LiU Summer Academy testimonials
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!
"Everyone is so friendly"
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I received an email from my university school of psychological science which talked about summer study abroad opportunities and a link to the LiU website for Summer Academy.What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
I was intrigued by LiU Summer Academy because I had never done anything like it before and Sweden seemed like a unique location. It looked like a super fun way to spend summer break and great for meeting new people.What was your first impression?
Wow this campus is nice, everyone is so friendly and my room is massive.How is your course?
The course is interesting but challenging. I like that you can get points towards the final exam throughout the 4 weeks.Is the teaching and learning different to your home country?
It was only a little bit different to my home country (England). I had longer lectures than I was used to and I was required to do a presentation twice instead of just once. This was so I could get feedback and improve my presentation before doing it again, but I am used to only doing that sort of thing once.How is the student life and atmosphere?
Student life and atmosphere was amazing throughout the 4 weeks. I made so many new friends and there was always something going on.How has the experience been so far with LiU Summer Academy?
The experience was great. It was well organised, having lots of activities you could go along to such as dala horse painting. The student hosts were great and were always happy to help if you had a question.What is it like to study with other international students?
It was fun to learn where others were from and about differences in cultures across the world.If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
Do the course work so you pass, but don’t get too stressed about it. Nanotech does require some additional practice for the exam but make sure you give yourself time to socialise because the friendships you’ll make will be worth more than you overall grade.What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?
I hoped to achieve increased confidence and make new friends. Spending a month in a completely new place, learning to get around by myself and trying new things with new people meant I definitely did those things.And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
I am not really much of a candy person, however I did really enjoy Marabou chocolate!
Name: Lottie Popham
Country of origin: United Kingdom
The course at LiU: Nanotechnology: Sustainable Challenges and Social Impact
Country of origin: United Kingdom
The course at LiU: Nanotechnology: Sustainable Challenges and Social Impact
“The experience has been unforgettable”
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I found out about the LiU Summer academy whilst I was away on my placement during my second year of university. My course leader forwarded an email to all business students with 1 year remaining of their course about a study abroad opportunity in Sweden. I then looked into it and became very interested in the LiU Summer Academy program.What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
Firstly, the courses available were very in line with what I was doing at home. I study Business management at Nottingham Tent University so I was pleased to discover that I could further my knowledge on business management through the course I picked up at the summer academy. Something else that made me apply for the academy was the fact that my favourite basketball player Elliot Cadeau is from Sweden and plays for the national team. During my time here I was able to watch him play live against the Czech Republic and Sweden Won!!!What was your first impression?
My first impression was that Linkoping had beautiful nature and scenery. The locals were also very friendly and lively. I’m very happy I was here for the majority of the world cup and I got to see Swedish fans be so excited and passionate about their country.How is your course?
My course was really fun and gave me the opportunity to see multiple Swedish businesses and different aspects of these businesses. For example, we went to a strawberry farm and spoke to the owner who told us about his operations and how global issues affect his business. We also saw a more modern electrochemical setups company called redox.me in Norrkoping and learned about how the idea of globalisation was used in that business model.Is the teaching and learning different from your home country?
I found that the Swedish teaching style was very student centered and they really wanted class contribution. It was very focused on giving the students a voice and hearing their thoughts and opinions rather than just being talked to by the teacher the whole lesson.How is the student life and atmosphere?
The student life was great. Everybody was so friendly regardless of where people were from. I made really good friends with people from Hong Kong, Canada, Chile, and Japan. The LiU student helpers were also really great because they set up all these events and fun things to take part in and that helped me meet new people as well.How has the experience been so far with LiU Summer Academy?
The experience has been unforgettable and better than I could have imagined. I learnt so much about different aspects of different cultures. The Swedish food is great and also because there are so many countries and cultures taking part in the academy you get to learn about their cultures too. I enjoyed trying some of my classmates' national dishes as well.What is it like to study with other international students?
It is really fun to study with other international students. Although sometimes there is a slight language barrier and cultural differences it doesn’t take away experience at all. In my opinion it makes the experience even better and more fun as you are learning from them and can teach them things about you and your culture.If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
I would say to definitely go for it and be open to the new experience, people, and culture.What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?
I hope I will have made friends for life and understand the Swedish way of life a little bit more.And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
Kanelbullar, of course.
Name: Gabriel Akande
Country of origin: United Kingdom
The course at LiU: Swedish International Management in a (De-)globalized world
Country of origin: United Kingdom
The course at LiU: Swedish International Management in a (De-)globalized world
“I immediately felt at home”
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I received an email form the internationalization office of my university. I started
researching about Sweden and Linköping University, and I quickly became interested in
both. When I approached the internationalization office, they explained the requirements
and connected me with students who had participated in LiU Summer Academy in previous years. During the application process, I met with other students from my university so we could support each other throughout the process and start planning visits and activities together for our time in Sweden.
What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
The idea of spending an entire summer with international students like me, in a country that was new for all of us, was what motivated me to apply.
What was your first impression?
Since this was my first international trip on my own, I was worried about feeling lonely or
lost at some point. However, those fears disappeared as soon as I met my first classmates
from LiU Summer Academy. I immediately felt at home, surrounded by new friends and
new opportunities to learn and have fun.
How is your course?
Since I do not have a strong background in engineering, I initially thought the course would be very challenging. However, the professor made the lectures beginner-friendly for students coming from different academic disciplines. I really enjoyed learning about the basic principles behind each renewable energy source and discussing the possibilities of implementing these models in our own countries.
Is the teaching and learning different to your home country?
Teaching and learning were not completely different from my university. However,
something that really caught my attention was the professor’s flexibility and willingness to
listen to students. He was always open to adapting the lectures whenever necessary to
improve the learning environment and make our experience more efficient.
How is the student life and atmosphere?
Linköping is a very student-friendly city, with a great environment for both students and
pedestrians. It has many outdoor sports facilities and beautiful parks where you can spend time with friends. One of the things I really enjoyed was how easy it was to walk almost everywhere. For longer trips, the bus system was also very convenient, especially with the tickets provided by the university.
How has the experience been so far with LiU Summer Academy?
Amazing. If I could talk to my past self, I would tell him not to hesitate for a second before
applying. I have had an unforgettable summer and made friends from all around the world.The activities organized by the LiU Summer Academy team have also played an important role in bringing students together and helping everyone meet new people. They created many opportunities to share experiences and build friendships outside the classroom.
What is it like to study with other international students?
The fact that we are all international students creates an environment where everyone is
eager to meet new people, make friends, try new sports, and even share traditional food
from our home countries. Knowing that we all came to LiU Summer Academy with the
same desire to enjoy this experience and make the most of it is what made this summer so
special.
If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
Be consistent with your academic work so that you have enough time to enjoy the
experience. Spending a couple of hours each day on homework outside of class will allow
you to have many free hours to spend time with other students and explore beautiful places in Sweden.
What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?
I hope I will have gained valuable knowledge that will be useful for my professional future
and, most importantly, that I will have built friendships with people from all around the
world who I can continue talking to and hopefully visit in the future.
And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
Without a doubt, the Kex Chocolate bar! There was not a single day when I could resist
having one.
Name: Arturo Vargas Perea
Country of origin: Mexico
The course at LiU: Alternative Energy: Past, Present, Future, and Innovations.
Country of origin: Mexico
The course at LiU: Alternative Energy: Past, Present, Future, and Innovations.
“There’s always something to learn”
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I’ve been keeping an eye on emails and study‑abroad opportunities from my university’s Global team. Sweden caught my eye straight away, and I applied pretty much on the spot. I’ve been wanting to do at least one study‑abroad thing before graduating, and since I’d never travelled to another European country, this felt like the perfect chance.What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
Honestly, the course options. They were so varied and genuinely interesting. The comics course especially stood out, it’s something I’ve wanted to study more seriously alongside my major. And the fact that it was in Sweden made it feel like the perfect mix of exploring a new place and learning something I’m passionate about.What was your first impression?
My first thought was basically: “Okay, this summer is going to be memorable.” I loved my accommodation — quiet, green, peaceful — it made me want to go outside and enjoy the scenery. The supermarket next door was amazing too; it had everything, including different cuisines, and I was honestly a bit jealous I couldn’t take it home with me. Travelling around was super easy with the bus card, so exploring didn’t feel stressful at all. Beautiful city, beautiful landscapes, and really good pastries.How is your course?
It’s been amazing and really productive. It was refreshing to learn about comics in depth, and I picked up perspectives I can use even in my course back home. The field trip was the highlight, going to Norrköping and the art museum was so fun, and I learned a lot about artists and comics through the years. The course wasn’t too intense, and the tutors were engaging, friendly, and just great overall.Is the teaching and learning different to your home country?
Compared to the UK, it felt pretty similar, so it was easy to settle into the way of studying here.How is the student life and atmosphere?
Really welcoming and fun. I met so many people and made friendships that I know will last after the academy. Everyone was friendly, and there were loads of activities; BBQs, karaoke, hiking, arts sessions, movie nights. Even in class, we had time to engage during seminars and get to know people from different backgrounds, which made everything more interesting.
How has the experience been so far with LiU Summer Academy?
I’ve genuinely enjoyed every moment. The staff and accommodation team were quick to help with anything, and everything felt organised, so I never felt stressed. I went to almost all the social events, and they were always fun. I’m really grateful for the trips to Vadstena, Stockholm, and Norrköping, they were well planned and super memorable. I’ve made great memories, explored beautiful places, and had a really good time with friends. The class schedule was flexible, and the tutors were always supportive and engaging.
What is it like to study with other international students?
It’s been one of my favourite parts. Learning about their cultures, languages, and everyday life back home was always fun, from recommendations to jokes to comparing how things work in each country. There’s always something to learn, whether it’s shared experiences or differences in teaching styles. And it’s nice knowing I now have friends I can visit in their countries someday.
If you could give other students curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
Put yourself out there, you’ll meet great people from all over the world. Try the activities even if they’re new to you; everyone’s in the same boat. Be yourself, and take breaks when you need them. And in class, don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts. The tutors love questions, and it makes the sessions more fun and helps you learn more about your classmates too.
What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?
I hope to reconnect with my passion for comics, try new things, put myself out there socially, experience a new culture, and make new friends. I want to feel more confident and independent with solo travelling and tick off my first solo trip to another country from my bucket list. Mostly, I just want to leave feeling proud of what I’ve done.
And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
Prinsesstårta and kladdkaka.
Name: Nikita Yalla
Country of origin: United Kingdom
The course at LiU: Superman, Daisy Duck and Tintin: Reading and Learning in the World of Comics
Country of origin: United Kingdom
The course at LiU: Superman, Daisy Duck and Tintin: Reading and Learning in the World of Comics
"A great experience to learn something new"
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I found the information about signing up for the LiU Summer
Academy on our university's website, specifically through the
International Affairs Center.
What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer
Academy that made you apply?
First of all, Linköping is in Sweden, one of the Nordic countries.
There aren’t many opportunities to travel here from Asia, which really
intrigued me. Another thing that caught my eye was the eight
interesting courses LiU provides. It is always a great experience to
learn something new, especially alongside peers from all around the
world! I was interested in most of the topics offered, and that’s why I
chose this academy.
What was your first impression?
My first impression of the academy when I arrived in Linköping was
the passionate and warm "Welcome!" from the student hosts. They
were so nice and patient when answering all the questions I had
about the accommodation, courses, and everything else. That really
helped me a lot since I was already exhausted after a 20-hour flight.
Overall, my first impression was perfect, a very good start to the
summer!
What course are you studying at LiU Summer Academy?
How is the course?
I studied "Nanotechnology - Sustainability Challenges and Social
Impact." This course is perfect for me because I am from Taiwan,
which is home to the world's most advanced nanotechnology and
semiconductor industry. This course is relatively intensive, we have
lectures from Monday to Friday covering sustainability,
semiconductors, quantum physics, and dozens of cool applications
that combine both innovation and scientific knowledge. I feel like I
learned a whole semester's worth of material in just one month. It
was definitely worth it!"
Is the teaching and learning different to your home country?
One of the aspects of the teaching and learning experience that is
different from my home country is that the professors put a lot of
effort into their slides, and the course materials are diverse and
detailed. When we covered a topic, I not only learned the core
concepts, but also Sweden’s and Linköping’s achievements and
research in that field. These local examples directly related to our
surroundings, making the knowledge come to life! What’s more, we
discussed different topics every day. This was great because we
didn't have to struggle to catch up with the professor; instead, we
learned something new each day.
How is the student life and atmosphere?
Student life is one of the main parts of this academy. I really like
the atmosphere because everyone is so nice and wants to make
friends. We have so many social activities every week, and each one
is interesting and creative. I especially liked the "City Challenge" and
"Dala horse painting"—they were so much fun and memorable! And
of course, joining dinner parties and BBQs with friends from different
countries and cultures is also an experience I will always cherish.
How has the experience been so far with LiU Summer
Academy?
So far, I have to say that the LiU Summer Academy has truly
succeeded in providing a special, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Both the lectures and the activities are of incredibly high quality. My
favorite event held by the academy was the first weekend's day trip to
Vadstena; every spot we visited felt like a "hidden gem" that only
native Swedes would know about. So yes, my experience so far has
been so wonderful that it makes me want to stay even longer!
What is it like to study with other international students?
Studying with international students is so interesting, you get to
experience different ways of thinking from diverse points of view. I've
noticed that, unlike many Asian students, my Western classmates
are really good at asking questions. Whenever there is something
they don’t understand, they just ask directly without being shy. I really
appreciate this and want to adopt this mindset myself! Collaborating
with them on team projects has also been a memorable experience. I
love the way we try to learn each other’s languages; it’s such a
wonderful way for cultural exchange. After this trip, I think I can even
speak a little Japanese, Korean, and Spanish now!
If you could give other students that are curious about LiU
Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
Remember to bring something special from your home country
because there are lots of cultural exchange events! I also suggest
that everyone learn some phrases or cool sentences in different
languages. That way, it is much easier to make international friends!
What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a
month in Linköping?
I hope this wonderful summer opens my mind to others and helps
me become a person who is more willing to try new things and make
new friends. I also hope that this trip turns me into a more
independent and dependable adult, someone capable of taking
care of not only myself, but also others. And last but not least, I hope
to become a more positive person who always has a smile on my
face!
And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
My favorite Swedish fika pastry is the kanelbulle (cinnamon bun).
Since you can find them everywhere, they are almost a symbol of life
in Sweden! I eat them for breakfast, sometimes for lunch, and of
course, during fika. I think I will really miss them when I go back to
Taiwan!
Name: Mu Min
Country of origin: Taiwan
Course at LiU: Nanotechnology - Sustainability Challenges and Social
Impact
Country of origin: Taiwan
Course at LiU: Nanotechnology - Sustainability Challenges and Social
Impact
"Summer Academy was the perfect option!"
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I studied abroad for a full semester last year in New Zealand and loved it so much! I started looking for ways that I could study abroad again but in a more convenient way that wouldn't get in the way of my degree requirements. Summer Academy was the perfect option since it allowed me to study abroad over the summer, gaining extra credits without interfering with my regular class schedule in the spring or fall.What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
Sweden is one of the less common study abroad destinations in Europe and I felt that I would really enjoy getting exposed to a new culture and landscape.What was your first impression?
The first thing I wrote in my journal upon arriving in Linköping was "I think I'm going to love it here." I absolutely love greenery and nature, which Sweden has plenty of. Linköping is such a delightful town and I was immediately charmed.How is your course?
I've really enjoyed it. The class is certainly rigorous, but I've still found plenty of time to travel around and have fun while staying here in Sweden. The language course is fast-paced and challenging but that means that I've actually been able to learn something substantial while only studying for a few weeks.How is the student life and atmosphere?
Everyone here at Summer Academy is really nice and outgoing. Most of the people here chose to be here because they want to have fun, make friends, and make great memories, so it's easy to find people down for a good time.If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
Come prepared to work hard and have fun! When we first arrived, I know many of us forgot that Summer Academy also includes academics, but if you give the coursework the same effort you give to work at home, you'll have plenty of time to party and vacation.What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?
I hope to have expanded my perspective on the world and made lifelong memories. I think I have succeeded!And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
Chocolate balls!Name: Julian Holman
Country of origin: The United States
Course at LiU: Sweden: Language, Culture and Society
"It probably is one of the best courses I have ever taken"
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I was really excited when I found out at an information event that there was an opportunity to take part in a Summer Academy in the summer. Because Scandinavia has always fascinated me so much in terms of the culture, the happy people and the nature, it was immediately clear to me that I wanted to go north! And when I looked at the homepage and the social media accounts, it was immediately clear to me - I wanted to go to LiU!What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
The thought of spending four weeks in Sweden immediately captivated me, because it meant that I could really get to know life there. Every time i had contact with the LiU, I felt so valued and, above all, welcome. It was almost the easiest decision ever for me to come to Sweden!What was your first impression?
Home. Comfort. Peace. Love. Parts of the culture are similar to the German culture - the will to protect the environment and recycle, the order and structure, the punctuality. And all of this is surrounded by loving, caring and friendly people who make you feel that it's good that you're here.How is your course?
It probably is one of the best ones I have ever taken. This sounds so stereotypical and cheesy but our professor structured the lecture perfectly. It was a mixture of lectures, self-study units, exercises and practical applications. Our professor always had time for questions or further explanation, all the exam papers were clear and understandable and the atmosphere in the lecture was totally positive and pleasant.How is the student life and atmosphere?
I'll be honest, it was intense! During the four weeks, we tried to experience everything, see everything, talk to every person and deepen our new friendships. The combination of lectures and the packed free time resulted in many short nights but thousands of wonderful memories. The international coordinators also planned some fantastic events, which we were delighted to take part in because they were so varied. The atmosphere was unique and so special!How has the experience been so far with LiU Summer Academy?
I am so enthusiastic about the LiU Summer Academy. Everything is incredibly well organised. No matter what stage of the process you are in, no question remains unanswered because everything is handled so quickly and personally. Even after you arrive here, you feel perfectly looked after and there is always someone to talk to.What is it like to study with other international students?
One thing I would always recommend to any young person is to study abroad. It is an incomparable experience to meet people from all over the world. That we learn from each other, that we appreciate each other, that we are open to exchange and that we don't see differences as strange, but as interesting discoveries for further education. We are all young people discovering ourselves and others, looking forward to exciting weeks and returning with a more open mind.If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
Nothing compares to a Swedish Midsummer, loving people from all over the world, conversations about the most interesting topics and the privilege of studying and learning in another country. Book your flight, go out into the world, meet the people, get to know yourself and I promise you'll come back with a heart full of unique memories!And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
Cinnamon buns, cinnamon buns, cinnamon buns. Daily and slightly warmed. A highlight for every day and even after 28 days I have rarely looked forward to something as much as the next cinnamon bun!
Name: Maren Fink
Country of origin: Germany
Course at LiU: Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in Contemporary Organisations
Country of origin: Germany
Course at LiU: Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in Contemporary Organisations
"The idea of learning in an international setting was incredibly appealing"
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I first heard about the LiU Summer Academy through a call issued by the scholarship office at my university. They were offering spots to study abroad, and Linköping University was one of the options. It felt like the perfect opportunity to fulfil my dream of studying abroad.What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
I’ve always been fascinated by culture and how it’s shaped by government interventions. When I saw the course “The Use and Abuse of Culture,” I knew it was something I wanted to explore further. The idea of learning about this in an international setting was incredibly appealing.What was your first impression?
On the first day, everything felt unfamiliar, new people, new surroundings. But what stood out was how open everyone was to meet each other. The welcome dinner hosted by the university helped break the ice and made it easier to start forming friendships. I was nervous, especially about speaking English, but the supportive atmosphere helped me overcome that quickly.How is your course?
The course is academically demanding but incredibly rewarding. We have readings, tasks, and group presentations that challenge us to think critically. What makes it unique is the exchange of ideas, not just with the teacher, but also among students from different backgrounds. It’s a rich learning environment.How are the student life and atmosphere?
Linköping is a student-friendly city, and you can feel that in the atmosphere. There are places that offer student discounts, and the city itself feels welcoming. The student community is vibrant, and it’s easy to find a balance between studying and exploring.How has the experience been with LiU Summer Academy?
It’s been wonderful. I’ve gained new perspectives, learned about other cultures both in class and through personal interactions, and made lasting friendships. It’s been one of the most unique experiences of my life.What is it like to study with other international students?
It’s inspiring. Everyone brings their own stories, viewpoints, and experiences. You learn so much just by talking to your classmates. It’s a reminder of how diverse and interconnected the world is.What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?
I hope to leave with a deeper understanding of culture, new friendships, and memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. I also hope I’ve grown personally, becoming more confident, open-minded, and curious.And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
My favourite Swedish candy is Marabou Mint-Choco.
Name: Ernesto Díaz
Country of origin: Mexico
Course at LiU: The Use (and Abuse) of Culture
Country of origin: Mexico
Course at LiU: The Use (and Abuse) of Culture
"The classes are filled with happiness and positive energy"
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
I found out about the LiU Summer Academy through an announcement on my faculty’s social media page. It immediately made me feel that this was an opportunity I had to take. After reviewing the program details, I saw that it is a worthwhile summer school.What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
I am most interested in the LiU Summer Academy’s leadership course because I am eager to broaden my knowledge in this field. Additionally, the program offers a great opportunity to explore Sweden for a month, experience Swedish culture firsthand, and meet new friends from around the world!What was your first impression?
The accommodation is beautifully surrounded by nature and within walking distance of the campus. There is a supermarket right in front of the accommodation. More importantly, there is a bus station at the accommodation, which makes it easy to travel and explore the area. Regarding the studies, the teacher was very passionate about the subject and delivered the knowledge through fun and engaging hands-on activities. I must admit, it was a great start!How was your course?
It was a memorable environment for learning about leadership. Our teacher combined lectures with hands-on activities designed to help us apply leadership skills in real-life situations. Our classmates also contributed to the friendly and cosy atmosphere. All of these factors created a suitable environment for students interested in studying leadership.How is the student life and atmosphere?
Student life and the atmosphere here are awesome. There are many group activities such as BBQs, food-sharing, and travelling together. LiU also hosts various social events that help build bonds and friendships, creating a warm and welcoming environment. As for daily life, the accommodation and systems are quite organised and efficient, providing a great opportunity to learn how to live and share with others. These experiences add colour and richness to life here. The classes are also filled with happiness and positive energy.How has the experience been so far with LiU Summer Academy?
Up to this point, I have greatly enjoyed my summer school experience! The social activities are excellent, and most people in the program are very friendly. I have had the chance to explore and experience many Swedish cities and local products. The program also allows enough free time, so it doesn’t feel too demanding or tiring. The buildings are nice and very well-equipped.And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
My absolute favourite would have to be Swedish cinnamon rolls. They are irresistible.
Name: Akeprapu Dulyapurk (Jake)
Country of origin: Thailand
Course at LiU: Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in Contemporary Organisations
Country of origin: Thailand
Course at LiU: Leadership and Organisational Behaviour in Contemporary Organisations
"I was able to make life-long friends"
What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
I applied for the LiU Summer Academy because I thought that it would be a great way to make international friends whilst learning something new that is still relevant to the course I'm doing back home. Another reason is that I thought it would be a great opportunity to experience what's it studying abroad in Sweden since I've never been to the country before.
What was your first impression?
My first impression was that the class lecture would be beginner-friendly to those who are studying a different discipline from Engineering because it would be difficult to manage to those that doesn't have any prior background knowledge on the Engineering discipline. Another first impression of the social activities arranged for the students is that it was quite fun and interactive because I learned a lot about Swedish culture and traditions with it.
How is the student life and atmosphere?
The student life in LiU has been quite good because I was able to have the opportunity to make international friends and learn from their country's background and experiences. I really feel like I was able to make lifelong friends during the programme even though one month feels like a short amount of time because I was able experience life in Sweden with them whether it's through walking to class together, laughing at each other's jokes, exploring Linkoping together, cooking/cleaning together in accommodation's kitchen, and other more. Overall, I genuinely feel like the summer experience that I had created with my new friends was worth it since there was plenty of opportunities and activities for the students to do to help the grow their personal & academic development by going out of their comfort zone.
How has the experience been with LiU Summer Academy?
So far, the experience that I got from the LiU Summer Academy has been beneficial to me because of the things I've learned during class and the after-class social activities that was organised by the host coordinators of the summer programme. I really enjoyed the social activities a lot so I'm very grateful to the student coordinators who organised these and made sure that all is running smoothly during it. I also really like the campus a lot because it feels comfortable to study in along with the interesting architecture of it along with the facilities. So, I feel it's been a really great experience overall and I would love to do it all over again if I could because I've made a lot of good friends and made unforgettable memories throughout the programme.
What is it like to study with other international students?
I feel like studying with international students from other foreign countries as my own has been a really great experience because not only was I able to make new connections with people from Linköping but I was also able make life-long friends during the summer programme that I intend to keep in touch with. I was able to learn about other country's culture and traditions from the other international students at Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, France, South Korea, and other more. There's usually a lot to learn from international students whether it's about shared experiences and cultural exchanges or the difference between the learning/teaching style from each other's respective country so it's usually beneficial to study with international students.
If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
I would advise to just go for it, come prepared, be your best self, don't be afraid to try out new things and make new friends from that ones that you have back home. Because it will be a good experience as solo travelling may seem daunting at first especially if it's your first time, but it's still a really rewarding journey since that you will get to gain new skills and experiences which will be beneficial to improving your personal development and academic development.
And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
During the Swedish Candy Tasting Social, I really enjoyed the Kex Chocolate bar a lot because I have a big sweet tooth and I love wafer chocolates.
Name: Maribel Muir
Country of origin: The United Kingdom
Course at LiU: Alternative Energy - the past, present, future, and inventions
Country of origin: The United Kingdom
Course at LiU: Alternative Energy - the past, present, future, and inventions
"I thought the campus was amazing!"
How did you find out about LiU Summer Academy?
My home university sent out information about 3 different summer academic opportunities and LiU was one of them!What did you find interesting or intriguing about LiU Summer Academy that made you apply?
I think the range of courses and going to summer I had never even heard of in the middle of Sweden were both reasons I wanted to apply. I love going to new places and getting involved in the culture beyond simple tourism and I knew that if I was accepted to ANY of the courses I applied for, I would be happy.What was your first impression?
When I first got on the bus from the resecentrum I remember thinking the city was a lot larger than it was in reality, but when I got to the campus Valla to collect my keys I thought the campus was amazing.How is your course?
The course is very interesting but challenging, it had a mostly open structure so I think you get out as much as you put into it.Is the teaching and learning different to your home country?
In my course it was definitely very different, the first week we had more formal lectures which felt more like home, but after that the open structure made for an experience I had never really had before.How has the experience been with LiU Summer Academy?
I've really enjoyed my experience in the LiU Summer Academy. Both the course and the social activities were great experiences to have.If you could give other students that are curious about LiU Summer Academy any advice, what would those be?
Just go for it.What do you hope you will have achieved after spending a month in Linköping?
I hope I've learned a little bit of useful information towards my future studies, but I mostly hope I've made friends for life.And of course, what is your favourite Swedish fika or candy?
Polly chocolate.
Name: Thomas Munster
Country of origin: Ireland
The course at LiU: Is there an app for that? Potentials and Pitfalls of Using Smartphones as Medical Devices
Country of origin: Ireland
The course at LiU: Is there an app for that? Potentials and Pitfalls of Using Smartphones as Medical Devices