Is this programme right for you?

How did you choose your programme and what did you study before?
– My academic journey has been truly global, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in finance from Baruch College, New York, followed by a Master’s in marketing from Nepal. I was always fascinated by the complexities of multinational enterprises (MNEs), small and large, and how they navigate global markets. The International Business (IB) track at Uppsala University perfectly bridges the gap between my interest in cross-cultural management and corporate strategy. Uppsala’s reputation on the IB track, combined with its research-led teaching, encouraged me to choose my next step.

What is it like to be an international student?
– It is a culturally enriching experience. The diversity here is incredible. On a regular day, I’m meeting and collaborating with peers from different parts of the world. The University is very supportive of international students. I have always felt a sense of belonging, whether it’s through lectures, group projects, or seminars. It’s reassuring to see that the university invests in our professional development through career guidance, which helps international students to transition into a professional journey beyond graduation.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– For me, Uppsala University is more than an institution; it’s an atmosphere for growth. I get a specific sense of inspiration when I arrive at Ekonomikum. The facilities are world-class, and the access to databases and research resources is a huge advantage to my studies. The best among all is the faculty. They are experts in their fields and genuinely work to help students. They don’t just lecture; they mentor and push us to think critically.

How did you experience your first few days in Sweden?
– I arrived in Sweden in the first week of August, and it was nothing short of magical. I moved here with my family, and we were awestruck by the breathtaking nature. We encountered so much kindness from the local community and everyone around us, it did not feel like we were at the different side of the world. Coming from Nepal, I was fascinated by how bright and vibrant the environment was until late evening during summer. For us, Sweden is the perfect balance between high-tech efficiency and peaceful nature, making it a wonderful place to study and live.

Describe what a normal day is like for you.
– As a full-time student and a mother of two, my mornings usually start with getting my children ready for school and day care. Once settled, I move into the academic world, where I deep dive into research articles, attend lectures, and seminars. I have discovered that motherhood has actually made me a better student. I have become incredibly time-efficient. However, it’s not always work. I cherish the quiet moments reading novels (I love classic novels!), walking through the parks with my partner, or meeting my friends I have made in our local community.

What is something unique about your programme?
– When I first entered the IB track, I thought the curriculum would focus more on the mechanics of global operations. However, I realised the programme to be far more sophisticated. The curriculum challenges the one-size-fits-all approach. While frameworks and models provide a basic foundation, the reality of the global market is more complex. To be successful, a business must integrate different factors, from institutional pressures and political challenges to understanding the local culture.

How would you describe the relationship between you and your teachers?
– Our relationship is collaborative. I’m genuinely inspired by their student-centered learning approach, where lectures feel like a two-way interaction. The faculty at Uppsala are not just lecturers; they’re mentors who are committed to our success. They actively seek our feedback on their teaching styles and seminars to ensure we are comfortable. Their constructive guidance has been supportive in my academic growth which creates a respectful environment in understanding complex concepts.

What is your reason for studying and your ultimate goal?
– After taking a career break to raise my children, returning to academia was a bold step. Fueled by my partner’s support and my own desire for growth, today, I approach my studies with a deeper sense of purpose and a more mature perspective on life. My ultimate goal is to leverage this academic expertise in a managerial role where I can lead with high emotional intelligence. I believe that true leadership requires a combination of cultural agility and compassion.

Describe the student life!
– Student life at Uppsala has been a wonderful experience; rewarding yet challenging at times. The most rewarding part has been the process of unlearning old ways and assumptions, providing room for newer perspectives. While it is hard to describe a single best experience, the interaction with students from diverse backgrounds and sharing our experiences is what I value the most.

Three quick questions
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– I’m still exploring this city, but I currently love the vibrant atmosphere and walking paths around Stora Torget.

What is your favourite student tradition?
– The Welcome Programme was a highlight for me, especially the university orchestra, and I look forward to the Valborg celebrations this spring.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
– I see myself as a strategic leader in an MNE, though I remain open to the prospect of a PhD to further contribute to the academic discourse in international business.

Spring 2026

Why did you choose this programme?
– It offers an in-depth exploration of subjects that I find interesting and that align with my aspirations: working with business on an international level. Uppsala University also has a very strong reputation and a high international ranking, and Uppsala as a student city is highly appealing. Therefore, the choice was fairly obvious.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– The best part is meeting all the like-minded students. They are very ambitious and have similar goals, which is highly motivating. I also really appreciate the culture at Uppsala University. There is a shared understanding among everyone working at the university that students’ time of study is a personal journey, something not to be taken for granted but truly enjoyed. A quote I once heard from someone with overall responsibility for the university sums up this culture well: “Don’t let your studies get in the way of nation life too much.”

What is the most challenging part?
– The amount of literature. Since a master’s programme is meant to deepen one’s knowledge in a specific field, it naturally requires greater engagement with research. As a result, many course readings consist of, for example, academic journal articles. To manage this, I make sure to read the articles well in advance throughout the course and try not to save everything for three days before an examination. I would also like to add that the courses follow the literature in a very structured way, which makes it easier to know what to read and when to start.

What three things are on your schedule this week?
– A literature seminar that my group is presenting, work, and a class!

Tell us about student life!
– I had several friends who studied in Uppsala before me, and they constantly talked about how great student life here is. My strategy was to move to Uppsala with no expectations, to avoid being disappointed. Today, when someone asks me what student life is like, I answer with the exact same words my friends used. Student life is incomparable—there is something for everyone. Do you want to go out to a nation with your friends almost any day of the week? You can. Do you want to get involved as a student representative and influence your programme? You can. Do you want to get involved in a nation? You can. Do you want to start your own student initiative? You can. The list goes on, and I could continue for quite some time. In summary, you won’t find better student life anywhere else than in Uppsala—sometimes it even feels like there’s too much to choose from, which is a luxury problem!

What is your goal with the programme?
– My goal is to gain the specialised expertise needed for the international labour market. Hopefully, this will lead to a job at an international organisation within an industry I have a genuine interest in.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to this programme?
– If your interest lies in how companies are affected by an international context, apply to the programme. If you feel unsure about what you want to do in the future, apply anyway. The opportunities are extensive at both national and international levels.

Three quick questions
Favourite place in your student city?
– Stockholm Nation, especially Thursday evenings after the student grant (CSN) has been paid out!

Where is the best place to study?
– The Ångström Laboratory (Ångan)!

What will you be doing in five years?
– Working with marketing strategy or something similar at an international aerospace company.

Spring 2026