PROFILE Solution-oriented teachers, less formality and a learning-centred environment. This is how international student Rico Krause describes Umeå University.
Rico Krause decided early on to study in Sweden, inspired by his brother who had spent a few semesters at Uppsala University. Rico could take advantage of what his brother learned from his studies and about the education system. That he eventually chose Umeå University, however, was not obvious at first.
“The decision was quite spontaneous, but what convinced me was the unique location in the north and the range of courses,” says Krause.
He fondly remembers his first experience of Umeå University:
“The campus made a big impression on me. It exuded calm, but at the same time became super active when different events occurred, which felt like every day. I also love that the buildings are linked with each other through tunnels and skyways so you don’t need to go out into the ice cold winter.”
Rico Krause originally comes from a small town near Berlin in Germany and lived for part of his childhood in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. That is where he first came into contact with the international community. As a nine-year-old, he was enrolled in an English school and stayed there until he was 14, when the family moved back to Germany. After high school, he took a gap year and worked as a volunteer at a rehab clinic, where he became interested in medicine, kicking off his journey in the health sciences.
“When I talked to the nurses and doctors at the clinic, I realised that I wanted to focus on methodical work, much like baking. You have certain ingredients and follow a recipe. The result is not always perfect, but when everything is right it is incredibly rewarding.”
After his gap year, Krause earned a bachelor’s degree in medical biotechnology at the University of Rostock and is now on the master’s programme in biomedicine at Umeå University. He has not regretted his choice even though there have been challenges along the way. More on that later.
Umeå University was established in 1965. This portrait is one of several that tells the story of what the University has meant to individuals, society, and our world during its first 60 years. See the collection page dedicated to the anniversary.
Since mid-September, he has been in Tokyo in Japan on an exchange semester to study biomedicine, combining theoretical studies with laboratory work. Next semester he plans to be back in Umeå to finish his second year of studies on the Master’s Programme in Biomedicine. The plan is to live in Umeå for at least two years.
“I am open to staying even longer, perhaps for a PhD.”
He appreciates Umeå University, not least because of the teachers and the teaching.
“Here it feels like you really understand what you are learning in depth, there is less pressure and it is not as strict. It is easy to ask the teachers for help; they understand you and what you want. The teachers are closer to the students here, they use first names and are very solution-oriented.”
Krause believes that the education is more practically oriented than elsewhere, and this has given him a different experience than other places.
Umeå as a city offers him good opportunities to be active and pursue his leisure interests, which are cycling, swimming, climbing and hiking, as well as spending time with friends. He finds the city to be youthful and interesting.
What are your most memorable moments from Umeå University so far?
“There are so many, but if I had to choose, I would say Poängjakten, which is a points-based team competition that students participate in as part of the University’s buddy programme. Then I will never forget the weekend trip to Kiruna to see the amazing Northern Lights, and the week in Lofoten.”
Rico Krause has many fond memories from his time as a student at Umeå University. Here he is at Márkanbáiki, an open-air museum in Jukkasjärvi dedicated to Sami culture.
ImagePaula Urbaneja FernándezRico Krause speaks at length and appreciatively about the Buddy Programme, which he believes is unique to Umeå University.
“The events are so fun and encourage contacts between international and Swedish students. Most of my friends are from my time in the buddy programme.”
Everyone makes you feel welcome and helps you if you ask.
Of course, there have been challenges along the way while in Sweden.
“Initially, I think my biggest challenge was taking the step of leaving my friends and family to move to Sweden. But my concerns were unfounded, as it has been very easy to adapt to Umeå, the University and the people. Everyone makes you feel welcome and helps you if you ask, and Umeå quickly became my second home.”
What does Umeå University mean for you?
“It's a place full of opportunities – whether it’s about learning, collaborating, getting the chance to do an exchange semester on the other side of the globe, and discussing ideas with like-minded people or sometimes not so like-minded people,” says Rico with a smile.
What is your biggest take away from Umeå University?
“I think the people have made the biggest impression on me, especially the contacts between international students and Swedes. The friendships I have built here, both in and out of the classroom, will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Do you have any advice for other students who are interested in a similar path?
“Do it! Don’t be afraid of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Moving abroad can be challenging, but it is also a fantastic opportunity for personal and academic development. Get involved, connect with others and take advantage of all the opportunities offered to you.”