Is this programme right for you?

How did you choose your programme?
– Always wanting to be like my role model, Dr Alan Grant from Jurassic Park, I chose my programme based on my ambition to become a palaeontologist. Following my geological engineering Bachelor's degree, I looked for a programme that would enable me to follow my long-term goal, which at the time appeared unachievable. However, I happened to come across the PANGEA Master's programme and immediately realised that this is the programme that would help me achieve my goals.

What is it like to be an international student?
– Being a foreign student is a fascinating and exhilarating journey. Meeting people from all around the world, picking up new languages, and experiencing other fascinating cultures are all necessary. I am grateful for this experience, which has opened my eyes since I would not have been able to have anything like it if I were not an international student.

– Uppsala is a very lovely city to live in and to do activities in. The locals here are very friendly and helpful, especially for international students. I cannot imagine a better city to study in.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– The professors! I have never encountered nicer people than them. You can tell that the lecturers are enthusiastic about what they are teaching and highly professional while you are in the classroom listening to their lectures. One of their objectives as educators is to help students succeed in every aspect of their studies, and having that kind of support at Uppsala University is immensely motivating.

Name three things you are doing this week!
– This week I will go to campus 1477 which is a gym located not far from the campus with reasonable prices for students and amazing equipment. I am also going to the library to do some research for an assignment. Lastly, I will go to a thing called Gasque which is a formal dinner party with food, drinks, songs, and other entertainment.

What is your reason for studying, or your ultimate goal?
– My ultimate goal is to become a vertebrate palaeontologist that works with dinosaurs. Along with that, I wish to share my passion with society and help palaeontology grow as a well-known and respected science.

Three quick questions
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– Campus 1477.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
– Researching vertebrates.

Where is the best place to study?
– Geocentrum Library.

Spring 2024.

How did you choose your programme?
– I applied to PANGEA because I want to delve deeper into the history of life on Earth, at the intersection between biology and geology. The Erasmus Mundus aspect of the programme was also a major factor behind my application, as being in an international programme is very important to me, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to move between locations for my studies.

What is it like to be an international student?
– It is definitely a worthwhile experience - although the distance from home is something I am very conscious of. Being in a new place, learning a new language, and enjoying a different climate and lifestyle, is a refreshing experience. I also find Uppsala to be quite a welcoming place as an international student; it is very easy to meet new people at the student nations, activities, or in student housing.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– Other than the location being beautiful, the teaching here is of high quality, and the professors create an environment where we are free to give our opinions and explore the topics properly, and really learn for ourselves.

Name three things you are doing this week!
– Outside of studying, I plan on going ice skating at Studenternas, most likely multiple times. I have some fika (Swedish coffee break) plans, and on Saturday, I will be going to the reccegasque at Upplands Nation - reccegasques being a formal dinner once a semester for all the new nation members.

What is your reason for studying, or your ultimate goal?
– I want to contribute to our understanding of the story of life by pursuing an academic career, in particular regarding the origins and diversification of plants, and their profound impact on our planet.

Describe the student life
– Uppsala has a very vibrant student life, with its unique traditions. I highly recommend joining a nation, which has loads of activities for everyone, and they are very emblematic of the old academic traditions here in Uppsala!

Three quick questions
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– Definitely Café Årummet! Great place for fika, with good coffee and pastries, and a cosy atmosphere.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
– I'm still figuring that out, but I would love to continue my academic path in Uppsala with a PhD and further palaeobiological research.

Where is the best place to study?
– I personally like to study at the library at English Park campus.

Spring 2024

What is it like to be an international student?
– It is overwhelming. A change in environment especially moving from a tropical area to a temperate region is a massive one. Sure, you will definitely try to adapt to the environment and also to the new culture and way of life.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– Coming to Uppsala to study allows one to explore the Scandinavian region. One good thing is that it allows you to gain voluntary experience by volunteering in the museum which is one of my goal, to learn more and be able to manage a museum. Uppsala is among the best institution when it comes to natural science which also allows you to be taught by the best in the field which to me is a privilege.

Do you remember your first impression of Uppsala?
– Vikings, the arctic and beauty. Knowing I will be coming to Uppsala, the first thing I thought about is learning more about the Viking's history and also experiencing the winter season, specifically, I wanted to experience the snow weather as well.

Name three things you are doing this week!
– Currently, my schedule is boring as I am still recovery from my knee surgery I can only talk about how I would have loved my schedule to be, which would include attending class, using the Library, visiting the museums, and going for a hike.

What is your reason for studying, or your ultimate goal?
– I see this programme as a programme that will establish me on multiple career paths as a curatorial, independent researcher and as lecturer. The programme will provide me with several volunteer opportunities in the natural museums which develop the practical skills needed by a museum curator. The programme will give me first-hand experience with research in writing a senior thesis and other professional skills such as research planning which will build me as an independent researcher. Participation in this programme will make me more internationally competent and allow me to pursue a degree in PhD. In a simple word for growth and improvement.

Describe the student life
– I have been here for less than three months, I have not really gone out that much but I can say Swedish are accommodative, anyway, that is how I feel. Lecturers here are awesome and this is the reason I actually choose the track, to improve my communication and able to make an excellent presentation in the future.

Three quick questions
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– I will not make a pick yet, this is because, I have not really explored everything yet.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
– Either doing my PhD or working in a museum.

Spring 2024