Interview
Meet Daniela from Austria
Name: Daniela Preiner
Home Country and City: Austria, Bad Ischl
Home University: Pädagogische Hochschule Salzburg
Programme (or major subject) of Study: Education, I will become an elementary school teacher
Favourite thing about Umeå University: The student life, the educational system and the buddy programme.
Favourite Swedish word or custom: allihopa och Jaha
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: life-changing, memorable, new friends all over the world
Why did you choose to study at Umeå University?
When I decided to go abroad I knew that I wanted to go to the North of Europe because the educational system is supposed to be very good in Sweden and Finland. I talked to some students who had already been in Umeå and I asked our international guide where it is best to go as an education student. So after some positive recommendations I decided to go to Umeå for one semester.
What do you like most about your programme or courses?
There is always just one course for four or five weeks. I really enjoyed that because you can focus on one course. I would like to have that in Austria because you could delve into one big topic much more. But what I liked most was the school based practice. I was in an elementary school for three weeks. I was able to observe and to teach different grades. And that was incredible because I could see the Swedish school system very closely.
What do you do when you are not studying?
Some friends and me cook together once a week and have fun. On the weekend there is always a corridor party somewhere. I really like the lake in Nydala. There you can have a BBQ, you can enjoy the sun or you can just go for a walk. And of course I like to travel around in Sweden during my leisure time.
What has been your most memorable moment so far?
I have been in Kiruna in February. That was awesome. I enjoyed a dog sledging tour and a snowmobile tour, I saw reindeers, I visited the Ice Hotel and I saw incredible northern lights.
What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas?
Umeå is not a very big city and around Umeå there is just nature. So it takes always a long time to go to another city. But there are many possibilities what you can do in Umeå. You can go to downtown for shopping or enjoying a fika. In Ålidhem, there is always something going on, and if you like sports you can go to IKSU. What I really like is that you can reach nearly everything by bike.
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
Swedish people help whenever they can and they are really friendly. I have just positive experiences with Swedish people. And they all speak really good English so there is no problem to communicate. In schools and at the university there are big differences. The relationship between the students and teachers is friendlier and more personal, for example the students call their teachers by their first name. Another difference is the system of the courses. In Sweden you have one course after another and not all courses at the same time.
What would you say or what advice would you give to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
Do it! It is an amazing experience and you will never forget that wonderful time in Umeå. And I would definitely advice to join the “Buddy Programme”.
What are your career aspirations?
I have one year left at my home university. After my studies I would like to travel around and teach children and work with them in different countries.
