Interview
Meet Taylor from the United States
Name: Taylor Goodnoe
Home Country and City: Boise, Idaho, United States of America
Home University: Idaho State University
Programme (or major subject) of Study: Biology
Favourite thing about Umeå University: I love how diverse the student population is.
Favourite Swedish word or custom: Nattuggla
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: Amazing, lifelong memories.
Why did you choose to study at Umeå University?
I wanted to experience life in another country. Sweden is so different from Idaho, and that\'s exactly what I was looking for. Umeå University has a great biology department and is known for its exceptional research, so it seemed like the perfect fit for me. I knew that I could come to Umeå and have a wonderful experience while still receiving a top-notch education.
What do you like most about your programme or courses?
I really like taking just one course at a time. I feel I can better focus on what is being taught and thus gain a deeper understanding of the subject. The structure at Umeå University also allows students to have plenty of free time–something I don\'t get a lot of back home. Of course, the pass/fail grading system is also quite nice.
What do you do when you are not studying?
When I\'m not studying I spend a lot of time hanging out, cooking, eating, etc. with friends. I feel so lucky to meet people from all over the world, and I love hearing their stories and getting a taste of their cultures. I also participate in many of the activities put on by my buddy group. Now that it\'s warming up I love going on walks around town. I\'ve traveled a little around northern Sweden and the rest of Europe, and I hope to continue to do more of that.
What has been your most memorable moment so far?
I have had so many memorable moments, I\'m not sure how to pick just one! The first few weeks of school were a blast, as we got to know our buddy group and experience the different pubs around town. Later in the semester I drove up to Skellefteå with a few Swedish friends to watch a hockey game. Hockey isn\'t a big deal where I come from and I hadn\'t seen a hockey game in years, so it was really fun to see how excited everyone was.
What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas?
I think Umeå is a beautiful town. Where I come from, there are mountains everywhere you look, so it took some time to adjust to the flat landscape. I can\'t wait to see the river and lake once the ice has melted. The people of Umeå are so friendly and respectful, which I think adds to the relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere of the town.
What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?
Bikes, bikes everywhere. That is probably one of the biggest cultural differences between where I\'m from and Umeå. In Idaho, you\'d never think to ride a bike in the snow because everyone has a car, but here it is nothing out of the ordinary. And I think that\'s great. I appreciate how environmentally conscious everyone here is.
Educationally, the biggest difference is the amount of time you are expected to spend at school or studying. At my home university, school is your life. Students go to school most of the day and are expected to study the rest of the time. Every teacher wants their class to be your top priority, and you have tests every two to three weeks. Here, I feel like I have so much time to do the things I enjoy while still making school a priority. Students aren\'t overburdened with course work as they are at my home university.
What would you say or what advice would you give to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
I would tell them that Umeå is a wonderful place to study abroad and that they should take full advantage of everything the town and university have to offer. I think being open minded is key to enjoying your time wherever you go. Every culture is different and certain customs may seem strange at first, but over time you will grow to love and appreciate those differences. And don\'t be afraid of the cold, dark winters; they go by faster than you think and there are plenty of fun things to do indoors.
What are your career aspirations?
I will start my master’s degree in biology when I return to my home university in the fall, and I eventually plan to get a Ph.D. However, I definitely want to take time off from school to travel and see the world. I hope to someday make it back to Sweden.
