A Semester in Sweden: Kate’s Journey of Personal and Academic Growth
Introduction
Meet Kate, the intrepid spirit of Thailand and a fourth-year International Business Administration student at I-Shou University. In her journey to Kristianstad, Sweden as an exchange student, she immersed herself in both the academic and unique cultural experiences the opportunity provided. Guided by an open mind, and emboldened by her resilience, Kate’s exchange program in Sweden left a lasting impact on her life.
Go for it! It can be challenging, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. Be open to new cultures, embrace opportunities, and make the most of your time abroad
A Dream Destination
Kate’s lifelong fascination and admiration for Scandinavian culture, as well as the country’s world-renowned education system, led her to select Kristianstad University. As a business student, the prospect of learning business in the heart of one of the most innovative regions of the world, known for producing global business giants like IKEA, H&M, and Spotify enticed her. Sweden’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative companies inspired, making it the perfect destination to blend academic learning with cultural exploration.
Beyond her academic goals, Kate wished to see the stunning natural beauty of Sweden and the Northern Lights. Her desire to travel through Europe and connect with people from diverse backgrounds further motivated her decision to study at Kristianstad.
A Unique Academic Experience
Kate’s arrival at Kristianstad University brought an entirely new set of challenges and rewarding experiences. In accordance with Western culture, Kristianstad University emphasizes independent study and fluid discussions. In stark contrast, I-Shou’s Eastern-style curriculum focuses primarily on group work and structured lectures. Quickly adapting to such a radically different teaching style was not easy. However, the same discipline that pushed Kate to become one of I-Shou’s most dedicated and top-performing students, also helped her develop a routine that allowed her to self-study for her courses, and also have the opportunity to participate in the unique Swedish experiences offered by her exchange program. Through the many challenging courses she took, and the hands-on projects offered by Kristianstad, Kate developed many essential practical skills and gained new insights she is eager to bring back to Taiwan.
Personal Growth and Cultural Connections
Beyond academics, Kate found the experience to be a significant period of personal growth. Using I-Shou’s diverse student body as a springboard, Kate further refined her cross-cultural communication skills in a different multicultural environment. “I’ve gained much more confidence in connecting with people from different backgrounds,” she reflected. Living in multiple multicultural environments broadened her perspective and gave her a greater sense of independence.3
Among the many wonderful experiences from seeing the Northern Lights to traveling Europe, her favorite cultural experience in Sweden was celebrating Valborg, a traditional festival marking the arrival of spring. “It was incredible to gather around large bonfires with locals, celebrating a tradition that connects Sweden’s past with its present.”
Conclusion
As Kate looks ahead to her final year at I-Shou University, she is confident that her unique multicultural experience between Sweden and Taiwan has prepared her for the global job market. She has honed valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking—skills that will serve her well as she pursues a future career in business.
For students considering an exchange program, Kate’s advice is simple: “Go for it! It can be challenging, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. Be open to new cultures, embrace opportunities, and make the most of your time abroad.”
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