Hej everyone!

In today’s blog post, I want to share my experience of applying and moving to another country, and maybe give you some useful tips for those of you considering a similar journey!

For this, let’s go back to the beginning, when I finished my biology bachelor’s degree in Portugal. Midway through my bachelor’s, I discovered the master’s programme I really wanted to pursue: Master in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology here at LiU (the one that I’m currently enrolled in). The challenge was that my parents couldn’t afford my living expenses in Sweden. So, my only option was to work, save up, and with some support from my parents fulfil my dream of studying in Sweden.

However, what I initially thought would be a one-year plan turned into a two-year journey. Doubts crept in: Should I really go to Sweden? Are there other options? Should I go to choose a less specialized programme? And yes, for a while I really changed my mind and started thinking about other options, but then this friend of mine just said: “You’ve invested two years, are you really throwing everything away?” He was totally right.

From that moment, I focused on everything needed for my application, brushed up on my English skills, really put all the effort into my work, and explored job opportunities in Sweden. So, I cleared everything I needed from my “to-do list” to apply to LiU and just waited for the answer. Meanwhile, I made the most of my time. While working, I enrolled in online courses related to my field of study to stay focused, overcame fears of taking risks and trying new things, started painting, and even had two jobs simultaneously, gaining insights into two distinct worlds.

When I received the positive response from University Admissions, I admit, I cried. It felt like everything was coming together for a promising future. The support I received from everyone made this decision even more meaningful.

Leaving everyone I knew behind weighed heavily on me. I’m deeply connected to every single one of my family members, specially my grandparents, and although I don’t have this massive friends list, the ones that I have are irreplaceable. Also, I had never been out of Portugal or flown anywhere before. It was a series of firsts.

Nevertheless, let me tell you, I’ve been here for 5 months now, and I wouldn’t have done anything different. All the work, all the cry, was totally worth it. Although I don’t imagine myself living in Sweden for a long period of time, taking this opportunity and overcoming challenges has given me a sense of pride and confidence in myself like nothing else could.

I’m sharing this now because there might be someone out there in a similar situation, doubting themselves or wondering if it’s worth it. I can’t guarantee this is the right choice for everyone, but if you felt that spark when you read about the program you’ve always wanted and believe that living abroad could be a challenging but necessary step for your development, then it probably is the right choice.

Hope to see you here next year!

Thanks for reading, see you soon!

 

/Leonor, Applied Ethology and Animal Biology

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