The master's gave broadened perspectives and personal development

Konstantin Schäfer from Germany thinks the master's programme in environmental science and sustainability has widened his horizons and helped him see how societies tackle these issues on different levels and in different contexts.

Image: Konstantin Schäfer

”I enjoyed the discussions we had in the courses, you could always learn something new from them and get a perspective from someone with maybe a different background.”

Attitude surveys among young people show that although many of them are concerned about the environment and ongoing climate change, few of them choose an education in this field.

”I think that if you study the topic it’s easy to get a very depressed outlook on things” says Konstantin Schäfer. ”Even though the environment is important and something youth worry about, it can be very frustrating when you see that in some aspects nothing is changing for the better.”

What was it like for you?

”I grew up in a rural part of Germany, so I was out in nature a lot and got interested in understanding how we should deal with the environment. I wanted to have some kind of importance in my studies and felt that is certainly the case when you look at social and economic perspectives on environmental issues.”

Wanted to explore northern Sweden

Konstantin studied environmental management at the University of Giessen for his Bachelor’s degree.

Why did you choose to study for your master’s in Sweden – and specifically in Umeå?

”That I was able to study without tuition fees was definently a big part of it. Then I thought Sweden has high knowledge when it comes to finding sustainable solutions, not sweeping the topic away. I was interested in northern Sweden because it is more close to nature, Umeå looked nice and is highly ranked by international students.”

What was it like to come here?

”I drove all the way up to Umeå with my dad, it was a summer vacation for him and a move for me. I remember I was really anxious the first weeks, it was my first time living outside of Germany and the first time living alone for a longer time. I was also anxoius about my English and meeting new people, but after a few weeks with the buddy programme and courses starting, I had a good feeling that everything would work out, I met super nice people and it was a really nice experience.”

I never felt lost. I always felt there was someone I could contact if I had a question. That made me feel safe.

The study groups were small and Konstantin appreciated that he got to know his teachers better. He enjoyed the discussions they had in the courses.

Was that different than in Germany?

”I’m not sure, I’m trying to figure out if the differences was coming from it being the master’s level compared to the bachelor’s. One thing that was a benefit in Umeå was that everything was very well organised. I never felt lost. I always felt there was someone I could contact if I had a question. That made me feel safe.”

Project on blue carbon

What did you think about your teachers?

”The two people we had the most contact with was Tom Korsman and Heidi Burdett. I really liked their teaching and talking to them and I felt that they were very passionate about their topics.”

What did you do in your spare time?

”Especially in the beginning, but also later on, I did a lot of activities with the university’s buddy programme. It meant a lot for meeting new people and getting to know Umeå. For example we played brännboll, went to a moose farm, had international pub nights, went hiking and ice skating. I was so fun that I became a sponsor in the programme.”

Konstantin did his degree project about blue carbon. Blue carbon is the carbon dioxide absorbed by the sea and coastal ecosystems like mangroves and salt marshes. Coastal areas are important for the Earth’s ability to bind carbon dioxide. If these environments are disturbed, they emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases, further amplifying global warming.

“Grew a lot as a person”

He is now back in Germany, planning for his and his girlfriends move to Paris, France, where she will study. Konstantin is busy learning French and focusing a on playing music instruments, which is his second passion besides environmental issues. When settled in France, he will start looking for jobs.

What kind of work would you like to have?

”Ideally something related to sustainability and sustainable management, for example consulting for european or international projects.”

What would you say to a prospective student thinking about applying to the environmental science master’s programme?

”Just do it! I don’t regret taking the programme, I had a really fun time and got a good experience.”

When you look back at your studies in Umeå, what parts will stay with you?

”On a personal note the new friendships I made. It was the first time in my life that I met such a diverse group of people. That gave me new perspectives and I grew a lot as a person.”