Student blogs

As promised, here is the second edition of the student spotlight in our global health programme! For the first post in this chain, we got to know Irene, who undoubtedly has a remarkable journey and tons of work experience. For this next one, we’re going to be hearing from Robin, a student fresh out of college with a big heart and even bigger dreams, coming from a very different path. On with it!

How old are you, where are you from, and what were you doing before coming to KI?

I am 22 years old and I come from the United States. Before coming to KI, I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2025. I majored in Global Health with minors in Health Policy and Northern European Cultures and Languages.

What led you to global health?

My interest in global health began in 2019 when I took a free Harvard Extension School virtual course on Ebola during my 3rd year of high school. Although the course only lasted a few weeks, it sparked a deep interest in infectious diseases. Afterwards, I started watching films and listening to podcasts that had to do with epidemiology and global health. The onset of COVID-19 furthered this interest and I observed how different countries approached the pandemic.

So far, what have you enjoyed the most about the programme?

The aspect of the Global Health Programme that I have enjoyed the most is the variety of guest speakers covering different topics. It’s inspiring to hear from professionals and professors not only from across Sweden, but also from around the world, from the United States and Canada to Uganda.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Sweden?

My favorite thing to do in Sweden, although very common, is to get fika. During KI’s introduction week, there was free fika almost everyday, which made it a great way to meet classmates, take a break from technology, and meet everyone. I love how fika is such a cherished part of Swedish culture, with so many cozy cafes and delicious pastries around the city (my favorite so far is Stora Bageriet!).

If you could give your past self any advice, what would it be?

If I could give my past self advice I would tell her that no matter how nervous you feel, everything will work out the way it’s meant to. When I was applying for my bachelor’s degree, I was heartbroken to be waitlisted by my dream school, the University of Michigan, but after completing my degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out. The same happened with my masters applications; I felt disheartened when I wasn’t accepted into the University of Copenhagen’s Global Health program. Yet, after just two months in Stockholm, I feel incredibly grateful to be at the Karolinska Institutet and excited to make the most of my two years here.

In short

As I have mentioned before—maybe one too many times—the essence of what makes global health such a unique programme lies on the vastly different paths pursued by everyone in the class. There is no repeated story, no repeated journey, no repeated life. I know it sounds cliched, or even unrealistic, but believe me when I tell you (or don’t, that’s okay too) that each person in the class is unique and genuine. Irene and Robin are just a small glimpse into it, so stay tuned for the student spotlights that have yet to come!

P.S. An unrelated tip

With November coming to an end, and winter darkness having made its gloomy arrival, I thought I’d refer you to a great post by lovely fellow blogger, Linnea, on how to deal with what can feel like endless nights. Be sure to check it out here!