What Sara says about the Master's in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation
Sára from Hungary
What is your educational background?
"I have a Bachelor’s in Politics and International Relations, which I completed at The University of Aberdeen in Scotland. I also have some teaching background, like teaching English as a Foreign Language and Business English Facilitating. Currently, I am a second-year student of Master’s in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation (DRMCCA)."
Why did you choose Lund University? What was your expectations before coming to LU?
"For some unexplainable reason, I have always wanted to study in Sweden. The stunning environment and healthy lifestyle were definitely the main drivers, as well as the great education system that Sweden is famous for. Just between us, being able to eat liquorice in all shapes and sizes every single day was also a strong argument for why I should apply for LU.
The DRMCCA programme sounded very specific and I expected to gain knowledge within a variety of broader thematic areas. I also think that the field of disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) needs a systemic change that our generation could be able to achieve."
What does the programme entail?
"To be honest, the programme entails everything from the application of disaster risk management policies, through land-use planning for better adaptation to climate change, to challenges, risks, capacity-building. The list is never-ending! There is a great emphasis on current practices and challenges, risk management, and you will also participate in some cool group projects during which you can apply your practical skills."
Has the programme met your expectations so far? Motivate your answer.
"I expected to learn a lot, and that has definitely been fulfilled. I feel like the programme has broadened my perspectives on topics which I previously have not known much about. It is a demanding programme that includes an intense workload, but I feel like I benefited from most courses and think they enriched me with new theoretical as well as practical knowledge. All things considered, I do think that I have gained the necessary skills for starting a job in the field, and I am happy to say that I have managed to find out what interests me the most; you must narrow down your interest at some point!"
What do you do in your spare time?
"I do sports, go for walks, read books, and unfortunately binge on TV series!"
Any other thoughts you have, that you think could be interesting to people applying for this programme?
"The most interesting thing I can think of is the diversity in the classroom, which instantly brings different perspectives to the table. People’s backgrounds run on a broad scale from Psychology to Politics, Environmental Studies, Business, Anthropology, and so on. You will also become more aware of your own capacities as well as biases according to which you live your daily lives; and that is very interesting, a bit more like psychology. You will probably want to get rid of those biases which is one of the best things you can do to make valuable judgments and do a great job later in your career."
"The focus is on individual growth"
Momo from Germany
"The teachers encourage students to think outside the box"
Spilios from Greece
The programme structure is extremely intentional and well thought-out
AnaCapri from the USA
"The enthusiasm and engagement of the professors are amazing"
Tomas from Sweden
"Relevant skills that help me navigate between disciplines"
Minja from Finland
"Lots of flexibility and we are encouraged to be creative"
Shu from Canada