Meet Sarah from France
Name: Sara Salah
Home Country and City: France, Nancy
Home University: Nancy 2 University
Programme of Study: Master of Sociology
Favourite thing about Umeå University: it is a place to live; everything is available at the university like cafeterias, barber, shops...
Favourite Swedish word or custom: Fika, the break time to talk with friends, eat and drink something.
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: adventure, parties, fika
Why did you choose to study at Umeå University?
I wanted to study in Sweden because this country is famous for the university level which is one of the best. I chose Umeå University because it is the agreement I had with my home university.
What do you like most about your courses?
What I like most about my courses is the fact that we have many courses as seminars, so it’s more interactive and I like it, it’s very different than the kind of courses where there is just a teacher who speaks in front of students without any discussions.
What has been your most memorable moment about the courses so far?
The most memorable moment about the courses is the break moment between two hours of courses when the teacher comes to talk and to drink a coffee with the students. The relationship with teachers is a close relationship and I think that it’s a good thing, by this way it’s a pleasure to go to the courses.
What do you do when you’re not studying?
When I\'m not studying, I use to stay with my friends in the cafeteria just to talk, to laugh around a fika. I also use to go to IKSU, the university sports center, to train and relax myself. Then, I always have dinner with my flat mate which is one of my favourite moments of the day. It\'s time to speak with people from others countries, to share and to have fun.
What you like best about the town of Umeå and its surroundings?
My favourite thing about the town of Umeå and its surroundings is the landscapes. There are many forests, lakes, fauna is diverse and it\'s just wonderful. Moreover, this city is quiet but dynamic in the same time. We feel serene and in peace and we do not have time to get bored.
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
The biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from France with Sweden, is the fact that in France, people are more "boxed in." In Sweden, people are more independent and free.
What you would say to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
I just want to say to every student thinking of attending Umea University that it\'s a very good choice. They will not regret to come and I think that they will have in Umea among the best memories of their life.
What are you career aspirations?
I want to work in international relations. For me it is very important to know Sweden as the Swedish model is recognized worldwide as it works fine and all companies want to build on the Swedish model.
