Lund University International Podcast

Accessing healthcare when you need it can be a daunting prospect as a new international student in Sweden, with concerns understandably ranging from where to go and who to speak to, the cost, and how much it might impact your studies if you require prolonged medical care. In this episode we aim to clarify these things and reassure incoming international students, as host Leonie (a current student of BA Biomedicine) speaks to Sumaia, a current student who underwent major surgery for a serious heart problem. Sumaia shares her story, from first contact via the healthcare website and app 1177.se...

For international students looking beyond graduation to their future career prospects, Lund and the surrounding Skåne region can be an attractive option for jobseeking, offering an international environment, strong links to Lund University, and a high standard of living. But what are the prospects for students looking to stay in Lund and find work? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) speaks to Ronja Karvinen from Finland (BSc Development Studies and MSc Human Ecology) and Laura Vega from Colombia (MSc Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science), two recent LU graduates who are now working in Lund. Ronja n...

At Lund University, there are nine subject-based student unions that play a pivotal role in politics and student rights at the University, allowing students to get involved and have their say on how the University is run. Through the unions, students are represented in decision- and policy-making boards that concern education at every level within Lund University. And the strength and impact of this representation in good governance has been recognised: the 2026 QS Sustainability ranking gave Lund University top marks in Governance and Equality, both key indicators that contributed to our ranking as the #1 university in the world for...

Home to the Lund Innovation District and with support from LU Innovation, Lund University offers premiere support for students wanting to turn their business ideas into real, world-changing innovations. But how can a student get started with the often daunting prospect of building their own startup? In this episode, host Megan Phillips (LU Global Engagement) is joined by Feiyu Wu, a Lund student and CEO of award-winning startup business SensoryWind, as well as her innovation coach Nicolas Arriagada, who is Head of Student Innovation at LU Innovation.

Together, they discuss Fei's journey with SensoryWind, from the idea's...

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability has ranked Lund University #1 in the world for 2026, marking an incredible achievement for the many researchers, staff and students who have contributed towards a more sustainable future. But what, exactly, does the ranking mean for current and future LU students? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) is joined by special guests Cicilia Jeppsson and Erika Söderstjerna from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, who explain not just the ranking and the wide-reaching work that has gone into achieving it, but how it relates to everyday student life and why Lund U...

For some international students, it's a natural step to consider studying a PhD after graduating from a Master's, and many students that come to Lund University go on to find PhD positions here afterwards. But how do you go about securing a PhD position, and what's it like to undertake one at Lund University? In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere speaks to Gabriele Cobucci, a current doctoral student in Mathematical Physics at Lund University, who discusses his academic journey and his experience of studying a PhD at Lund. Together they cover topics such as how Gabriele got his position...

It's understandable that many international students can feel apprehensive about moving to another country and settling in when they begin their studies, but with the right preparation and mindset, that transition can be made as easy as possible. In this episode, we take a look at what it's really like to settle into your life at Lund University in Sweden, as host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) speaks to three student guests about their personal experiences and advice for other incoming students: Freja Jepsen from Denmark, studying a Master's in Literature, Culture and Media; Seoyun Kim from South Korea...

The International Citizen Hub Lund is your home away from home in Sweden, offering advice, support and events to help you and your family members with settling in while you study, work, or look for jobs. In this episode, we celebrate the ICHL's first decade and explore the many ways in which the ICHL can help new international students as they adapt to life in Sweden. Host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Corporate Communication) is joined by three guests: ICHL founder Lisa Andersson, Lund University graduate and Social Hub Lund intern Luz Adriana Hernandez, and ICHL intern Kevin Law. Together they...

Of the many exciting events students at Lund University get the opportunity to participate in, the tradition of the student ball is perhaps the most glamorous. These white-tie events are held regularly throughout each year, giving a chance for Lund students and alumni to dress up for an evening of fine dining, dancing, and socialising. In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) catches up with student guests Megan Phillips and Kleia Sidra, who share their experience and insight into student balls at Lund University. Together they discuss the basics of what a ball is, what makes them...

Now open for applications for study starting Autumn 2026, the Master's programme in Innovation and Societal Change seeks to equip students with a systemic perspective on innovation, preparing you to become a driving force for change. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Corporate Communication) speaks to Linda Stihl (Programme Director for the Master's in Innovation and Societal Change) and Markus Grillitsch (Professor at the Department of Human Geography) about their work on the programme, covering everything you need to know about this new opportunity for study. Together they discuss the programme's origins and purpose, course contents and learning methods...

Lund University's Disability Support Services offer bespoke support for students with disabilities and other specific challenges to their studies, working to ensure that every aspect of your course is accessible and that you have the help and advice you need. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (student worker at LU Corporate Communications) speaks to Ida Jarbe Holmlund, a Coordinator at LU Disability Support Services, delving into how the support services work, who can access them, when to contact them versus contacting your healthcare provider, and much more.

Many major innovations and recognisable brands across numerous fields have come from research and researchers at Lund University, from the first dialysis machine and the asthma inhaler to Bluetooth, Nicorette, and Oatly. But how can students kickstart their own innovation ideas and startups, and how does Lund University support them? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) speaks first with Peter Franck, Innovation Developer at LU Innovation, about his role in supporting new startup initiatives and innovations and how students can access these resources. Then, we turn to two more guests, Erik Karlsson and Julia Forsbacka, who...

As an international Master's student, continuing on to a PhD can pose unique challenges, from finding a position to navigating the various application processes that differ between universities. In this episode, host Timothy Parker speaks to Bénédicte Anthony, a graduate of Lund University's Master's in Development Studies, who now holds a PhD position at Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye, where she is engaged in research as part of the EU-sponsored International Dimensions and Effects of Populism doctoral network. Together they discuss how Bénédicte found and secured her PhD position, how the Turkish education system compares to her...

Doing an exchange during your studies at Lund University is a fantastic way to see and experience another country during your studies, even if you're already an international student in Sweden! But with so many exchange destinations available, how should you go about choosing the right one for you? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) catches up with three current Lund University students who have all been on exchange: Bianca Littorin Liljerehn, who studies the Bachelor's in Business and Administration and did an exchange to SIngapore; Emmie Eklund who did an exchange to Auckland, New Zealand...

While studying at Lund University is an exciting and enriching experience, many students will be equally concerned with what their next steps after graduation might look like. Aside from giving a world-class education, studying at Lund presents many opportunities to start networking and learning about future career paths, as well as some direct routes towards developing your career after you graduate. But with the graduate job market tougher than ever, there are challenges too! In this episode, we invited recently graduated students Areej Al-Sabban and Fabio Cavaliere to discuss their graduation and career plans, from the challenges they have...

Looking for adventure or just a cosy day out once you've arrived in Sweden for your studies? In this episode, we've got you covered, as we dive into several great spots to go and see in the Skåne region around Lund - all of which can be reached via sustainable public transport. Host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) speaks to student guests Anna Charlotte (a graduate in Tourism, Development and Culture) and Xin Sui (studying the Master's in Sustainable Service Management), delving into their favourite and most memorable travel experiences in the local region, touching on the historic c...

Moving to Sweden and settling into life in Lund is a different experience for all international students moving away from home, and in this episode we focus on students coming to Sweden from Ukraine, as we speak to two current Ukrainian students at Lund University who share their experience since starting their studies. Host Daniel Gunnarsson is Lund University's Regional Recruitment Manager working with Ukrainian students, and our guest panel features Maya Maliutina (studying the international Bachelor's programme in Economy and Society) and Rostik Kozak (studying the international Master's programme in Service Management, Supply Chain Management). Together they discuss...

Hub AI is a student-led organisation at Lund University dedicated to intersectional discussion and exploration of artificial intelligence (AI). They organise events such as guest lectures and panel discussions, practical sessions like Python workshops, and social events for a thriving community drawn from students of all disciplines. In this episode, current student and host Fabio Cavaliere is joined by two of Hub AI's board members, who are also current Lund University students: Head of External Partnerships Herman Barzangi, and Head of Education Johan Jönsson. Together they discuss how Hub AI started and its core mission, Herman and Johan's a...

The northeastern Brunnshög area of Lund is home to MAX IV Laboratory, a Swedish national synchrotron laboratory hosted by Lund University that has operated since 2016. This striking donut-shaped building hosts thousands of users from academia, industry, research institutes and government agencies worldwide every year, supporting innovation and research in materials and life sciences. In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) speaks to two special guests joining us from MAX IV Laboratory: Marjolein Thunnissen, Senior Life Science Advisor, and Magnus Larsson, Head of the Industrial Relations Office. Together they discuss what MAX IV Laboratory does and the f...

Lund University is known for having some of the best student life in northern Europe, with a unique experience offered by nations and student unions, free cultural activities, sports, beautiful Skåne nature, and proximity to Malmö and Copenhagen for the big-city nightlife. But don't just take our word for it! In this episode, student worker Megan hosts for a panel of three current international students at LU: Fleur from the Netherlands, Megan from Guatemala, and Filipa from Portugal. Together they discuss how they've made the most out of their free time while studying at Lund, including great affordable ac...

Lund might not be on a river or the coast, but that hasn't stopped the LU Rowing Club from thriving. Part of the larger Malmö Rowing Club, the LU Rowing Club gets the benefit of Lund's proximity to coastal Malmö, and welcomes members of all ages and levels of experience, whether you're an avid rower or just trying it out for the first time. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere dives into the LU Rowing Club with three representatives from the association: Sofia, who is a board member of the Malmö Rowing Club, and two current LU students, Max and...

Lund University's International Desk - also called the Student Reception - is a catch-all service designed to be the first point of contact for any and all queries, whether you're a student, prospective student, or just someone curious about Lund University! In this episode, we give a brief overview of what the International Desk does and who it's for, as host and current Master's student Megan Phillips speaks to three Student Relations Coordinators working at the International Desk: Maria Yartseva, Hanna Gustafzelius, and Zaccarias Reimarker. Together they discuss the role of the International Desk in answering questions or finding...

On the podcast, we've covered a lot on what Lund University has to offer its students, but what about support, guidance, and community from the local authority? The city of Lund (Lunds kommun, or Lund Municipality) is engaged in many initiatives and projects that aim to support internationals in the region, from helping them to settle in and find a community to learning Swedish and securing work. In this special double-length episode - the second of two parts - host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) was lucky enough to sit down with two different panels of guests, representing different...

On the podcast, we've covered a lot on what Lund University has to offer its students, but what about support, guidance, and community from the local authority? The city of Lund (Lunds kommun, or Lund Municipality) is engaged in many initiatives and projects that aim to support internationals in the region, from helping them to settle in and find a community to learning Swedish and securing work. In this special double-length episode - the first of two parts - host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) was lucky enough to sit down with two different panels of guests, representing different...

Engaging more than 400 researchers, students and staff from the faculties of engineering, science and medicine, NanoLund is Sweden's largest research environment for nanoscience and nanotechnology. In this episode, host Areej Al-Sabban (a current student and student worker at LU Global Engagement) speaks to three guests involved in NanoLund at different levels: Adam Burke, an Associate Professor in Solid State Physics, who is a Principal Investigator and outreach coordinator for NanoLund; Patrik Nilsson, a PhD student and student representative on the NanoLund board, and Pratik Bhagwat, a current Master's student in Photonics and a student member and volunteer for NanoLund.<...

Hosted by the Student Union of Lund University's Faculty of Engineering (LTH), ARKAD is Scandinavia's biggest career fair, providing a venue for students of engineering, architecture, and adjacent disciplines to meet up to 175 exhibitors, including public and private-sector companies such as IKEA, AstraZeneca, Tetra Pak, Alfa Laval, and more. In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Communications) speaks to guests Maria Sörensson, who is a study and career guidance counsellor at the Faculty of Engineering, and Dhanashree Darade, who is an international student studying Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, and who has attended ARKAD twice. T...

Did you know that Lund University has a student racing team? Lund Formula Student represents Lund University at official Formula Student competitions across the world every year, competing against other universities with top-class car designs that are developed and manufactured entirely by students. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (a current student in European Affairs and a student worker at LU) speaks to two special guests about their involvement in the Lund Formula Student team: Leonid, a 5th-year student in Engineering and Mathematics with a specialism in Systems, Signals, and Controls, and Mattis, a 3rd-year student in Mechanical Engineering...

Copenhagen's proximity to Lund and the short commute time over the Öresund bridge makes the Danish capital a perfect place to find internships, exchange opportunities, and countless adventures during your time studying at Lund University. In this episode, host Megan Phillips (current student and student worker at LU Global Engagement) speaks to two current student guests: Rugare from Zimbabwe, who did an internship with the United Nations in Copenhagen, and Natalie from the United Kingdom, who did an exchange to Copenhagen during her Bachelor's. Together they discuss not just their specific experiences of an internship and exchange in Copenhagen, b...

Since 2017, Lund University has been a member of the The Conversation, a hub for accessible, cutting-edge research and analysis written by academics and researchers. In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Communications) speaks to guest Ellen Albertsdóttir, who works with research communication at Lund University and is the coordinator for Lund University's membership in The Conversation. Together they discuss her work coordinating with the LU staff writing in The Conversation, how and to what end academics and researchers write articles, and the importance of effective research communication, as well as why The Conversation is a great way to g...

Founded in 2000, women's choir Bella Voce is one of Lund University's most prominent student choirs, regularly performing in Lund and having achieved international success in recent years at Interkultur's international choir competitions. In this episode featuring music from Bella Voce, host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Global Engagement) speaks to current LU students Katharina and Tilda about their experience singing in the choir. Together they discuss their respective roles and how they came to join the choir, Katharina's perspective as an international student, the kinds of songs and concerts the choir performs, and how new students can get involved with Bella...

Second-hand shopping is a fantastic way for students to save money and live more sustainably, and in Sweden, a strong culture of minimising waste means that you'll find a wealth of thrift stores, flea markets, and online retailers where you can buy second-hand without compromising on choice, style, or quality. In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU International Office) speaks to Lund University students Bénédicte and Megan to get their best tips on shopping second-hand in Lund and beyond. Together they discuss the range of options students have available, what kinds of items you might want to tr...

Although most international students studying at Lund University enjoy the convenience of living in Lund, Malmö, or elsewhere in Skåne, some EU students can - and do - choose to live just over the border in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, which is roughly an hour from Lund by train. In this episode, host Erik Kvist (LU External Relations) speaks to current students Daria and Sophie, both of whom live in Copenhagen and study the international Master's programme in Public Health. Together they discuss their decision to live in Copenhagen and finding a place, how the commute is between home an...

The benefits of going on exchange studies are often discussed, but how does it feel once your exchange is finished and you've returned home? In this episode we delve a little into that question, as host Timothy Parker (LU International Office) speaks to three student guests about their exchange studies and what their experience has been like after returning to Sweden: Adam Brandt-Karlsson studies Political Science and Psychology and visited Montreal, Canada; Adina Edfelt studies Clinical Psychology and visited Dunedin, New Zealand; Emmie Eklund studies Human Rights Law and visited Auckland, New Zealand. Together they discuss 'reverse culture shock...

As one of Sweden's most globally recognised brands, IKEA is an attractive employer for international students planning their career path after studying in Sweden and at Lund University. But what does the path from international student to landing that IKEA job actually look like? In this episode, host Helga Heun (LU Alumni Office) speaks to Lund alumna Julia Schnittger, who moved from Germany to study Business Administration (Managing People, Knowledge and Change) in 2019, and went on to achieve her goal of working for IKEA after graduating. Today, Julia is a Recruitment Delivery Manager for Global IKEA in Malmö, and w...

One of the often-discussed benefits of living, studying or working in an international environment is the development of 'intercultural competence'. But what is intercultural competence exactly, and how can you build your intercultural skills while studying at Lund University? One effective method is to get involved with the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH), of which Lund University is a member, alongside nine other partner universities across Europe. In this episode, host Bénédicte Anthony (LU International Office) speaks to two current international students who have been involved in work on the EUGLOH project, Dorottya Szentkirályi and...

Sweden - and Lund in particular - has a very high rate of English proficiency, making it easy for international students to get by during their studies without speaking Swedish. However, for those of you who are considering staying longer-term in Sweden or just want to integrate better into Swedish society, learning Swedish offers many benefits, and is heavily recommended if you're planning to look for work. In this episode, we look at Lund University's course, Study Abroad: Swedish as a Foreign Language, which is an intensive, full-time two-semester course intended for beginners who want to rapidly acquire Swedish...

While prospective students have several scholarship options to help support their studies at Lund University, one of the newest of our offerings is the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) scholarship: a selective and merit-based scholarship programme for high-achieving African students who have demonstrated academic excellence at one of the ARUA member universities. In this episode, host Rebecca Kilpin (LU International Office) speaks to Beza Berhe, an international student from Ethiopia studying the Master's programme in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and one of the first recipients of the ARUA scholarship. Together they discuss Beza's background and professional interest in entrepreneurship, her...

Dating back to 1886, the 'spex' is an eccentric tradition of humorous, farcical theatre that is written, produced, and performed by Lund University students. Although the majority of spex at Lund University are performed in Swedish, the Kalmar spex has been performed in English since 2012, making it an exciting opportunity for international students to get involved with, whether you want to flex your acting skills, work on sets or props, play in the band, or even just go along and watch! In this episode, host Megan Phillips (LU International Office) speaks to two students involved in producing the Kalmar spex...

International students often come to Lund University with an image of Sweden as cold, snowy and dark in the winter, and while winters in southern Sweden are milder than further north, the harshness of the Swedish winter can catch some by surprise. So, how can you prepare yourself for the Swedish winter, and what do Swedes do to stay cosy and comfortable during the darker months? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU International Office) speaks to two students at Lund University, Merin Siju (an exchange student from the University of York, UK, studying BA Sociology with Social Psychology...

Most international students at Lund University will end up sharing a corridor, apartment or house with other students, but what happens when 17 students decide to live together in one house? In this episode, we look at one of the more dramatic and unusual shared living spaces in Lund for advice and tips on making it work with your roommates, whether you're a duo or a dozen! Host Timothy Parker (LU International Office) speaks to three student guests living together in a house comprising 17 people in total: Fleur van Kerkhof (studying the Master's programme in Disaster Risk Management and Climate...