NEWS During 12–13 October, two theme days will be arranged with a focus on exchange studies for students at Umeå University. In addition to information sessions and a fair, International Days includes a Global Village with food, dance, music and films from around the world.
"We hope that both days will inspire and provide valuable information about the opportunities available for studies and internships abroad," says Elisabeth Nyström, project manager for International Days at International Office, Umeå University.
Encouraging more students to study abroad is a challenge for the vast majority of higher education institutions in Sweden. The trend is apparent in the entire nation – very few students go abroad, in comparison with the number of incoming students. In 2015, for example, 329 Umeå students participated in exchange studies abroad, while 870 international exchange students came to Umeå University. The European Union's objective is that 20 per cent of all degree recipients in member countries spend a part of their education abroad in 2020.
"Today’s students will have jobs in international environments in one manner or another, and with International Days we will display how valuable it is to have an international experience. For most, exchange studies results in personal development, but it’s also an opportunity to expand your network of contacts and gain career qualifications for the future,” says Greg Neely, Director of the International Office.
On Wednesday 12 October, students and employees can visit the Global Village – a presentation of Umeå University’s multicultural campus where international students display their countries and cultures in various ways in Lindell Hall. Last year, countries were showcased through food, dance, music and film. The Global Village is an annual event arranged by the Buddy Programme at the International Office, in cooperation with AISEC.
On Thursday 13 October a number of parallel information sessions will be held about studies abroad. Umeå students will have the opportunity to learn more about exchange studies and internships abroad, and they will receive advice how they can improve their CV with international experiences. In addition, they will have the chance to meet students that have previously studied abroad.
Read more about International Days at:
internationaldays.umu.se
Greg Neely, DirectorInternational Office, Umeå University+46 90–786 97 52
greg.neely@umu.se
Elisabeth Nyström, International CoordinatorInternational Office, Umeå University+46 90–786 78 07
elisabeth.nystrom@umu.se
Top photo by: Malin Grönborg
Editor: David Meyers