Interview

Meet Alejandra from Colombia

Name: Alejandra Corrales

Home Country and City: Colombia, Villavicencio
Programme of Study: Master\'s Programme in Economics
Personal Interests: Traveling, languages, different cultures, nature and movies.
Favourite thing about Umeå University: The Library, I think, is my favourite place and where I spend most of the time. It has a lot of facilities for students and different atmospheres.
Favourite Swedish word or custom: I think “Respect for others, especially for the children” summarises what I like the most about Swedish culture.
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: Amazing, different and nature

What is your educational and professional background?

I am an economist graduated from Universidad de los Llanos, (Colombia), Eramus Mundus bachelor student at Universidad de Granada (Spain), two years experience in research at my home University and now I am getting my first Master degree in Economics at Umeå University.

Why did you choose to enrol in your degree programme at Umeå University?

I chose Sweden because it is a country with a very high education quality. I have already experienced studying in the south of Europe so I wanted a different experience. I think Umeå was a perfect choice for me, not only because the programme I am studying filled all my expectation, but also because the city is perfectly quiet and makes it easier to mix my studies and the time with my daughter.

What do you like most about your programme?

What I like the most is that teachers bring us a lot of practical skills in each lecture, what is really important as a social science student, where you have to apply all the theory and economic models to the reality. I also like the relation that you can have with your teachers, they are so friendly, you can call them for their names and they are always available to help you. And finally, I like that I can take each individual courses. In Colombia I used to study 4 or 5 at the same time, so now I can focus just on one subject and one exam at a time.

What is the most interesting thing you learned in your programme or courses so far?

All the courses I have taken at the moment have been really interesting, but I think the mathematics course and its applicability to solve economics is one of the most useful skills for my doctoral studies.

What do you do when you are not studying?

I am spending time with friends in the centrum for fika or for cooking food from our countries. It is so interesting that you can find people from around the world in your class and learn and discuss about our cultural differences and customs. I also try to spend as much time as I can and hang out with Manuela my daughter. I think Umeå has a lot of activities and spaces for spending time with children.

What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas?

It is cold, clean and quiet, sometimes too quiet, but I have been living here just a few months so I think I will have different memories from the summer, too.

What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?

Educationally, it is that you do not have to call your teachers and tutors formally like in Colombia with Mr. and Mrs. Just for their names and they are so friendly at classes. In Sweden you see your teacher as someone who is there to help you. Another difference in the educational field is that the exams are anonymous. I think in my country the way teachers evaluate you is not 100% objective. And it is also compulsory to attend at least 80% of the lectures in Colombia, so you cannot set your time as you want and study by yourself if it is your choice. Socially I think there are a lot of differences to be honest between Colombia and Sweden. I have to say again that I love the respect for others especially for the children, women and nature, punctuality and organization in Sweden. But I also miss so much from my country how friendly and warm and outgoing the people are. You always feel our vibrant culture everywhere in the cafeterias, restaurants, universities, in the streets, etc. Everybody is always talking and laughing. I miss that surrounding environment so much.

What would you say or what advice would you give to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?

I would say that it has been one of my best choices ever. The university, the city and the educational quality of the master’s programme exceeded my expectations. Do not feel worried about the cold weather, it is easy to get used to and with adequate clothes for the weather it is done. I also would advise a Colombian proverb “Do not let fear to steal your dreams”.