with the program?

-My goal is to deepen my academic skillset, especially my reading and writing skills. In addition, I find that anthropological studies really help me broaden my understanding of the world and so that is another goal I have had throughout my time in this program and all the interesting classes I have had the privilege of taking.

What will you be doing in five years?

-It's scary to admit, but I am not sure. I hope to work with something I am passionate about and apply my anthropological skillset in creative and useful ways.