Hundreds of international students to begin studies at Umeå University
NEWS
On Tuesday the 27th of August, Umeå University will welcome 480 new arriving exchange students and over 80 tuition-fee paying students. This is an increase of more than 50 students in comparison with the prior year.
"We are elated that so many students have chosen Umeå University as their study destination,” says Anders Fällström, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University. “It also confirms the strong results we have received from the International Student Barometer, an international survey that measures student satisfaction.”
The incoming exchange students are from 39 countries. The country representing the largest number of students is Germany, followed by France and Spain. Although European universities are in the top, the number of exchange students from Asia has increased. Two years ago, Umeå University signed four new agreements with universities in South Korea and new agreement was recently signed with Hokkaido University in Japan.
"In recent years Umeå students have shown an increased interest for studying on exchange abroad in Asia. In the autumn we will visit universities in Japan, including those that we already have an agreement with and those that we are interested in cooperating with,” says Per A. Nilsson, Director of the International Office.
An estimated 84 new tuition-fee paying students are expected to begin their studies at Umeå University for the upcoming academic term. Although this is an increase of 30 students over last year, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Fällström seeks greater numbers. At the same time, he is well aware that it will be a long-term project and there is a need for significant efforts.
(The number of students outside of exchange agreements from within European Union and EEA countries is not available.)
“If we are to come close to the number of international students that we wish to enroll, then there needs to be new types of funding both from government and from other stakeholders and partners, says Anders Fällström. “In addition, a major contribution will be required by our entire organization.”
The majority of new exchange students are expected to arrive in Umeå during this weekend of 24-25 August. “To make the arrival easier, students will be offered transportation to their housing rooms after they pick up their keys here at the International Office,” explains Helena Löfstrand, International Coordinator at the International Housing Office.
At 1:00 pm on Tuesday 27 August, a four-day orientation course will begin. It consists of a series of lectures and activities that will help the new students become acquainted with life in Umeå and studies at the university.
