I was accepted at
Karolinska Institutet as an exchange student through Linnaeus-Palme programme from Tata Institute
of Social Sciences, India. I applied for this exchange with the aim of
achieving personal and professional growth. Karolinska and Sweden was the best
place for it as my area of research is ageing and health. Sweden was one of the first countries to experience
rapid population aging. Quality of life for a majority of older Swedes is high.
Its model of housing and living arrangements, financial security, and social
assistance for the vulnerable elderly, long term care system and gender scenario
was worth understanding and learning. I was looking forward to visit and
associate myself with Ageing Research Centre at KI. I was fortunate enough to have been allowed
to do my individual research project with the researcher at ARC along with one
research methodology course with department of Global health. I would like
extend my hearty thanks to KI and TISS for this opportunity. I also thank the international
coordinators of both TISS and KI for the smooth functioning and process of this
exchange. I received their cooperation and support from the very beginning. I
was provided the acceptance letter, scholarship letter, insurance certificate,
welcome booklet with necessary information and KI information in brief which
proved to be very useful for getting visa. I had received housing insurance
before I had arrived at KI. There was no requirement of any kind of vaccination
or any other certificate.
My home university-Tata
Institute of Social Sciences was very supported and efficient in guiding me in
the whole process. They assisted me in each and every step of this exchange
program. Soon after the selection, they had connected me to the international
coordinator from KI which proved to be very positive start of the association
with KI. International coordinators from both the universities were very
supportive, understanding and frank.