During her search for the perfect education, Ida Bengtsson decided to follow her mothers footsteps in Life Science. Little did she know her studies would take her far beyond the little town of Umeå.
Ida’s history with Malmö lives strong with the team shirt. She has family in Malmö, grew up in Berlin, Germany, studies in Umeå and has chosen to study in England for a period.
ImageIda BengtssonIn the spring of 2021 Ida Bengtsson took her first steps at Umeå University. Moving from Berlin, she was determined to start her college journey and follow her mothers steps in becoming a scholar in the academic field. At first her plan was to become a doctor, but as she picked up a few courses in Life Science which is the field her mother specializes in, something clicked for her.
”It might seem weird but it felt so right to follow my mothers footsteps in Life Science specifically. I knew for a long time that I wanted to go into the academic field but after really delving deeper into Life Science it felt just right. So after a few courses in it I decided to commit and apply for the programme itself.”
The three year long bachelor programme in Life Science at Umeå University focuses on the research and practice of chemistry and molecular biology. During these three years, students will be able to develop and expand their knowledge on life. From working on and developing medicine to researching living organisms there is something for everyone, and certainly for Ida Bengtsson.
”I’ve always had a keen eye for chemistry. During my high school years in Germany you could pick a few specific courses alongside the regular curriculum and chemistry was one of them. And now studying Life Science being in the lab doing what I love is so much fun.”
Ida Bengtsson is currently in her third year of the programme. It consists mainly of delving even deeper into subjects of your choosing, in order to prepare for the bachelor thesis. What sets the programme in Life Science apart from many others at Umeå University is that you can choose to study abroad at other universities with a similar curriculum. In Ida Bengtssons case she chose to take the leap and travel to Bradford, England.
Ida Bengtsson likes to explore cities as much as the countryside.
ImageIda Bengtsson”I’ve actually studied abroad before. I went to the U.S for a year and studied so I knew that I wanted to do it again. Eventually, when I start my masters I will seek to study abroad again.”
Ida currently studies Life Science at University of Bradford. Located to the west of Leeds, Bradford is a town with rich history and a great university. Ida describes it as “a newer university with an older feeling and a great space for Life Science”.
Apart from studying hard Ida Bengtsson is also an assistant for students at the programme. Her role is to help other students with questions and also inform them about certain events or deadlines.
What would you like to do in the future when you’ve completed your studies?
”To be honest I’m not really sure yet. I really like to work in the lab so that could be a possibility. Also working as a teacher in Life Science would be pretty cool too.”
How is studying in England compared to Sweden?
”It’s very different in the way that in Sweden a lot of the responsibility is placed on you compared to here. Lectures are mandatory and the teachers check up on us regularly, but if I’m honest I prefer the Swedish system because I enjoy scheduling my own time and being more in charge of myself.”
Age: 21.
Born in: Berlin, Germany.
Lives in: Bradford currently.
Family: Parents in Germany, relatives in Malmö, Karlskrona and Stockholm.
Programme: Bachelor’s Programme in Life Science at Umeå University, started studies in 2021.
During my freetime: Enjoys being outside and with friends, working out.
Umeå in three words: Snow. Small. Cosy.
Myself in three words: Extroverted. Happy. Social.
Read more about the Bachelor's programme in Life Science
Interview: Hampus Norén
