Student blogs

Mum, Dad, I would like to do my Bachelor’s abroad. 

I was around 16 when the idea of moving abroad for university first crossed my mind. At first, I wanted to experience a new environment and leave the town where I had lived all my life. After discovering the BSc in Biomedicine at Karolinska Institutet (KI), I quickly realised that this crazy idea could be my best option.

Why this programme? Why KI? 

My name is Carla and I was born and raised in the Spanish countryside. No, I’m not from Madrid or Barcelona. No, I haven’t been to Ibiza. My hometown is in a region called Galicia, where green mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. If you ask me, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

There were only two fairly small secondary schools in town, so everyone knew each other. Growing up with a fixed number of people is probably one of the factors that made me want to study abroad. 

The main one was finding the Bachelor’s in Biomedicine at Karolinska Institutet through a Google search. 

“Biomedicine” is a rare option in public universities in Spain. Biology, biochemistry, pharmacy… but not biomedical sciences, and nothing close to where I lived. All these degrees last at least four years instead of three and studying in English is not a widespread option. Add KI’s prestige, the early exposure to research and the international community, and there was no competition. Not that there aren’t good programmes or universities in Spain; just none that fit what I was yearning for. 

So Karolinska Institutet wasn’t just an escape route into a different world for me. It meant studying what I loved in an institution full of opportunities. 

Had I ever been to Scandinavia, let alone Stockholm, before? No, but I was not choosing a region, I was choosing KI. 

How was the application process? 

Applying from within the EU is easier than from outside it: no fees, no residence permit, the process is more straightforward. I am very lucky in that sense. Something important to note about Sweden is that the application is made on a national platform, where you can rank up to eight programmes, including options at other universities. My advice to anyone considering the BSc in Biomedicine is to check the requirements well in advance. Start with KI’s website and then read the country-specific instructions on the national admissions platform.

About a year went by between the moment I decided to apply to KI and the moment I received my acceptance. Add a few more months if you count up to my arrival in Sweden. During that time I combined gathering the documentation with finishing my last year of secondary school. Even though KI was my first option by far, I applied to other universities as back-up plans, and I sat my national exams to be eligible in Spain, although they did not count for Sweden.

As I write this, I’ve just realised it has already been three months since I found out I had been accepted to KI, the 10th of July. A lot has changed.

So, how has it been so far? 

Amazing. Wonderful. My first month at KI has definitely proved that I have made the right choice, both academically and personally.

So far, the programme has deepened my interest in biochemical processes in the human body. The lectures are combined with seminars, laboratory sessions, group projects… No two days are the same and that variety is what keeps you engaged. The schedule is flexible and allows students to balance university with the process of moving to a new country and adapting.

On a more personal level, moving abroad at 18 is the biggest challenge that I have faced so far in my life. I’m figuring out a new environment, taking on responsibilities I never had before and cooking all my own meals. It is part of the process and I’m still learning how to roast sweet potatoes properly.

Introduction Week allowed me to meet many of my classmates before the courses began. Both the activities organised by KI and those run by the student union (huge thanks to MU and the BUS Reception Committee!) were designed to help us learn our way around campus, get to know university traditions and meet new people. Spending time with international students with very different backgrounds teaches very valuable lessons on cultural diversity and it challenges your preconceived ideas about the world. There is never a shortage of things to talk about and I have made some really good friends.

As for Sweden and Stockholm, I am saving indoor plans for winter and making the most of the good weather while it lasts. Walks in the city and short trips to nearby towns and national parks: the region has a lot to offer! Swedish culture is quite different from the Spanish vibe, and I am still learning new things about it every day. I have picked up some good habits, such as never saying no to fika!

By becoming a digital ambassador, I hope to help prospective students with a background similar to mine or totally different. When I was in your position, I used to read loads of student blogs to learn more about the BSc in Biomedicine, KI and Stockholm. Now it is my turn.

Nice to meet you!