Lars is currently in Sweden for his semester abroad. Read in the interview how Lars found an accommodation, what his first days in his temporary home were like and what is different about everyday university life in Jönköping compared to the FH.

Lars, what was the application process like? How did you apply and when did you receive an acceptance letter? 

At the FH, the application process is very simple via the online portal “Mobility Online”. There you enter your faculty, the subject you are studying and the academic year in which you would like to spend a semester abroad. Then the for you possible countries with its universities appear. After that you can select your favorite city and the application process will be presented to you in detail. 

I started to inform myself in December but was not nominated by the International Office of the FH until the end of March of the following year. My partner university, Jönköping University, accepted me in April. In June I received confirmation, the so-called Grant Agreement. It also regulates the recognition of credit points.

So, your credit points will be recognized? 

Yes, my credit points will be recognized. I am taking three modules with a total of 30 credit points. 

What funding do you receive?

Every student is supported by European Union funding during a stay abroad in another European country. The Erasmus+ funding varies from country to country. For Sweden, I receive the equivalent of 600 euros a month, which I spend on rent and food. 

Did you need a language certificate? Have you been able to learn some Swedish? 

In the third semester I completed a language course for C1 in English, which I had to upload in the application process. I am doing very well with my level of English. I started learning Swedish with Duolingo, but everything here can be done in English. 

How did you find an accommodation?

In Jönköping you are guaranteed accommodation when you are accepted by the university. That saved me a lot of worries. I applied for student accommodation and got my third choice. In the end, however, I am very happy with my allocation. The place is a bit out of the city center, but most of the students and my friends live here. I live with three other students in a shared flat with a shared kitchen and two bathrooms. 

What were your first days in Jönköping like?

At Jönköping University, the semester starts with a ten-day KickOf. The new arrivals compete against each other in small teams. There are challenges and activities throughout the day where we had to wear overalls in our faculty color. That is typical for the scandinavian student life. Therefore the student club “Akademien” is open every evening for partying. The KickOf makes it easy to meet new people and make friends. 

What are you studying at the FH and which modules are you taking in Jönköping?

I’m studying “Public Relations and Corporate Communications” in my fifth semester at the FH. At Jönköping University, I’m studying at the School of Education and Communication. I was able to choose my preferences from a wide range of courses. In my case, it is the three modules “Peace and Conflict Studies”, “Environmental Communication” and “Leadership in a global context”. 

What is different at Jönköping University than at the FH?

In Sweden, the university system is a bit different to Germany. In the first phase you have one module with its final exam, then the next module and its exams and so on. You don’t have an exam phase at the end of the semester which saves you a lot of stress. There is enough time to go to my handball training in the evening and I can have my weekends off. 

What is important to think about if you want to spend a semester abroad in Jönköping?

It’s best not to think too much. Just do it. I can truly recommend travelling. I’ve been to the Norwegian fjords and on a glacier. In November I’m going to Finnish Lapland.

Your last tip for students who are interested in a semester abroad:

If you have the opportunity to go abroad, do it!  It’s a great step, especially for your personal development. A big recommendation from me!

Thank you Lars for the interview and have a great time in Jönköping! 

Are you now interested in doing a semester in another country? Then visit the online portal to find out about your options for going abroad. Get to know more about studying in Europe and if you have any further questions, please contact the International Office.