Sasha Merlo

Sasha spent an additional semester at Linköping University to pursue a double degree.

Field of study: MSc in Life Sciences, specialisation Chemistry
Stay abroad: Double Degree
Host institution: Linköping University
Semester: Autumn 2024

What made you decide, what motivated you to go abroad?
The desire to gain new experiences abroad, make contacts and expand my knowledge in the field of chemistry.

Why did you choose your host institution/country?
It was the university that suited me best.

What does a typical day at the host institution look like?
A typical day would start with breakfast together in the common room of my accommodation, followed by a bike ride to the university to attend the interesting lectures they offered.
After lunch, we would always meet up with friends in the student building to carry on with the projects to be completed, with a few snack breaks here and there, some additional interesting courses offered by the school (such as 3D printing) and training in the gym.
From time to time we would meet up in the evenings to spend evenings playing board games, watching films or going out for parties.

What surprised you the most about your stay abroad?
I was mainly surprised by the amount of students who are having the same experience as you and the ease of making friends with them.

What tip would you like to give to future exchange students.
Take more warm clothes with you when you go to Sweden!
I think the most important thing is not to be afraid of meeting new people and making new friends. Maybe you'll be a little scared at first, but you'll realise that these people are like you and have the same fears. So go, meet new people, socialise and make the most of what you are taught because it will be an unforgettable experience to remember.

Are there any special experiences or memorable moments you would like to share?
It's hard to choose just one highlight, as the experience is truly difficult to put into words. It was an experience that transformed me for the better, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to take part.

Unsere Studierenden profitieren von der internationalen Vernetzung der Hochschule für Life Sciences. Ein Auslandsaufenthalt bei unseren Partnerschulen ist bei Bachelor- wie auch Master-Studierenden sehr begehrt. Nicht nur, um den persönlichen Horizont zu erweitern, sondern auch, um neue soziale und kulturelle Kompetenzen zu erwerben.

Im Rahmen unseres Masterprogramms können ausgewählte Studierende durch ein zusätzliches Semester an einer unserer Partnerschulen, zwei Diplome erhalten. Das Double-Degree Programm ist besonders attraktiv für Masterstudierende, die anschliessend eine Promotion anstreben. Weitere Details zum Double-Degree-Programm finden Sie hier.