Meet Maria from the United States

Name: Maria Lemos

Home Country and City: USA, Pocatello
Home University: Idaho State University
Programme of Study: Social Work
Favourite thing about Umeå University: meeting so many people from all over the world!
Favourite Swedish word or custom: fika!
Three words to summarise your time in Umeå: fun, beautiful & relaxing

Why did you choose to study at Umeå University?

I chose Umeå University because it offered courses within the social work area. With one semester left before graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in social work, I wanted to learn about a different culture, how social issues are handled what role social work plays in this country. Since Umeå University offers courses in English, this also played a large role in my selection.

What do you like most about your courses?

The teachers within my courses are very helpful and are dedicated in making sure that the student understands what’s being taught. The courses are fun! I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere within the classroom.

What has been your most memorable moment about the courses so far?

The courses are very interesting, and I have enjoyed them so much! I enjoy my classmates, since we are an international class; discussions held within the classroom are always interesting! But the best part of courses here is the fika break after every hour of class!

What do you do when you’re not studying?

When I’m not studying I’m hanging out with my friends. Sometimes we go to the city centre and explore the area, since there is so much to see! We also have fika, at any given day or time. It’s a great time to share different stories, happenings and of course, have a reason to snack on some food with great friends.

What you like best about the town of Umeå and its surroundings?

Even though Umeå is a large city, it doesn’t feel like one. The university is close enough to the city that one doesn’t have to travel so far to go shopping. The area is absolutely beautiful! One can bike around the city or ride to the lake.

What do you find as the biggest cultural difference, both socially and educationally, from your country with Sweden?

The biggest cultural difference that I have noticed is that people here are very relaxed and helpful! I come from a place where people always appear to be in a big hurry. The mentality here is a very serious but relaxed one. The Swedes are great people, and are always more than willing to lend a helping hand.
Classes here are taken for the most part one at a time. Here you spend more time in the classroom and can dedicate your time to a specific course. This is very different than what I’m used to, where I take four to five classes at a time and have to spread my time evenly in making sure I cover all material needed for the course.

What you would say to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?

If you are considering attending Umeå University, definitely decide to do so! Everyone is very helpful, classes are great and the town of Umeå is beautiful. It’s an excellent place to expand your perspective of your own country and your own view of the world. Also, if you have never seen snow, this is the place to be!

What are you career aspirations?

Once I’ve completed my education, I will become a social worker that will work with immigrants and refugees, helping them integrate in to the American culture and better understand American society so they can have a better opportunity to live within the country.