Sophie Lu-Axelsson began the Adult learning and global change Master programme in the autumn of 2014. The ALGC degree proved an ideal choice, providing an arena in which to discuss these topics.
The programme has also helped Sophie to become active professionally: One year into the programme, her experience and knowledge landed her a position at CDP, an international NGO working with investors and companies to promote sustainable approaches to climate change.
Studying global change has given Sophie an understanding of the factors contributing to worldwide environmental chaos and how problems are communicated and tackled differently in diverse cultures.
The element of adult learning has well-equipped Sophie for presenting scientific data in a relevant and understandable manner to the sustainability and investments teams of international corporations.
The distance-learning mode of study has also been a huge advantage for Sophie, who is currently in the third semester of the two-year programme. Not only has it allowed her to combine studies with part-time work and parenthood, without the need to up-sticks to a new city, but it has enabled her to experience a rich and diverse education.
As well as learning from excellent teachers at four different universities, students on the programme are exposed to a wide range of perspectives from their peers all over the world. For example, Sophie's primary 'study buddy' is based in Melbourne.
“Different time zones and focus on independent reading and online participation rather than classroom-based learning, can make the programming challenging. But with a good time management and an open mind towards learning about other cultures, the hard work is definitely worth it,” says Sophie.
As a person with a rich variety of experiences, coming from a Chinese-Canadian-Swedish family and recognising the advantages of a multicultural outlook, Sophie urges future students to embrace the opportunity to learn from each other.
“They should question everything they think of as ‘normal’, and share their own experiences while showing respect and understanding for their colleagues. The more you put in, the more you will get out of the programme.”
And afterwards? The possibilities are endless. After graduation, Sophie plans to continue to put theory into practice, by adapting and introducing sustainability models that she has worked with in Sweden, into Asia. An international project, to match an international programme.