Summer school gives a taste of studying in Sweden

The capital’s three most prestigious universities will offer students a variety of high profile courses, a full programme of social activities and the chance to taste life in one Europe’s most beautiful dynamic cities.

“The idea for the scheme originally started a couple of years ago,” says Anna-Lena Paulsson,  International Coordinator at Karolinska Institutet. “There were discussions between Karolinska Institutet and KTH, but nothing was actually finalised. Then last year, more talks took place, this time with Stockholm University as well, and together the three came up with the concept of the summer schools,” she adds.

Prospective students will be able to sign up for a wide range of courses, all held in English, over a four-week period, starting on June 18th. Among the choices available, are energy of the future, the so-called “Swedish model” of society, the Earth’s climate and climate change, bio-entrepreneurship and global health.

The course each student chooses will determine the campus where they will be based. For example, those following bio-entrepreneurship and global health will be at the Karolinska Institute, while Stockholm University will host two courses and KTH, a fifth. There will be 30-40 places available on each course, and the universities will help all students find accommodation during their stay in the city as close as possible to their chosen campus.

The main idea behind the initiative is to present Stockholm as an ideal destination for future prospective students within Sweden and beyond. The summer school will provide them with a taste of life in the capital at some of the country’s best educational institutions, while at the same time give them academic credits in a challenging, creative and stimulating environment.

In academic terms, the courses will be worth six high school credits. In addition to first class facilities and leadership, the students will also be able to attend guest lectures outside their chosen field and campus, held by some of the most highly regarded lecturers in their respective fields.

But studies are only one part of what the universities promise will be a great experience for the students.

“The social element is very important. There will be a welcome dinner that everyone can attend at the start of the course, and throughout the students’ stay there will be a series of joint activities with a busy social programme on offer, so there is plenty of opportunity for them to mix. Many of the activities we offer will also give the students a chance to meet those already studying here at the universities, so they will be able to ask questions and get a first hand impression of the courses and what it is like living in Stockholm,” adds Anna-Lena Paulsson.

With the courses running during the summer, the students have the chance to sample some of Stockholm’s best weather and traditions. Among the many social events on offer is a visit to the “outdoor museum” Skansen, where they will be able to take part in the annual Midsummer’s Eve celebrations, one of Sweden’s most popular and well known traditions.

“One of our main aims is to present Stockholm as a great place to live and study. We hope that the students enjoy their time in the city so much that they will want to come back here and study further. This is a wonderful city and at that time of year they will get to see it in its best possible light,” says Paulsson.

The deadline for applications is March 1st, while the courses themselves begin on June 11th from distance and on June 18th on location in Stockholm.

The Stockholm Summer School represents what the three universities hope will become an annual collaboration to help cement the captial’s already strong reputation in the face of fierce competition among Europe’s top cities to attract students.

Article sponsored by Study in Sweden