Interview
Meet Fabien from France
Name: Fabien Pittet
Home University: ESC Dijon Bougogne, France
Field/Programme of Study: Master’s Programme in Finance
Personal Interests (leisure activities): going out, various sports, cinema...
Favourite thing about Umeå: Cosmopolitan
Favourite Swedish word or custom: FIKA: to be exported!!!
Why did you choose to study on exchange at Umeå University?
I chose Umeå University for several reasons but the main two are: on the one hand one of the strongest internationally-oriented master program in Europe which allows rising your personal network beyond imagination. And on the other hand I chose to come here in Umeå for the cultural difference: the Swedish way of life and behavior is really unique.
What’s it like to study at Umeå University?
Studying in Umeå is much easier than anywhere else I have been. Indeed, the size of the campus supplied with really modern facilities makes you always able to find a place to work in every way you want; whether in the quiet library whether in rooms you can freely access for your group works which you can do almost everywhere given the number of tables and chairs available all around the campus.
Moreover, it is so easy to reach every professor in really informal ways that you really feel and are comfortable in your studies which is a real asset.
And my last point is that working with people from all around the world during group works with their culture and way of thinking is a not compulsorily easy but always rewarding experience.
What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas?
Umeå is a really lovely place: a charming little city surrounded by forests, lakes and nature. You can experience a lot of different things around here whatever your tastes are: you can go for a walk in the surrounding forests, see northern lights at the Nydala Lake, practice a lot of different sports in the IKSU complex, party in one of the clubs in the center town or even on the campus or having a charming “fika” in one of the many places designed for…
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
As for me, the biggest social cultural difference is the fact that here, everything happens earlier at night: I explain. Swedes are used to have dinner around 5.30 PM start going to preparties at around 7PM and the nightclubs close their doors at 2.30 AM.
The biggest educational cultural difference, on the other hand is that here, you one course at a time during about one month with an exam at the end of each module instead of taking all your courses at the same time during the whole semester with an exam week at the end of the semester. This allows you to reduce a lot the stress you can experience by spreading it all along the semester.
What do you like best about the town of Umeå and its surroundings?
My favourite thing about Umeå and its surroundings is IKSU, the biggest sport facility of northern Europe. You can practice almost every sport you desire: swim, gym, inside beach volley, badminton… Moreover, during the winter, when temperature goes way below 0°C, this place is not only for practicing sports but also to meet your friends and socialize: this is a real little city inside the city; and as for me, this is the most amazing practice here once you experienced it.
What you would say to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
If you want to live a unique experience which will really count in your student life combining a strong educational level, a real international social experience and a lot of fun in ways you did not even imagine so far; do not hesitate to come here in Umeå. I will never forget this place and what I lived here and I am sure you won’t either!!!
