Student blogs

“Excuse me, Sir, did I set this up correctly?” I asked our physiology professor as he passed by my lab bench. He replied, smiling and surprised: “Sir? Wow, that sounds so weird. I haven’t been called that since… a long while.” 

That’s because in Sweden you call your professors by their first name. No Dr., no Mr., no Miss or Mrs, no Sir. This was quite a shock when I moved here, and to this day I still don’t feel right saying “Nico, did I set this up correctly?” Not even Nicolas, just Nico. But in Sweden, this is the norm, and it shows just how flat the hierarchy is. Here’s what you should be ready for when becoming a part of the flat hierarchy.

Calling professors by their first names is not rude

Most professors I’ve spoken with, or written super formal emails to, have responded in a much simpler fashion. Usually there’s no “Dear Julia” or “Kind regards”, it could be a simple “Hi!” even an occasional inclusion of some emojis, and signed: “First name”. When I first came here, I thought it would be very rude to address professors without using a proper title such as professor, Sir, Mrs, or Miss. But after one of my Swedish friends oversaw me writing an email starting with: “Dear Proffessor [Last name]” they laughed and said, “Wow this is so formal. I would just write “Hej [first name].” And indeed, that’s how most emails seem to be written here in Sweden.

Professors, researchers, and students are equals

Having a flat hierarchy means more than just being able to address professors by their first names, it means that these people become more approachable. I feel that whenever talking to someone who’s either a professor, a distinguished researcher, or the program director, normally it feels intimidating to approach them. You feel a little belittled, pressured to make sure you address them correctly, and appear as respectful as possible. As this process of overthinking begins, you might decide to not even approach them. Or if you do, feel nervous and intimidated.

Here, I’ve never experienced such a feeling. It feels like professors and researchers are extremely approachable and happy to talk to you and answer any questions. It makes a very warm and engaging learning environment. 

The falt heiarchy is reflected in the hospital uniforms too

Recently I learned that all hospital workers, nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists wear the same clothing. They’re all dressed in the same short-sleeved, hospital-provided scrubs; no differences are made between hospital workers.

You’re always just an email away from receiving any type of help

Oftentimes I really think back to the power of emailing and being ready to ask professors questions. They’ll always be so happy to help!

And this goes beyond simple course-related questions. I once reached out to both our program director and the organic chemistry professor if I could borrow lab equipment for decor for SNNC (the Students’ Nobel NightCap). And in a few weeks time I had a car pick up a bunch of lab equipment. Here he is our organic chemistry professor, Bernhard in the photo to the left!

Do you want to have fika sometime and discuss this? 

People are so ready to connect and pass on knowledge. Be it the founder of a startup, a professor, or a supervisor. If you are interested in a researcher’s or professors work and you write them an email, don’t be surprised if they respond with “Sure, we can maybe discuss this over fika sometime?” And I think this readiness to pass on knowledge and connect with people (over some coffee) is such a great way to network and encourage curiosity in anything that interests you.

In my opinion, the flat heiarchy creates a learning and working environment that feels like home, and I love it!