Reserapport - KI-student
Lärosäte: University of Dublin - Trinity College Dublin
Utbildningsprogram: Biomedicin
Utbytesprogram: Erasmus
Termin: Vårtermin 13/14

Innan avresa

The foremost reasons for studying abroad was to actively search for new experiences and learn about how different methods and practical work is conducted abroad, ie, how does the theory, practice and pedagogy of the Karolinska Institute (KI) seen in comparison with other universities. It helped a lot to receive good feedback and strong recommendations from older students that I should try to experience a new study environment and culture. I chose to go to Trinity College of Dublin (TCD) because of its good reputation  and I have read good travel reports from there as well. I received satisfactory information from both the supervisor in KI, other students and the university in question, which contributed to the interest to go became more likely. The information from different sources complemented each other in turn, hence left many questions answered, which made me more confident towards my aim to go. What you should consider before departure, was that the TCD asked me to bring the "Acceptance Letter" to university as a certificate.

Ankomst och registrering

Before the therm is initiated, you are offered a light "introduction-course" of the different locations within the campus, where they go through all of the basic stuff you need to know and also allows you to ask any questions that you might wonder about. This information about where and when this event (intro) is occurring is sent to you via e-mail in advance from the host university. If you still feel hesitant or insecure about any things, you are always welcome to the student-union which is located at the front desk of the college. They are very helpful regarding any matter of the student. 

Ekonomi

I believe I had the most fortunate luck to find a very pleasant host family that lived nearby the campus area (15min away by foot). I experienced that the rent considering where I were residing, was just and fair compared to other students that lived together or at other lettings. You have to be aware that the living cost in Dublin itself is very expensive since the demand of living there is very high and also its a small city that is relatively crowded. The food itself was not that expensive if you know how to keep the cost down by not going out that much and go to certain food chains that is more "wallet-friendly". In summary, the monthly cost was 450e in rent and average 100e was spent on other things such as food or supplements etc. I figured that It requires you to have a well planned budget if you want it to work in your favor in the long run.

Boende

I managed to fix my residence in advance before going so I had a stable place to arrive at through the website daft.ie. I also had some friends that already lived in Dublin to have a look for me as well. Also the university (TCD) offers students housing/appartements if you are applying before the term is initiated. Also, again the demand is very high, in these lettings within campus. 

Studier allmänt

The studies in campus was mostly conducted in a laboratory environment through a mentor based system where the teacher guided the pupil through all the steps at first, and then at the second attempt only monitored in case everything went accordingly. The professor handed out the literature to be read prior to the technical performance, she also had a small seminar ie lecture regarding the topic. You could always feel free to ask any questions if you misunderstood anything. It was also very reassuring that the lab-members were keen to help you if needed.


I also had to give a oral presentation (power-point based) every week on what I were going to do and also the results that I obtained from the previous experiments. Constructive criticism were offered right after the presentation.

Kurser under utbytet

Kurser motsvarande termin 6 på KI
Project work (30ects) within the neuroscience field regarding the disease Alzheimer. The work took place in a laboratory with an instructor ie mentor. I learnt alot by shadowing my mentor, the practical appliance and the theory that went with it. The teacher prepared me 1-3 days before in advance, what needed to be done and left room for discussion and questions as well.

Språk och kultur

The language barrier was not so hard since english was spoken commonly but sometimes their accent's could make it worse to comprehend and follow a discussion with interest. However with time you get used to it and don't think about it that much. It becomes more natural and language courses was also provided for foreign students, if needed. 
I didn't experience any clashing remarks on the new culture because I felt that it resonated with much of the culture we have in Sweden.

Fritid och sociala aktivteter

There were activities within the university in which the student union organized and held nearby campus, every admitted TCD student could join if they wanted. Also, my lab group had some events once in a week or so for social activities. This is highly appreciated if you want to establish a better connection with your colleagues or friends. Gym and exercise activities is offered by the university (often free of charge).

Sammanfattning

I honestly feel and truly believe that this experience of studying abroad was the most best thing that I could ever do in my academic career in order to widen my perspective and also grow as a student. It's really hard to describe in what you have gained as a person and not understand about the vital things you would have missed if you didn't take this chance and embark on a journey that will help you so much in the future, for example regarding contacts and different traits.