Interview
Meet Kelly from England
Name: Kelly Marr
Home University: Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Studying: Primary Education (teaching)
Personal Interests: Swimming, Shopping and Socialising
Favourite thing about Umeå: Relaxed atmosphere
Favourite Swedish word or custom: Fika!
Why did you choose to study on exchange at Umeå University?
Firstly I chose Sweden because I could study in English; unlike many of the people here it is the only language I am fluent in! Secondly I have always wanted to visit Sweden and so when I saw that it was on the list of places to choose from, there was simply no other option for me! I have always wanted to learn more about the Sami people since watching a program on them, the ice hotel was on my list of things to see around the world and I have always dreamt of learning to ski! Add to this that the education system here is very different to ours in England; I thought studying in Umeå would be an excellent opportunity for me and so I took it.
What’s it like to study at Umeå University?
It is so much more relaxed studying here than at home because you only study one subject at a time, at the end of the year there is no big build up of exams to sit and assignments to write, you do them as you go along instead and it makes studying a much more enjoyable experience. The fact that there are opportunities to re-sit exams if you fail, adds to the stress-free feeling of studying here. One of the aspects I enjoy the most about the courses is the emphasis on group work. It has given me the chance to learn about all different education systems around the world and how they work compared to ours in England, as well as meeting and learning about the cultures of many wonderful new people. Studying is also made easier here because of the excellent library facilities, it’s so clean and the atmosphere is so tranquil, it’s a lovely place to sit for a few hours to complete your work.
What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas?
The first thing that struck me was how many trees there were here! This isn’t really an attribute you would think of if you were to visit an English city, so I found it quite surprising. The other thing that you could not miss when arriving in January was how everywhere was covered in a thick white blanket of glistening snow, it’s quite picturesque when you come from a country where the snow usually melts not long after it has fallen! The snow sculptures down town were favourites of mine as well as the snow castle built there, I think it may have been for the children but I still enjoyed a good hour with my sister playing in it! The strangest thing I found was that even in 3 feet of snow the city operated as normal, nothing stops despite the weather, in England we could learn a thing or two from the Swedes about how to manage in the snow, everything at home simply closes.
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
How relaxed everyone here is, no one ever seems to be in any real rush to get anywhere or do anything and being from England where we constantly rush around this took me a while to get used to. The people here are so patient and seem to like standing waiting in queues; they do it quite often without moaning like we do. The pace of life is slower and I found this to be very relaxing and a good attribute of Umea once I got used to it.
What you like best about the town of Umeå and its surroundings?
In the winter I loved the glittering snow and the opportunity to take part in winter sports activities, now in the spring I am enjoying picnics and barbeques by the lake having lazy afternoons relaxing with friends from all around the world. One of the best things is that you are surrounded by so much nature that you do not feel like you’re living in a city. Umea is a small city compared to Manchester but I like it, it has most things that you need and everything is easily accessible by a short bus journey, cycling or even walking. Even in the thick snow I found walking everywhere quite a refreshing idea compared to driving everywhere like at home, I certainly do not miss the traffic jams of England. The absence of cars here is like being taken back in time and I quite enjoy it and its great exercise too!
What you would say to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
Come! It’s a beautiful city with lovely people and great opportunities. The Swedes are very organised so there are always lots of things to do. If you join the Buddy Program there is an organised event virtually every week so you’ll never be bored. Umeå has lots to offer and explore, you just need to be active and take the opportunities as they come along. My advice would be buy a bike as it’s much quicker to get around, wrap up warm and visit Lapland whilst you are here, it was the best part of my stay!
