What Beatriz says about the Master's in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation

To Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation - Master's Programme

Introducing Beatriz 

Hi! My name is Beatriz, and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation. 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. 

Shortcuts to page content:

About the programme and the teaching style
Thoughts on being an international student at Lund
Student life
Tips for prospective students and plans for the future
Chat with Beatriz

About the programme and the teaching style

How did you find out about Lund University/this programme and why did you choose it?

"Back in 2021, I found myself ready to take on the next challenge. I had just finished reading The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson and my fixation with dedicating my life to do something that matters kicked in once again. I started researching programmes related to climate change and environmental justice, and one of those searches took me to Lund University’s DRMCCA programme. I will never forget the cover image of the programme page. For months, I continued researching and continued coming back to that page to read more about DRMCCA, and nothing compared. Its focus on bringing an interdisciplinary approach to the challenges we face – the increase of disasters and how those relate to climate change and go beyond it because of the complex world we live in – made me conclude that, if what I truly wanted was to do was to improve the conditions for our world to thrive, then this was the programme where I could start this new path in my professional life."

What do you think about your programme so far? Has it met your expectations?

"Now that I am here, the programme has proved to be everything I was expecting, and much more! Reading about the subjects during my research already excited me, and now I’m simply in awe. The subjects cover a lot of critical issues, and we are presented with current research, visited by guest lecturers who are professionals in the field, and taught by passionate professors. The programme is living up to my expectations and exceeding them."

What is the best thing about your programme?

"There are plenty of great things – from the international viewpoints in all of the subjects to the university itself to the relevance of the subjects we are taught. But I would highlight our professors, who are not only phenomenal teachers, but professionals in the field. They are extremely knowledgeable and very committed to their work and to us, the students. Their passion shines through and transfers to us, and their dedication shows how much they care about what they do and DRMCCA. They bring a comprehensive perspective of this work and encourage us to see the possibilities of having an impact in this field and the world."

What do you think of the teaching style at Lund?

"I absolutely love it and appreciate it very much. It is a very encouraging and supportive space, where teachers have an open-door policy for students to visit and talk to them about the subjects and more. As a student, you feel cared for and valued, encouraged to be here, and inspired to do your best."

Are there opportunities for practical experience during the studies in this programme?

"During the first semester of the second year, we can do an internship if we choose to do so. Former students have done internships at the United Nations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Swedish Red Cross, as well as smaller organisations, companies, and municipalities working on disaster risk management or adaptation projects to the new climate. The faculty connects us with organisations and help us find opportunities to get experience in this work."

To what extent does your degree programme prepare you for a career in your field?

"Very much. DRMCCA gives the students a wide variety of tools to be able to develop a career in the field of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. More than that, it connects us with alumni and professionals in this industry, giving us face time with real-world experiences."

Thoughts on being an international student at Lund

How international is your programme and what is it like to study in that kind of environment?

"DRMCCA is very international, mostly from European countries, but also from Asia, America, and Oceania. That is another of the great things about this programme – the international perspectives it brings from all the different backgrounds in the class, not only nationality-wise but also professionally since we come from many different fields. All of us provide perspectives from what we have done and know so far."

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

"It is quite special. You are a student at one of the top universities in the world, and still, you feel down-to-earth. You are able to connect easily with your professors, have a great support system from them and the international office, and also from other international students through all the activities and groups that exist."

What surprised you the most about Sweden?

"One of my favourite things about Swedes is their take on the weather. I heard in one of the first sessions we had during orientation weeks, that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing! Now that I have been here for six months, I can attest to that: no matter the rain, the cold, or the wind, simply know how to dress. Also, be ready to sort your trash properly, separating everything you consume – there are bins for every different type of trash (compost, metal, glass with labels, glass without labels, plastic, paper…) – it takes a while to sort it, but it is definitely worth it."

Student Life

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

"There are plenty of extracurricular activities and opportunities at Lund, from the Faculty of Engineering Student Union to student associations, the nations, and much more (more info in the links below). But for me personally, what I am enjoying the most during my spare time is being out in nature, either at the many parks in Malmö or Lund, the beach in Malmö or Lomma, or the natural parks around the area. They are all easy to reach via public transportation."

More about student associations

Discover the nations

Tips for prospective students and plans for the future

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

"Be aware of the cold and the dark months. With good clothing and layers, the cold is very doable and even enjoyable – and this comes from a southerner! And with good candles, exercise, extracurricular activities, and good friends, either here or back home, the dark months are bearable."

Why should prospective students choose your programme?

"DRMCCA is a unique programme that looks at world challenges such as disaster and climate change, and provides us with the tools to tackle them. In this programme, you will learn about proactive and reactive disaster risk management methods, such as risk assessment, climate change risks, preparation planning, capacity building, risk communication, disaster response, and resilience. Furthermore, the programme has an association for current and former students and faculty that provides a whole network of professionals in the field that you are automatically a part of."

What are you planning to do after your studies? What are your plans for the future?

"Big question! I am still figuring that out, and every day I spend in class gives me a bit more clarity, learning about the possibilities out there in terms of areas of work within the DRMCCA field, and acquiring so much knowledge. For now, as one of our professors recommended me recently, I am present in this moment, and the clarity for what is next will come."