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

Pernille from Denmark

Could you tell us a little bit about your educational background?

"I have a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Cultural Encounters from Denmark. After that, I also studied some courses in Environmental Science in the U.S."

About the programme

Why did you choose Lund University and why did this particular programme appeal to you?

"What I found most appealing about the programme was the concrete, hands-on learning about DRM (Disaster Risk Management) and CCA (Climate Change Adaptation). I was looking for a programme both related to climate change and long-term development, in which I would learn concrete skills to bring into my career, and I found this programme was offering this."

Do you have a favourite course?

"I can't pinpoint just one favourite course. The content of the courses overlaps and relates to each other, making the content of each course quite relevant for the overall field of DRM and CCA. The more course content you get exposed to, the more the linkages between each topic become clear."

Why should prospective students choose this programme?

"I would recommend this programme because of the many doors it can open for you. Since the programme is both quite new and relatively small, there is a great sense of community within the programme and among the alumni. The alumni network stretches all over the world, and the professors and the students of the programme are great at creating strong ties among the various batches."

The teaching style and practical experiences

What do you think of the teaching style and the way of studying here? What are the lecturers and professors like?

"The teaching style is very interactive, and the professors put a lot of trust and responsibility on you to both prepare for and engage during the courses. I prefer this type of teaching style since it gives space for case studies, reflection and discussions, instead of only relying on the classical teacher-student classroom setting. The professors are super qualified, with many years of experience from both the field and academia, which makes it a great learning environment. The professors are also good at creating a healthy learning environment, and you can always reach out with questions, concerns or for a chat. Throughout the programme, there is a lot of group work, which is a great learning setting, since the programme consists of people with various backgrounds, creating interesting learning dynamics in group settings."

What is the academic/learning environment like?

"There are so many academic inputs throughout the programme. Many of the lectures are based on the professors’ backgrounds and experiences. Throughout the programme, several guest lectures from various fields and organisations will bring their inputs from the field. Furthermore, there are a lot of interesting case studies and hands-on practical tasks, which create an interactive learning environment, linking the content ‘closer to reality’."

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

"I had the opportunity to do an internship with the Danish Red Cross as an integrated part of my studies, in which I was able to gain practical experience within an organisation. Furthermore, the programme gives you practical experience with creating project proposals, risk assessments, and designing and conducting simulation exercises."

Have you had any opportunities for networking within the programme? Do you work with companies?

"There have been many opportunities to network within the programme. We have had several students from previous batches come and do presentations, which has been a great way to connect with previous students who now work in the field. There have also been several guest lectures from various organisations, which has been a great opportunity to network with professionals in the field."

Being an international student in Lund

What it is like to be an international student at Lund University and how international is your programme?

"Lund University creates a good frame for you to get engaged at get settled in Lund. The University offers a very thorough introduction period, in which you can connect with other international students and Swedish students, while also getting practical help getting settled in the city. I have appreciated the many opportunities and introductions the university provides when it comes to social activities, including the mentor programme, Nations (social clubs), and events throughout the semesters. My programme is an international programme, with students from various countries covering four continents."

How do you like living in Sweden? Did you feel welcome here? And what surprised you most about Sweden?

"I liked living in Sweden because of the easy connection between the cities. Getting from Lund to Malmö and around the area is very easily accessible. Everyone speaks English, which makes it super easy to be out in the city. I was mostly surprised about how in Sweden, everything comes down to having an ID card: You can’t join a gym, get discounts in the supermarket or anything without having an ID!"

What are the highlights of your time here so far?

"The content and the people from the programme. The content of the programme has exceeded my expectations by far. And the people in the programme are so smart, engaged, and lovely to hang out with."

If you would recommend Lund to someone, what would you say?

"Lund is a super pretty city, which is charming to walk around in. The combination of cobblestone, rustic buildings, and pretty nature and parks is very charming."

Future plans and tips for prospective students

What are you planning to do after your studies?

"I intend to find work related to DRM and CCA abroad, to work with the people at the forefront of the climate crisis."

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

"If you can, get a Swedish ID card – that will help you in many aspects of your everyday life! And bring cosy stuff (socks, blankets, nice sweaters, hot chocolate, etc.) – you will need it for the dark months here!"