Exchange report - incoming students
Home university: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Study programme: Biomedical Laboratory Science
Exchange programme: INK
Semester: Autumn semester 2011/2012
Name: Arlene Reyes
Email address: reyesa5@livemail.uthscsa.edu

Arrival and registration

The arrival arrangements were perfect! As soon as we arrived there were 3 students waiting to greet us at the airport. They were kind enough to drive us to our accommodation and even picked up our dorm room keys prior to our arrival. They acclimated us to the cities public transporation and showed us where we could do our grocery shopping, and load our SL cards. They were absolutely wonderful!

We unfortunately did not officially have an introduction day due to the timing of our arrival. However, after a couple of weeks of being in Stockholm we were finally able to meet with the international coordinator who warmly welcomed us and apologized for the mis-communication and planning.

We had not contact with the student health center, however, we were informed of the capabilities and how we could take advantage of the student health center if it was needed.

Acommendation

We applied for housing via the University Accommodation Center. My impressions of the housing arrangements are overall very positive. We were placed in a building that was very close to Karolinska University hospital. Our accommodations were very clean, the kitchen community areas were well kept and very organized. Cost of housing was very reasonable.

Leisure time and social activities

Social life in Sweden was amazing! We made so many  new lifetime friendships. The students were extremely welcoming and eager to show us all the great amazing things that Stockholm city had to offer. We were notified on a weekly basis via email by global friends of all the events planned and participated in quite a few social activities. 

Pre-departure

Studying abroad has always been a desire for me. I have always been attracted to the idea of being able to work, study, and live with people of all different backgrounds from all over the world. When I learned that my university was partnering with KI in Stockholm, Sweden I knew I had to jump at the opportunity to not only live in a part of the world I'd never been to but to also study at one of the most prestigious schools in Europe and in the world; a true honor.

The information provided to me from KI and my university was extremely helpful. I was able to properly prepare for my time in Stockholm. Also, the information provided to me explained what to expect while in Stockholm as far as the lifestyle, how to get around, things to do, and where to live.

I was required  as a student of UT Health Science Center at San Antonio to have the proper vaccinations in order to enroll. I was not required to bring any certain certificates.
 

Courses during the exchange period

H5XX02 : Clinical Course 2 for exchange students (Lab Med)
This course was wonderful. The supervisors were amazing in making sure that they were always available to us for any questions or concerns that we might have had. they placed great emphasis in preparing us for the final examination, and were always very positive and encouraging
H5XX03 : Clinical course 3 for exchange students (Lab Med)
This course was wonderful. The supervisors were amazing in making sure that they were always available to us for any questions or concerns that we might have had. they placed great emphasis in preparing us for the final examination, and were always very positive and encouraging

Summary

My overall experience at KI was absolutely amazing. I only wish that I could have the chance to experience it all over again which is why I plan on visiting Stockholm many more times in the future. 

I would have liked for the arrival timing to have been better coordinated. I would suggest for future students to recommend them arriving at least 3 days prior to when they will begin their courses so that they can acclimate to their new temporary home.

Language and Culture

Unfortunately I was not able to participate in any swedish language courses

Studies in general

The Swedish study environment was wonderful. It encouraged a much appreciated open and interactive relationship with my teachers/supervisors something that is a little more formal at schools in the United States. I very much appreciated the one-on-one nature of the final exams that we took. The examiners were wonderful in explaining to us what to expect in the final exam and they were wonderful in make the actual examination feel as though it were more a conversation than a grilling session. The learning environment helped to make me (the student) feel more comfortable with any questions I had on any specific subjects. My supervisors, especially in the microbiology lab were wonderful making sure that I learned as much as I could during my stay in Stockholm.