Interview
Meet Jorge from Spain
Name: Jorge Ordóñez Mariscal
Home Country and City: Spain, Baena (Córdoba)
Programme of Study: Master’s Programme in Marketing
Personal Interests: Sports, Music and Marketing
Favourite thing about Umeå University: Activities
Favourite Swedish word or custom: Bra and Fika
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: Snow, fika & friends
What is your educational and professional background?
After highschool, I earned a business degree at the University of Granada. Once I finished my studies, I moved to Córdoba (ETEA business school) to get an additional degree in marketing that I will finish this year. Concerning to my professional background, while I was studying my second degree in Córdoba, I worked in accounting for a big company during one year and a half.
Why did you choose to enrol in your degree programme at Umeå University?
The unique option to finish my marketing degree in Spain and add a master’s degree in Sweden to my educational background was the key point. It was the best offer that I got to finish my studies.
What do you like most about your programme?
The different assignments and projects that I had to complete during the programme. All of them were practical tasks, and you really had to apply your previous knowledge to complete them. One of the courses
was focused on making a business plan for a real enterprise. It was an amazing experience.
What is the most interesting thing you learned in your programme or courses so far?
There are some special classes in the programme called seminars where the students actively participate in the class. I have never had this kind of classes before, and I have to admit that you can learn a lot. Also, working in a group with people from different countries was an incredible experience.
What do you do when you are not studying?
There is a big gym called Iksu where you can do a lot of activities and sports. You can learn how to play floorball, which is one of the most popular sports in Sweden, or beach volleyball, for example. And of course, there is always time to party during the weekend.
What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas?
Umeå is a tiny city but it has its charme. You can enjoy the nature in every place. It is like living in the forest, trees and grass everywhere. Another thing that I love is the bicycle lanes all over the city. It is very easy to move in the city on a bike and enjoy the nature.
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
I found many cultural differences between Sweden and Spain. If I have to remark something I would say that Swedish people are more individualistic.
What you would say or what advice would you give to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
Don’t be scared of Umeå’s Northern location on the map. There is a good environment to enjoy your studies and discover different activities and people at the same time.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to be self-employed. Managing my own business is my objective.
