What Megan says about the Master's in Applied Cultural Analysis

Introducing Megan

Hi! My name is Megan and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Applied Cultural Analysis. 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.  

Why did you choose Lund University? 

"I chose Lund because it offers the perfect balance of academics and student life. Our city offers a community that can be as small or as big as you choose to make it. Most importantly, my programme is a unique one that combines both theoretical and applied skills, and Lund is one of the few universities that offers it!"

What are your first impressions of your programme? Does it meet your expectations? 

"So far, this programme has been both challenging and refreshing. It encourages you to think about problems in new ways, oftentimes making you leave your comfort zone to do so. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect going into my studies, but now I’m excited to see what more they hold."

What have been the highlights of your first months in Lund? 

"I have really enjoyed trying out many of the extracurriculars that Lund has to offer! I’ve met new friends at language exchanges, board game groups, and random cultural events held all around the city. There are so many opportunities to try things I never would have been able to experience otherwise."

What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden? 

"The teaching style here is much more relaxed than what I’m used to back home. The instructors offer knowledge, guidance, and support while leaving our assignments as open and flexible as possible. This allows each student to focus on something that they are passionate about and utilize their unique academic and cultural background to really make the project their own."

How international is your programme? 

"Our programme is incredibly diverse! We have students from all over Scandinavia, Europe, and the rest of the world! On top of that, we spend the first year of classes working with our sister programme at the University of Copenhagen, giving us an additional perspective on our projects. Our contrasting backgrounds make class discussions richer and more interesting."

What are you most looking forward to in your programme? 

"I’m most looking forward to the work placement I will complete during my 2nd year. We are given the opportunity to choose our own placement based on our interests, so you can really make the topic your own. I’m hoping to stay close to Lund and work within our international community."

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

"The programme offers so many opportunities to gain practical experience while also giving you the freedom to follow your personal passions. In the very first course, you work with a client to help them tackle a problem of their choosing. In the second semester, you get to choose between several clients and work with a group to put your new cultural analytical skills into practice. In my most recent course, I found my own client and completed a 6-week work placement focusing on a subject I am personally interested in."

Why should prospective students choose this programme? 

"Students should choose this programme if they like the idea of balancing learning theory and methodology with applying this knowledge in hands-on, real-world contexts. Our classes are made up of students from a variety of cultural and academic backgrounds, and we value the multiple perspectives this offers throughout our coursework. If you want to learn to view the mundane of everyday life with new eyes, this is the course for you!" 

What is it like being an international student at Lund University?

"Being an international student in Lund is an adventure! You get to experience life in Sweden while also having the unique opportunity to be surrounded by the best and brightest from all over the world. Lund is a university town, so there’s always something going on, new people to meet, and experiences to be had. If you want a change from Lund’s cosy vibe, you have Malmö and Copenhagen right next door!"

What do you do in your spare time? 

"In my free time, I really enjoy volunteering with local high schools, my nations, and throughout the university to help new and prospective students. I’ve also been working to embrace more of the Swedish lifestyle through regular fika (café) breaks and learning the language."

What have been the highlights of your first year in Lund? 

"My highlight has easily been all the fantastic friends I have made throughout my journey in Lund. From my classmates to fellow student volunteers, to my professors whose doors are always open, I have no lack of new people to talk to and learn from. The people I have met over the past year are ones I look forward to keeping in touch with even after my studies have concluded."

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

"My advice for new students? Take the leap! Moving abroad can be scary and overwhelming, but the memories and experiences you gain are unlike anything you will find elsewhere. Studying abroad is the perfect way to challenge yourself to grow in discomfort and discover things about yourself you may never have seen otherwise."

Have more questions for Megan? 

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