Why should you apply to the LiU Summer Academy? If you are not convinced by the fact that LiU ranks in the top 2% in international rankings, the courses offered are of outstanding quality and Linköping and the region Östergötland has a lot to offer, hopefully by hearing from other international students will help you make up your mind!

“Studying with other international students is a very enriching experience”

What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?

I was really intrigued by the courses available in a first time, but also by the accommodation’s description. I really liked the idea of living all together in the same area, as if we were in a small village.

What was your first impression?

My first impression was like I already knew this place, I felt familiar with the accommodation area, as well as with the campus. Many other people share this idea, we felt close since day one, that was very surprising.

Was the teaching and learning different to your home country?

I feel like the teaching here cares more about the student’s well-being. We have breaks of 15 minutes between every 45 minutes of course. We also have many practical exercises that make us participate more instead of simply listening to lectures.

How has the experience been with LiU Summer Academy?

Incredibly good, we quickly got used to our life here, between the ambiance at Ryds allée to the campus life, I feel like it was really easy for me to build a little routine of life here.

What was it like to study with other international students?

Studying with other international students is a very enriching experience. We get to learn about everyone’s culture, we share our different experiences, and we also find many similarities between each other. For example, when we cooked all together with some friends, we get to try food from many other places in the world.

If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?

My best advice would be to trust the process and apply for this program. See it as an extra chapter of your life in which you can be the best version of yourself.

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

My favourite Swedish fika is the chocolate ball! Don’t forget to try it if you visit Sweden!

Portrait of Farah.
Name: Farah
Country of origin: France
The course at LiU: Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in Contemporary Organisations

“An unforgettable experience”

What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?

There were three things that caught my attention. The first was that it was going to be in Sweden, a country I had always wanted to visit at least once in my life. The second was the timing of the Summer Academy, which was very convenient as it aligned with the summer vacation (winter in Chile). Lastly, the course catalogue, where I chose to apply for the Leadership and Nanotechnology courses.

How was your course?

There were daily lectures where we reviewed different topics in nanotechnology, from the basic and fundamental scientific principles that underpin nanoscience to real-life practical cases where nanomaterials are applied. Additionally, we have guided tours of the laboratories at Linköping University, where we could see the equipment currently used in nanomaterial research and fabrication.

Was the teaching and learning different to your home country?

Personally, I found the classes quite similar to those I have here in Chile, but studying relatively complex scientific topics in English was something new for me and I had to learn to adapt. Additionally, I found the relationship between professors and students to be much more pleasant and relaxed.

How was the experience with LiU Summer Academy?

Incredible. The truth is that being in such a beautiful country as Sweden while sharing experiences with students my age from all over the world has been an unforgettable experience.

What was it like to study with other international students?

It has been spectacular. Learning about their cultures, their languages, and sharing laughs and jokes with them has been one of my favourite experiences here. You learn a lot about all the different countries, and it’s great to find both differences and similarities between cultures.

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

After the Candy Test experience that was organized, my favourite is definitely Djungelvrål (just kidding, without any doubt it’s the cinnamon roll)

Portrait of Andrés Gallardo.
Name: Andrés Gallardo
Country of origin: Chile
The course at LiU: Nanotechnology: Sustainability Challenges and Social Impact

“I tried to attend as many social events as I could, and I loved each one of them”

What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?

It seemed very well organized, which was the big thing that drew me to it. The website having lots of information for me to read before I even applied made me feel more prepared for living in a foreign country. The excursions and social activities also drew me in! The idea that I would go on an exchange and sit alone in my room the whole time because I was too shy to make friends really scared me, so I was very happy to see that there would be social events offered to us.

How was your course?

Amazing! I feel like I have gotten a good understanding of basic Swedish in such a short time, and I enjoyed the cultural activities and projects we did. The instructors are fantastic.

How was the student life and atmosphere?

Everyone is so friendly. I feel like I could show up to any school social event and be able to chat and have fun with the people there. People I talked to once would still come up to me to say hi if they saw me outside of school events. Even though we all had our own friend groups, it really felt like a community at the end of the day.

How was the experience with LiU Summer Academy?

I love it! I tried to attend as many social events as I could, and I loved each one of them. I found a great group of friends and did so many things with them in just one month. I had so much fun, and time went by so fast. I really enjoyed my class, and the Swedish portion was helpful - I had to be the translator a couple of times when I was with my friends!

What was it like to study with other international students?

It was very interesting to study with people from so many parts of the world. It kind of blew my mind when I realised that, without the Summer Academy, I never would have met any of them. We all talked to each other about our countries and things happening in them. I learnt so many new things!

What did you hope to achieve after spending a month in Linköping?

My goal for my exchange was all about new experiences. Come to a new continent, live there with new people at a new school, and try to make some new friends. I think I did pretty well! I’m not very good at doing ‘new experiences’ back home, so this really helped to push me out of my comfort zone, which is what I wanted.

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

Weinerbröd for sure!! I ate so many of them…

Portrait of Jayna Veldhuis.
Name: Jayna Veldhuis
Country of origin: Canada
The course at LiU: Sweden: Language, Culture and Society

“I would do it all over again, and change nothing”

What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?

The combination of the city and the course, I have been interested in energy for half my life, (I’m a bit of a nerd) but also the location as I'm not a big fan of large cities. Linkoping is the perfect sized city for me with both green spaces and great transport links. I could be here for years and still not get bored.

How was your course?

I chose to course in alternative energy since I have been interested in the topic for a long time. For me it mainly taught me how to teach and present to others. The content is taught at a pace that anyone can follow and learn. However, the main thing everyone learns is how to work with people from all different kinds of backgrounds.

Was the teaching and learning different to your home country?

Back home we don't do as much active learning and projects so this change in pace was interesting, and I prefer it to standard lectures.

How has the experience been with LiU Summer Academy?

I have met so many lovely people whilst here and will miss them all, LIU is what you make off it. I know it sounds cheesy, but I learnt so much about myself and the world.
I learnt more than the limits of the course, from how to travel alone to how home sickness felt and how to let somebody you love go. Going to Linkoping was more informative than I could have ever imagined. I enjoyed the time I spent in Linköping, and I would do it all over again, and change nothing.

If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?

My recommendation is to be open, and your English is fine. To be honest it's easier to understand the students hear than some British people.

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

I'm fairly boring, I love fairly simple cakes, I particularly enjoyed the Fika on the last day but to be honest I think it was because of its symbolism rather than just its own merits.

Portrait of Lewis Evans.
Name: Lewis Evans
Country of origin: United Kingdom
The course at LiU: Alternative energy: the past, present, future, and inventions

“The student life and atmosphere were lively and engaging”

What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?

I have always wanted to study abroad for a short period. The summer academy, lasting only one month, allowed me to get a taste of it and see if it might be something for me. At the same time, I liked the offer of the summer academy because I could use it well for my future profession.

What was your first impression?

When I arrived at the summer academy, I was impressed by the international atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the participants. The instructors were friendly, and the first lectures were inspiring.

How was your course?

We learned a lot about various comics, especially Swedish comics. Besides the classes, we were able to attend different workshops and visit museums, which were very inspiring and a valuable experience.

How was the student life and atmosphere?

The student life and atmosphere were lively and engaging. The campus was full of energy, with students actively participating in discussions and social events, creating a strong sense of community and connection.

How has the experience been with LiU Summer Academy?

Wonderful. I can't describe it any other way. Here, I was able to meet so many new people, learn about their cultures and interests, and form close new friendships. I made memories that will last a lifetime.

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

I especially liked the traditional Swedish cinnamon rolls.

Portrait of Valentina Bilotta.

Name: Valentina Bilotta
Country of origin: Switzerland
The course at LiU: Superman, Daisy Duck and Tintin: reading and learning in the world of comics


"I gained so much knowledge from the course"

Tell me a bit about yourself! Where are you from and what do you study at home?

My name is Sophie, I am from Sydney, Australia and I am a coffee fanatic! At home I study Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences at Macquarie University.

How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?

My university was advertising studying abroad for domestic students and I thought it could be an exciting opportunity. I reviewed the possible locations and saw Sweden was part of the list for a course in Alternative Energy. I had always wanted to visit, and I am passionate about the subject so I decided to apply.

What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?

I had always wanted to visit Sweden and LiU just seemed like such a great fit, with the beautiful campus and locations around Linköping.

How was your course?

It was really interesting to see an area I am so passionate about in Australia be conveyed from a Swedish perspective. I gained so much knowledge from the course. When I take it back home, I hope I can use it to make a positive difference.

What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?

 I hope that I have gained a better understanding of Swedish culture, their way of life and the knowledge and understanding gained from getting to know and bond with people from all across the globe. I also hope that I have a broader view of alternative energy from a Swedish perspective and possibly apply this knowledge when I return home.

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

The salted licorice (Djungelvrål) was my favourite. Just kidding! But you definitely have to give it a try though! When staying in Linköping for a month I found myself having fika quite often. My routine would involve getting a latte from the local café and enjoying it with Swedish vanilla buns (Vaniljbullar) from the supermarket.

 

Picture of Sophie Newman LiU Summer Academy 2023

Name: Sophie Newman
Country of origin: Australia
The course at LiU: Alternative Energy: past, present, future and innovations

"I was impressed how well-organised everything was!"

Tell me a bit about yourself! Where are you from and what do you study at home?

I am from Barcelona! I study Computer Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.

What was your first impression?

Well, I was impressed at how well-organised the whole thing was. On my first day I had only seen the welcome dinner and the accommodation and transport, and it was already evident how much effort was put into the whole thing.

How was your course?

It was very interesting! My professors are both great and you can tell how passionate they are about the topic they are teaching. Everything from lectures to seminars is well thought-through and engaging.

Is the teaching and learning different to your home country?

It is! The concept of seminars, in which you get together with other students and discuss topics from the lectures and readings is something that works so well that it seems strange that other universities are not doing it.

How was the student life and atmosphere?

It was great! Everyone had such a positive energy and were eager to do things, learn, and have fun. Everyone had interesting stories to tell, and I learnt a lot from talking to people from different countries and cultures.

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

I do not have a sweet tooth, which feels kind of weird here in Sweden. However, if I may include any sweet, I will recommend all readers to try salty licorice ice-cream. 
Yeah, I know, it sounds bad. It sounded bad to me. But like with most things here: if you keep an open mind, you will not regret it!
Picture of Elahi Concha Sanchez LiU Summer Academy 2023
Name: Elahi Concha Sánchez 
Country of origin: Spain
The course at LiU: Superman, Daisy Duck and Tintin: reading and learning in the world of comics

"I made so many friends"

What was your first impression?

My first impression of Sweden was seeing a wild hedgehog the night I arrived while walking to my dorm. I was totally floored because we do not have those in the US! 

What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?

The thing that made me apply to LiU was its location within Europe and the smaller size of the city of Linköping. I thought this would provide a unique experience that most travellers abroad don't get.

What is it like to study with other international students?

Studying with other international students makes me feel a little ashamed about being American. I can only speak English and many of my peers are multilingual! Everyone is sporting, though, and is willing to practice speaking English with me. My international peers are very open and interested to learn about America, though. I also have broadened my horizons and I met some interesting people that I never would have met otherwise in a million years. 

If you could give other students who are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would it be?

My advice is to apply and see if you can plan other travel around Europe before or after the programme. I was able to see Berlin and Copenhagen before I even started my studies in Linköping!  

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

A Toscasnäcka and Cafe au Lait is how I fika!
Photo of Mitch Cook-Graver who studied at LiU Summer Academy
Mitch Cook-Graver
Name: Mitch Cook-Graver
Country of origin: The US
The course at LiU: The Use and Abuse of Culture

"Just come and see for yourself!"

How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?

I first heard about LiU through the summer exchange fair that was hosted by Nanyang Technological University. After researching and reading more about the different universities in Sweden, I wanted to experience studying life at LiU. 

What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?

Very different from Singapore, Sweden has a free education policy which was rather intriguing to me initially. To travel overseas for summer exchange, cost and expenses would be one very essential consideration and LiU made it really accommodating, easy and affordable for me here. Moreover, I really loved being surrounded by nature which is a rare sight in such a modern concrete jungle era.

How was your course at LiU?

The course was extremely different from what I studied back home. Honestly, it is hard to wrap my head around the way of thinking and what was taught in class but slowly, I liked learning and expanding my mind to think in these really different ways, where there was no right and wrong, no black and white and that each problem does not have a fixed solution to it.

How has the experience been so far with LiU Summer Academy?

The experience with LiU Summer Academy has been amazing. I enjoyed the natural landscape so much, the courses conducted as well as the learning environment here.

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

Turkish pepper? Kidding! Hahaha. I love the culture surrounding Swedish fika, where everyone just gathers and has coffee together on a weekday. If I were to choose, it would be the cardamon bun, because it reminds me of a cinnamon roll and pairs really well with coffee! 
The LiU Summer Academy student Hazel.
Hazel Teo Kai Xin.
Name: Hazel Teo Kai Xin
Country of origin: Singapore
The Course at LiU: The Use and Abuse of Culture

"The student life was great!"

How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?

The international office at my home university (TU Ilmenau) sent an invitation to apply for the LiU Summer Academy. Afterwards, I used the helpful website of the LiU Summer Academy to inform myself about the different courses.

What was your first impression?

My first impression was the well-organized and helpful information the LiU team provides. Additionally, I liked the clear and transparent requirements and contents of each course which were given online.

How was the student life and atmosphere?

The student life was great! We did plenty of activities together: volleyball games, swimming at the beach and partying together. I appreciated the solidarity among the summer school students and the open-mindedness, which led to many friendships and a lot of fun! I also enjoyed the international diversity and was happy that so many students from countries like Singapore and Chile came to Linköping. Since we all lived in the student city Ryd the atmosphere was quickly very familiar and we got to know each other within the first few days. Another point for the good relations was that the summer school students were almost alone on campus since the other students were on summer holidays. Thus we had the new building Studenthuset for ourselves and space for a lot of gatherings in the student accommodations.

What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?

After the month in Linköping, I gained plenty of international experiences, learned some fundamentals in nanotechnology and made a couple of good friends!

And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?

The thing I like most about fika is actually the coffee.

LiU Summer Academy student Janek Fehlbier from Germany.
Janek Fehlbier
Name: Janek Fehlbier
Country of origin: 
Germany
The course at LiU: 
Nanotechnology: Sustainable Challenges and Social Impact