6 October 2023
"We want to showcase all of the possibilities that exist at LTU"
This week, we celebrated International Week -- an annual tradition that takes place at Luleå University of Technology -- with a student fair, lectures, and panel discussions on the schedule.
The first week of October means International Week and a busy time for the team of the International Office at Luleå University of Technology. The week serves several purposes from various perspectives, as explained by Maria Vyatkina, International Relations Manager at the International Office.
"The purpose of the week is partly to show our programme students the opportunities that exist for studying abroad. But also to bring together all international students and demonstrate our diversity and the welcoming culture that exists at the University and in our Region."
As a full time student at Luleå University of Technology, you have the opportunity to apply to study abroad for a semester (or two) during your studies. Maria mentions that the number of students taking this opportunity has decreased since the pandemic, but she hopes that more would dare to take the step and explains why more students should seize the opportunity.
"Now we are seeing that the interest is starting to increase again, and it's very important because the previous government encouraged all Swedish higher education institutions to increase the number of outgoing students. Spending part of your studies abroad provides tremendous knowledge that you don't get when you only study at LTU. It's language skills, multicultural understanding, individual knowledge, being out of your comfort zone, and growing significantly from that process. In the end, it also means more opportunities to seek better jobs in Sweden and outside Sweden; we see it as a significant advantage on their CV."
Every year, we welcome more than 500 students from all over the world to the University. During International Week, the University also wanted to highlight all the positive things happening in the region.
"We want our students to see and understand the opportunities our Region offers and encourage them to stay here longer than their studies. During Thursday's panel discussion, we invited Luleå Science Park to talk about all of the business developments happening in the region, but also three international professionals who came here either to work or study and then decided to stay. The theme of the panel discussion was "What is it like to settle in Luleå?," and they got to share their experiences in front of hundreds of students who were present. It was truly appreciated, and it turned into an honest discussion and dialogue."
Contact
Maria Vyatkina
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