What Diana says about the Master's in International Development and Management

Diana from Colombia

About the programme and the teaching style 

How did you find out about Lund University/this programme?

"Since I already knew that I wanted to study a Master's degree related to development, I decided to start looking into different programmes in different countries. One day I found the Global Association of MDP (Master's in Development Practice) and among the different options highlighted on the website I found the Master's in International Development and Management  at Lund University. I continued reading about this programme and I was very interested in the courses and the multidisciplinary component of the programme. That's how I found out about the programme."

Why did you choose this programme?

"I chose this programme because it allowed me to acquire some theoretical and technical knowledge in the field of development. I also liked the multidisciplinary nature of the programme and the possibility of doing an internship or field research during my studies. Finally, the management component was something I found very interesting because I didn't find it in other programmes." 

What is the best thing about your programme?

"I think one of the best things about the programme is the possibility to understand in a broad way what development means from different perspectives, especially for someone like me who had no previous experience. Another element that stands out is the possibility to study with people from all over the world and with different backgrounds, which helps you in a way to get closer to other cultures and other ways of thinking."

What is your favorite course and why? 

"I think my favourite course was one called Global Health. I loved not only the subject matter but also the teacher's methodology. It was a course with a clear approach, it was interesting, and I had a very enriching learning experience. In addition, the person in charge of coordinating the programme always considered the needs and requirements of the students, which made the learning process easier."

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?

"Being an international student at Lund University is quite interesting. I think this kind of experience helps you to get to know yourself in new ways, to adapt and solve differently, and to get out of your comfort zone to learn and achieve new skills. I think other advantages of studying at Lund University are that you will find a large community of international students, which will help you to create new friendships, create other support networks and expand your networking contacts that can be very useful for future employment processes after you finish your studies."

What do you do in your spare time? Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

"I think another lesson I have learned during my time as a student at Lund University is how important it is to balance your academic and social life. Throughout these semesters I have been an international mentor, a corridor contact in my student accommodation, a student ambassador, a volunteer in a language café, and a volunteer at music festivals or sports tournaments, which has been very interesting. I think that having a social life is very important, especially during the winter months, so I always try to find new hobbies or expand my circle of friends to make the most of my experience in Sweden."

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

"I think that in my case one of the things that struck me the most was the darkness. It was quite a shock at first, so I recommend looking for different ways to deal with the darkness. For example, look for different social activities, exercise, keep in touch with your family and friends from your home country or take advantage of the seminars offered by the university on how to deal with the darkness."