Meet our digital ambassadors!
We put together a team of international student ambassadors from different backgrounds and programmes to tell their stories each year. Follow them on their journey as they share what life is really like in Sweden and Uppsala University.
Follow us on Instagram
Our ambassadors take turns in administrating our Instagram account @StudyatUU. Connect with them and ask your questions!
Find blog posts on a range of topics
Moving to a new country makes you discover new perspectives. Our ambassadors share some of their reflections on our blog.
Watch vlogs on Youtube
Every now and then our ambassadors let us follow them during a typical day in their life as an international student in Sweden.
The international Digital Ambassador's team 2024-2025
Farah Aly - Egypt
Hej! My name is Farah Aly, and I’m pursuing a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies. While studying Political Science in Germany, my focus turned toward Peace and Conflict, making Uppsala a clear academic choice for my Master’s.
However, the timing felt unsettling – heading to a city I barely knew, where I didn’t speak the language, and bracing for a cold everyone warned me about.
But the programme is everything I had hoped for, with an inspiring and caring community of students and professors. And the student life is vibrant, full of traditions I never knew I’d come to love. I’m excited to share this experience with you as a digital ambassador, hoping to inspire others to take their leap into the unknown.
Sofía Hernández Valenzuela - Mexico
Hola! My name is Sofía Hernández and I come from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, and I'm a Master's Student in the Bioinformatics programme.
In 2022 I had the opportunity to do a research stay at Karolinska Institutet. I was impressed by the level of support universities here provide for science and research, which was quite different from what I experienced in my home country. Additionally, the abundance of nature and vibrant cultural activities convinced me to choose Sweden.
Each day I spend in Uppsala reinforces my belief that I made the right decision. I've enjoyed biking to school, taking walks in nature, receiving top-notch education, and meeting amazing people from all over the world. I'm excited to see how these two years in Sweden will contribute to my personal and professional growth.
Longwei "Patrick" Zhang - China
Hej! I’m Longwei Zhang but feel free to call me Patrick. Originally from Sichuan, China, I’m currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Information Systems at Uppsala University.
My journey with Sweden started three years ago when I came for an exchange semester. I have a passion for sustainability and innovation, and it motivated me to return to Sweden, a country renowned for its forward-thinking practices in these areas.
I believe that understanding how modern technology can foster sustainable, innovative business solutions is crucial, and Sweden provides the perfect environment for this learning. I'm thrilled to be a student at Uppsala University, with its rich history and vibrant student life. I look forward to sharing my experiences as I explore the many opportunities here.
Florence Agcaoili - Philippines
Hej! I’m Florence from the Philippines, and I’m in the Master’s programme in Molecular Medicine. I’ve been participating in international exchange programmes since high school, which motivated me to venture out and pursue more opportunities abroad.
With its diverse population of students, strong support for innovation, and thriving biomedical scene, Uppsala was the perfect place for me to pursue my Master’s.
When I’m not doing my STEM girl things, I love making acrylic paintings and digital scrapbooks, singing my heart out at karaoke, as well as reading and writing. Uppsala has a lot of avenues for me to channel my creative juices, along with the picturesque sceneries and the warmness of the community. Uppsala has made me feel at home and I can’t wait to share my journey with you.
Agnija Jemeljanova - Latvia
Hej! My name is Agnija Jemeljanova, and I came from Latvia to study Game Design and Graphics at Campus Gotland. Pursuing my Bachelor's in a foreign country is undoubtedly a challenge - new culture, adapting to living on an island, and dabbling into the hidden difficulties of the chosen degree.
However, the sense of community I've gained here, in Visby, outshines it all, and so does the education that continues to offer opportunities for professional and personal growth - I can be a designer, an artist, or everything all at once.
My goal as a digital ambassador is to show how enriching and exciting life on an island can be and how professionalism and an active social life are not mutually exclusive concepts. Join me on this ride digitally and, hopefully soon enough, in person!
Catherine "Kate" De Smedt - Belguim
Hej! My name is Catherine, but you can call me Kate. I started my Master’s in Global Health in the autumn semester of 2024. While working as a dietitian and a teacher back in Belgium, I still felt a hunger for a new challenge, where I could combine the nutrition and teaching aspects. That is how the Global Health programme in Uppsala came on the path.
It was scary to pause my career for something completely new, but I’m so happy I did! Not only are the classes interesting, but the city has so much to offer; from
meeting new people in the nations, to hunting for northern lights. This all combined makes Uppsala feel like home already! I can’t wait for all the new opportunities that are waiting for us, and most of all, to meet you and create beautiful memories!
Shedrach "Shed" Obumneme Okoye - Nigeria
Hej! I’m Shedrach Okoye, hailing from Nigeria — proudly known as the Giant of Africa. I’m pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Management at Uppsala University, Campus Gotland.
My passion for sustainability brought me to Sweden, and Uppsala University has given me the perfect platform to turn my dream into reality. Beyond academics, I love connecting with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I also enjoy playing badminton and have a great group of friends I play with on weekends here in Visby.
Looking forward to an exciting year of growth, learning, and new friendships.
Kornelia Stark - Poland
Hey everyone! I’m Kornelia Stark from Poland, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Digital Media and Social Sciences. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology in the UK, and since I’ve always been drawn to Swedish culture, I decided that Uppsala would be the perfect place to continue my studies in the social sciences.
As an ambassador, my goal is to give you a transparent look at my daily life in Uppsala — the exciting moments as well as the challenges I face while pursuing my degree. I’ll also be sharing my best tips for self-care and well-being, which are essential when studying and applying to university.
Join me on my journey as I explore both Uppsala and my studies!
Hareena Sidhu - Canada
Hej, I’m Hareena from Canada, and I’m pursuing a Master’s in Biology at Uppsala University. I am specialising in aquatic ecology, so of course Sweden, which has over 95,000 lakes, seemed like a great choice to me.
Choosing to move across the world and study in a country where I knew nobody was a big step out of my comfort zone, but it’s a decision I am so happy I made! Since starting my degree at Uppsala University, I have been amazed at the hands-on experience I have gained in a variety of fields and lab techniques.
This year, I look forward to gaining more lab experience during a month-long microcosm experiment I am working on as a part of my thesis. I also look forward to experiencing more of Uppsala; its cafés, nature, and of course student life!
The Chinese Ambassador's team 2024-2025
Hui Yuan - Shanghai
Hej! I'm Hui Yuan, currently studying Wind Power Project Management on Gotland. Stepping outside the linear path of my previous life to come here has been a new adventure and experience for me — learning in a completely different field while being immersed in a unique culture. I've also discovered more possibilities for myself in this environment, broadening my experiences and perspectives.
Although I'm studying an engineering discipline, I have a deep love for photography, painting, and art. I enjoy discovering new things, and Sweden offers so much to fuel that curiosity — from its beautiful museums to breath-taking nature hiking, and the sustainability-focused way of life.
I'm excited to share my journey at Uppsala University, Campus Gotland, through my perspective and experiences.
Tianle Zhang - Jiangxi Province
Hello, my name is Tianle Zhang, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Wind Power Project Management at Uppsala University’s Gotland Campus.
With a background in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the University of Leeds and Southwest Jiaotong University, I have developed strong technical skills and a passion for renewable energy.
As a digital student ambassador for Uppsala University, I am excited to share my journey and insights about studying in Gotland, particularly within the field of wind power. I aim to support and inspire prospective students who are interested in exploring sustainable energy solutions and academic opportunities at our university.
Li Leyou - Chengdu
Hej! I’m Li Leyou, and I’m currently a Master’s student in Language Technology at Uppsala University.
Uppsala is a great place for hiking, sketching and photography, I enjoy spending my time outdoors and connect with the nature.
As a student ambassador, I’m here to give you an honest and personal insight into what studying at Uppsala is really like.
I will share my own experiences with student life like board game night and pub in nations, and give you a closer look at the lifestyle here.
Hao Wu - Yangzhou
Hej! I am Hao Wu from Yangzhou, China, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Management at Campus Gotland.
Having worked in the industry for 10+ years, I am a person in business management. But what is sustainable management? As a global pioneer in the field of sustainability, Sweden is undoubtedly the right place to seek answers.
I am excited about this adventurous year, especially as a student here at the first university in the Nordic countries – encountering people from all over the world, experiencing diverse cultures, and expressing myself in a LAGOM way.
I'm looking forward to sharing my journey with you!
Minchun Zhao - Yunnan Province
Hej!My name is Minchun Zhao. I am a Master’s student majoring in Ecology and Conservation. I was born and raised in Yunnan, China. My hometown is a biodiversity hotspot, which led to my passion for natural sciences.
I chose to study at Uppsala University as it has an amazing natural science program. During my time here, I hope to broaden my horizons and professional skills. Uppsala’s wonderful scenery was also attractive to me.
I have been studying in Uppsala University for one year and I just finished my Bachelor’s programme. So far, it has been an exciting and unforgettable opportunity! I am happy to find that everyone is kind and warmhearted. It is easy to find support for any problems that may arise. I have found a feeling of home and fallen in love with this city!
Want to join the team?
We are currently not looking to hire new ambassadors. However, we will be recruiting new students to the team for the academic year of 2025–2026. The application will be published here in June 2025.
Working as a digital ambassador for Uppsala University in our international student recruiting team is a great way to get to know the university, new people and yourself. As a digital ambassador, we expect you to create content for our Instagram account, our blog and if needed our Youtube channel.
What is in it for me?
- Flexible working hours and some extra pocket money
- New friends and a broader network
- Great work experience to put on your resume
- Real-life experience in communication and marketing
- Practical experience in content creation
- Helping prospective students make one of their most important decisions
For questions about our digital ambassadors programme, please contact sara.hogbom@uu.se.
Connect with other students on the Goin' app
Once you have been admitted to Uppsala University, you will receive an invite via e-mail to join our student community app Goin'.
Here, you can connect with newly admitted and current students already before coming to Sweden. Build a social community, chat with students from your programme, ask questions and get support from students who have been in your position. Some of our digital ambassadors are also available on Goin' to support you.