Nguyen from Vietnam: “I’m glad I chose Uppsala”
Nguyen Ha, a scholarship holder from Vietnam, is in the second semester of the Master’s Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies. Why did you choose Uppsala University specifically?
“I studied international relations in Japan and came into contact with Sweden by chance when I represented the country in a UN role-playing exercise. Then I wrote an essay on the Swedish humanitarian intervention in Namibia. That led me to investigate the possibility of further studies in Sweden, one thing led to another and I ended up in Uppsala.”
What do you think of the programme so far?
“Swedish education is very different from what I experienced in Japan. At my earlier university, the programme followed an American liberal arts model. Students had several courses in parallel during the semester. I think that let us explore our interests, but most of the time we were unable to delve deeper because of limited time. The Swedish model with one course at a time is new for me and I am learning much more about specific subjects.
“In the programme, we are 45 students and half of us don’t come from Sweden. We also have various professional backgrounds, which is refreshing and very interesting.”
And what have you got out of student life?
“Student life was important during my undergraduate studies so I’m glad that I chose Uppsala. Besides the student nations, there are always many activities under way at different campuses. I have even heard some of my friends say that they have a hard time keeping track of everything they want to do. I don’t think it’s so common at other universities, where not so much happens besides the studies.
“I like to go to ‘gasque’ parties at the student nations now and then. It’s really interesting to learn more about the traditions. The ‘Goose Dinner’, for example; it’s interesting both what food they serve and the history behind it.”
What will you do after your studies?
“My plan is to continue with doctoral studies and a PhD, but I don’t know where yet. It will probably not be in Sweden because I want to broaden my horizons. The Master’s programme is very good because we learn a lot about research. For some, it might be too much research, but it suits me well.”
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Facts:
In the autumn semester of 2017, 1,682 students were admitted to international Master’s programmes at Uppsala University. Of them, 1,047 come from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Annica Hulth