Interview
Meet Marie from Denmark
Name: Marie Lyhne Damgaard
Home Country and City: Denmark, Aarhus
Programme of Study: Master’s Programme in Interaction Design
Personal Interests: I love going on all sorts of outdoor adventures ranging from freeride skiing and mountain biking. I also have my own art studio where I create big art pieces
Favourite thing about Umeå University: Umeå Institute of Design is a platform where all the most talented designers from across the world meet and inspire each other to push our boundaries and ways of thinking.
Favourite Swedish word or custom: Krya på dig!
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: Contrast, people, education
What is your educational and professional background?
I have master’s in architecture.
Why did you choose to enrol in your degree programme at Umeå University?
The school has a famous reputation around the world and I wanted to grab the possibility to expand my skillset and be in a school with inspiring environment, teachers and students. The field of design is ever changing and therefore I want to be educated so I am capable of meeting the present and create a better design future.
What is the most interesting thing you learned in your programme or courses so far?
I have learned that you choose how far you want to go. The school gives you the possibility but I it\'s all up to you to take it to the next step.
What do you do when you are not studying?
Umeå has a very beautiful nature and I have been travelling around the nature in north of Sweden. In the winter I cross country skiing or go alpine skiing, and in the summer I ride my mountain bike in the green forest with berries and mushrooms surrounding you.
What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas?
There are so many beautiful spots around Umeå; just take the car 20 minutes and you can go bouldering with your friends, go swimming in one of the many lakes. The Swedes have taught me to use the nature even more.
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
I think the population up here is more introverted than the people in Denmark. It takes time to get to know Swedes and to understand the modesty. In terms of education the school is a lot more structured than my old school.
What would you say or what advice would you give to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
There is a great international environment with many international students, but try to get to know the real Swedes!
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to work in multidisciplinary teams and working with many different projects ranging from social innovation, service design and architecture combined with holistic and strategic thinking.
