What Paulina says about the Bachelor's in International Business

Introducing Paulina

Hi! My name is Paulina, and I'm the student ambassador for the Bachelor's programme in International Business. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, courses, student life, and life in Lund and Sweden via the Unibuddy Platform, where you can chat with me (see below). Please note that I cannot answer questions about the application process, scholarships, or residence permits.  

About the programme and the teaching style 

How did you find out about this programme? 

"I went through a lot of websites of Swedish universities. When I found Lund, I read the curriculum and the programme overview and I thought the course names sounded great!"

Why did you choose this programme?  

"I knew I wanted to study business, but I wasn't sure what specifically. Since I had no experience in business before, I didn't know what I like and what I don't like. I thought it would be a great opportunity to have an international perspective from a well-rounded programme, where I can dip my toes in a lot of different fields of business and then decide what I like." 

What do you think about your programme so far? Does it live up to your expectations? 

"I would say so, it definitely meets my expectations! I like how we experience different things, and how we get to know a little bit about everything. But I think whatever we are learning is very practical and I like this approach a lot."

What is the best thing about your programme?  

"I think that the projects we are doing feel very much like something we would be asked to do in a company as part of a job. I feel it is a very hands-on approach, as we get to think of what we would be doing in different fields of business just as employees. We had a few projects from different courses that tested different skills and approaches. This way, we get to know what it would be like to work as an accountant, project manager, or in the marketing team. It’s good to do it in groups, since in business you always work in groups, and it’s nice to do so with great people in my programme!"

Why should prospective students choose this programme? 

"If you think you want to do business, I think it's a great opportunity to learn a lot and to understand. The school itself presents so many opportunities, you can do networking if you want to build a lot of skills that are really suitable for you in the future. It's not only about the programme, but the extracurricular activities also help. There is a whole network around the School of Business that comes and visits, such as executives who come and talk to us. Our teachers have also sometimes previously worked in businesses, so they know what the actual employees expect or what they do."

What is your favourite course and why? 

"My favorite course has to be Business Statistics and that's probably because I like math and the analytical approach. I also like accounting and finance, which has to do with numbers too. But there are also courses for people with more soft skills approaches, which are also great. I also love the management courses, they are wonderful!"

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies so far?  

"I didn't apply, but some classmates did a lot of internships. They went to the companies and are applying for internships for next year. Our programme is structured in such a way that half a year is dedicated to internships, exchange studies or extra studies."

What do you think of the teaching style? 

"Oh, I love it! I come from a country with a lot of power distance, so for me, it has been a bit of a surprise that in Sweden there is way less power distance between us and teachers. We can joke and talk with them. I think this helps creating a great study environment because we can talk to teachers in a way that we are not afraid to ask questions. They always try to remember our names and just be kind."

How “international” is your programme?  

"I think 60% of my class is international and we have people coming from all over the world! We also get a lot of exchange students, so we get to meet a lot of them and talk to them. This also brings different perspectives on how they do things at other universities. The programme itself wants us to always look at the global perspective and we talk about different countries, which gives us a great international perspective."

Thoughts on being an international student at Lund, spare time and tips for prospective students 

What it is to be an international student at Lund University? 

"I had a lot of opportunities to meet people every day, and they have been nothing but kind! I love everyday people in Lund and how excited they are that you are here! In general, there's a great international atmosphere in Lund. There are a lot of people to talk to and a lot of people from different cultures. I have learned so much. I thought I was already quite culturally aware, but coming here has completely changed me. I learned so much more and I think the university also encourages that international perspective that we meet and talk with each other, study together, and exchange tips since we have different styles coming from different countries."

What do you do in your spare time?  

"I love reading books and when the summer or spring comes, I take walks – Lund is an amazing place for walks! Even in winter, I try to go on a walk a bit, connect, touch some grass, and see people connect back. I also love spending time with my friends, so we often go for a coffee."

Do you have any advice for other students that are considering coming to Lund? 

"My advice would be to not be afraid! If you experience a cultural shock, take your own time to adjust, everything is going to be waiting here. So, if you want to join the activities later after you arrived when you are settled, it's also fine. Everyone will be welcoming so don't be afraid of missing out on things. Just take time for yourself and adjust to the change."

Have more questions for Paulina? 

You can chat with her and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.