What Raden says about the Master's in Global Studies

Introducing Raden 

Hi! My name is Raden, and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Global Studies. 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.  

Finding and choosing the programme 

How did you find out about the Global Studies programme here at Lund? 

"It is a really amazing programme, I really like it. I have a background in International Relations and I wanted to expand my understanding of it. I am from Indonesia where international relations is seen from a realist approach, which is only talking about state relations. Global Studies discusses non-state actors and has more of a positivist approach. We even talk about pop culture and other aspects of life that connect to the global."

How did you find out about Lund University? 

"When I was in Indonesia, I went to the higher education fair, which is an annual fair conducted by the EU in Indonesia. I went to that fair and looked to find a university suitable for me. A lot of Indonesian people go to the UK, the US or Australia. I found though that not many people know about the Scandinavian countries and that’s why I came to the Lund University information booth. I asked about the programmes and got information about the Global Studies programme, which was suitable for me. Not many Indonesian scholars go to Sweden to study International Relations from the Swedish perspective. I also used to work in the International Partnership Office at my University during my Bachelor’s Degree. Therefore, I know about the ranking systems and I checked the best on the QS and World Report Ranking System and I saw that Lund University was one of the best!"

About the programme and the teaching style 

How do you feel about your choice of the Global Studies programme? Does it live up to your expectations? 

"It’s beyond my expectations! I’ve learned a lot from this programme. I have gotten a lot of tools and approaches. In Indonesia, theoretical approaches to International Relations like feminist and environmental theories are less prevalent than in Sweden. I used to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia and everything is business as usual. Here in Lund and Sweden, I can disagree with some issues, but I have gained different perspectives. These approaches that I’ve learned can inform me if I become a policymaker in the future."

What’s the best part about your programme?  

"I love the freedom and the independence to choose our topics for exams. We can choose whatever issues or approaches we want. The course that I have picked currently is Conflict, identity and the State and we talk about many interdisciplinary topics like psychology. We talk about global issues from many different perspectives. It’s a very interesting course. The diversity of the class is such a benefit as well. We have people from Europe, China and Africa. We exchange our ideas about global issues."

What is it like to be a student in such an international classroom? 

"The diversity of the classroom helps me to expand my knowledge because everyone brings their own knowledge, experience, and expertise to our discussions and work. Other approaches and information from different backgrounds help me learn and understand my own background and approaches better."

Are there any opportunities to gain practical experience in your programme? 

"In the third semester, we have the opportunity to do an exchange, internship or fieldwork. That’s the time when we can get more practical learning. We also get a lot of practical information from our professors. In this past course, we have gotten lots of practical resources like books that help us find inspiration for future policymakers, like myself. We also have a lot of input from guest lecturers and activities in the course."

What is the teaching style like in your programme? 

"What I really like about the teaching style in Lund is that we have to finish one course at a time. This ensures we can focus on one thing at a time. We are independent to choose what we like and what we want to study. Group projects are great, especially when we are working with participants from different backgrounds. The lectures are not a lot of presentations, and during seminars, we talk and discuss the content of the course each week. I also love the academic quarter, which means we start every class 15 minutes past the hour and have a break every 45 minutes. In Asia, we have lectures that are 2.5 hours and the whole lecture is talking. Sometimes we can’t focus at all. Here, it is so much more balanced with breaks. I never have any sit-in exams, it is very flexible. 

Thoughts on student life at Lund, tips for prospective students and the future 

Lund is a very international city and is filled with plenty of student activities. What do you do in your spare time? 

"I usually go to student nations and their pubs. I meet friends at the different activities. It is very easy to meet new friends there. There are lots of organisations like the East Asian Students Association which is great for students like me who are far from home. I also love to travel and Lund is in a very strategic position. There are lots of cheap flights so I travel around and in Sweden as well."

What would be your advice to fellow Indonesian students considering studying your programme? 

"I think in terms of the programme, the studies are not as intense as in Indonesia. We have assignments here in Lund, but not as many as back home. I think academic English might be quite challenging, but we can learn about that when we are here. The culture shock with the winter and the darkness can also be something to be aware of. Don’t worry, we always have our support system here. There are lots of Indonesian students here and international students. Many students also experience the same things and the Student Health Center can help you with the culture shock."

What are you planning on doing after your studies? 

"After finishing here at Lund University, I will go back to my work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Right now, I am on a break from my job there for two years while studying, which is supported by the government of Indonesia. They expect that I bring the knowledge that I’ve learned here at Lund back to impact my work in the real world."

Have more questions for Raden? 

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