International students arrive at Umeå University

“It is incredibly positive that so many choose Umeå University as the place for their studies abroad. The fact that so many are finding their way here is an exciting proof of our good reputation and satisfied students, something that is also shown by our top marks in last spring’s International Student Barometer,” says Anders Fällström, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University.

Photo: Arden Panotes and Jay Allen Villon from the Philippines are two of Umeå University's former exchange students.

This autumn, Umeå University accepts 483 international students from over 40 countries. The majority – around 20 percent – come from Germany followed by France, the United Kingdom and China.

”Umeå University continues to be a popular choice for students from our European partner universities. This autumn, we can also see how more exchange students come from our Asian partner universities, in particular from China and South Korea – countries in which we have also put extra effort into over the last few years,” says Gregory Neely, head of unit at International Office.

Most international students find their way here on their own without an exchange agreement though. This autumn, around 1,000 international free mover students have been accepted. These students pay tuition fees unless they are EU, EEA or Swiss citizens. An estimated 113 new fee-paying students will start their studies at Umeå University this year.

“Continuing to attract international students is really a future thing for Umeå University. Having a mix of students from different parts of the world enriches the study environment and strengthens the quality of the educations, and means a lot in increasing all student’s knowledge about and understanding of the world from a cultural and topical perspective,” says Anders Fällström.

The majority of exchange students and fee-paying students who have accepted an offer of accommodation in student housing are expected to arrive already this weekend on 22-23 August. Co-workers from International Housing Office are ready to welcome the students at Infocenter in Universum.

“In order to facilitate the arrival, students will be offered a lift to their respective accommodation after they pick their keys up from our office,” says Ejvår Falck, international coordinator at the International Housing Office.

Orientation Course

On Monday 24 August, the introductory week Orientation Course starts in Aula Nordica. The idea of this course is for all international students to get an impression of student life at Umeå University and life in Umeå.

Programme for the Orientation Course

The Buddy Programme
The International Office organises an opportunity for social activities called the Buddy Programme offering international students a helping hand in settling down. The programme gives students a chance to get to know each other better, and to take part in the Swedish culture and its traditions. The Buddy Programme is also a unique opportunity for Swedish students to meet people from other cultures.

The Buddy Programme

For more information, please contact:

Anders Fällström, Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Phone: +46 70 493 85 27
Email: anders.fallstrom@umu.se

Gregory Neely, head of unit at International Office
Phone: +46 90 786 97 52
Email: gregory.neely@umu.se

Monika Larsson, international coordinator
Phone: +46 90 786 60 87
Email: monika.larsson@umu.se

Ejvår Falck, international coordinator (International Housing Office)
Phone: +46 90 786 57 72
Email: housing@adm.umu.se

Editor: Anna Lawrence