What Rodrigo says about the Master's in Social Anthropology
Introducing Rodrigo
Hi! My name is Rodrigo and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Social Anthropology. 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 had been searching for an opportunity to study abroad, and Sweden caught my attention due to its efforts on equality and the environment. As I have previously participated in various projects and fieldwork relating to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals was the perfect match for someone with my background. At first, I was deciding between Lund and Uppsala, as both offer exceptional sustainability programmes. However, after careful consideration, my family and I fell in love with Lund and felt it was the best place for us and our daughter."
What are your first impressions of your programme? Does it meet your expectations?
"The programme’s structure is logical, and we have plenty of autonomy over our schedule. It is essential to distinguish it from free time. It provides the proper balance of established and contemporary research methods, giving us both the fundamentals and the freedom to explore innovative ideas. This is precisely what I was hoping for, and I appreciate the approach taken by the programme."
What have been the highlights of your first months in Lund?
"Every angle of this town offers a picturesque view. The people are friendly, the services are many, and plenty of events to keep you entertained. The city is small enough to make transportation easy, practical, and inexpensive, whether you prefer walking or cycling, and the outskirts provide magnificent opportunities for outdoor family activities. All these benefits are bundled together in one package."
What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden?
"Based on my experience so far, the professors genuinely encourage students to participate and share their ideas during class. We are also granted significant autonomy when selecting the texts and books we will use for our writing and presentations. Collaborative studies and group work foster independence and empower students to lead. The tradition of taking a fika break during class and talking with students while drinking a coffee is a means of building rapport and gaining insight into their academic progress within a broader context."
How international is your programme?
"In our first course, we had a small class of a dozen students but still, there were people from seven different countries and five continents, which I found amazing. The diversity of backgrounds is a fantastic element, especially for the richness of points of view and personal experiences, which may result here and there in diverse case studies to analyse in a field like ours. Beyond breaking stereotypes, we find ourselves in the same boat; away from our home culture, family, and friends, which creates bonds between us. Sharing our tastes in literature or music, trying new foods and drinks, and finding new ways to prepare them while debating our scientific and political views are most exciting."
What are you most looking forward to in your programme?
"After spending 20 years as a professional anthropologist in Brazil, I am working on a long-term study project to integrate social and environmental aspects into my research. I have learned that most nature-based solutions to the climate crisis are closely linked with traditional knowledge applied to everyday needs such as food, shelter, and water. I am still trying to understand how contemporary anthropology addresses this in academia, but I hope to contribute with my previous professional experience. Above all, I plan to apply my knowledge to support indigenous territorial rights and access to sustainable project financing."
Stay tuned! A more comprehensive testimonial from this student will be published once they have completed their first semester at Lund and have more insights to share about their programme.
Have more questions for Rodrigo?
You can chat with him and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.
"Knowledgable teachers and interesting courses"
Laurine from France
"I enjoy the way the programme is structured"
Jesse from the USA