March 19, 2025
My Experience in the International and European Relations Master’s at LiU
Hey everyone!😊 If you’re thinking about studying International and European Relations at Linköping University (LiU), or you’re just curious about what it’s like, let me take you through my experience so far. Spoiler: It’s been challenging, exciting, and full of surprises!
What’s the Program Like?
The structure of the program makes it really engaging and manageable. Instead of juggling too many courses at once, each semester is split into two periods, so we can focus on fewer subjects at a time.
📌 First Semester: We dive into international relations theories, global politics, and research methods. It’s all about getting the foundation right before moving on to more specialized topics.
📌Second Semester
This is where the European part of the program kicks in. We study European foreign policy, international security, and European law. But the real highlight? The Brussels trip!⭐
We had the incredible opportunity to visit key EU institutions, meet policymakers, and see how things actually work behind the scenes. One of the most impactful moments was stepping into the European Parliament, where we engaged in discussions on legislative decision-making and the challenges of representing 450 million EU citizens. Seeing the democratic process up close made everything we studied in class feel much more tangible.
Beyond the Parliament, we also visited the European Commission, where we learned about policy implementation, trade negotiations, and the daily workings of the EU’s executive body. A senior official explained the complexities of international trade deals and the EU’s role as a regulatory powerhouse. It was eye-opening to hear firsthand how policies are shaped and negotiated.
Outside of the official visits, the trip also allowed us to experience Brussels itself—the heart of European politics. Walking through the Grand Place, trying Belgian waffles, and soaking in the atmosphere of this international hub added a cultural dimension to the academic experience.
A Day in the Life: What’s Studying Like?
One thing I love about studying in Sweden is the balance between structured learning and independent study. There aren’t long lecture hours every day, but there’s an expectation to do a lot of reading and research on your own. Here’s what a typical day looks like for me:
☕ Morning: Usually starts with a lecture or seminar (not before a tea/coffee, of course). Classes are interactive, and group discussions are a big part of learning.
🍕 Lunch: The university has a crazy number of microwaves, so most students bring their own food. If you forget, don’t worry—there are also options around campus!
💻Afternoon: Some days are for independent study, which means diving into research papers, preparing presentations, or working on assignments. Other days, I meet up with classmates for group work.
🪐 Evening: Some days I have more readings to do, but I also make time for social activities. The best part of this program is that it’s so international—there’s always someone organizing a fun event!
📌Third Semester: Internship or More Courses?
By the third semester, we have a big decision to make: take more specialized courses or do an internship.
I went for the internship route and worked with an NGO focused on international development, sustainability advocacy, youth empowerment, and global peacebuilding. It was such a valuable experience—I got to apply what I learned in class, gain practical skills, and make industry connections.
If you ever get the chance to do one, I’d highly recommend it! It really helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications.
📌The Final Stretch: Thesis Time!
Now that it’s the fourth and final semester, I’ve officially started working on my master’s thesis. No more procrastinating—it’s happening! 😅 It’s definitely a challenge, but at the same time, it’s exciting to dive deep into a topic I’m truly interested in. After months of studying different aspects of international and European relations, it’s now my turn to contribute with my own research.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, this program has given me so much more than just academic knowledge—it helped me grow as a critical thinker, meet amazing people from all over the world, and prepare for an international career.
If you’re considering this program, here’s my advice:
✅ Be ready to engage in discussions—participation is a huge part of learning.
✅ Time management is key! There’s a lot of reading and writing, but also plenty of free time if you organize well.
✅ Take advantage of all the networking opportunities—whether it’s the Brussels trip, guest lectures, or internships.
I hope this gives you a better idea of what it’s like to study International and European Relations at LiU!
Every semester brings new challenges and opportunities, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next! 😊 So, for anyone considering this program, be ready for an exciting and dynamic experience!
One that challenges you, broadens your perspective, and prepares you for the global stage.
And if you found this post helpful, you might like some of my other posts too where I share more stories and experiences. This one is also about my programme https://internationalstudents.blog.liu.se/2025/02/10/beyond-the-textbooks-my-journey-through-the-international-and-european-relations-masters-at-liu/
Feel free to explore!
Until next time,
Janine, International and European Relations
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