Yes, you read it right. It’s time for the next edition of the beloved (at least by me) student spotlight in the wonderful global health programme. I do apologise for the delay—I had planned to post this in late December. But as it goes with life, sometimes things don’t go as planned, especially when it comes to end-of-year holidays and hectic planning. For this next blog, I asked one of my classmates—and close friend—to share her experience with us. It took some convincing, but she finally agreed to grace us with her wisdom (if you’re reading this, I owe you one). Anyway, let us have less yapping from me and more from Saifa!

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

I’m 23 years old and from Bangladesh. I studied Public Health for my bachelor’s degree, and alongside my studies I worked as both a teaching assistant and a research assistant. After graduating, I became a lecturer, teaching first-year university students while continuing research. This phase of balancing teaching and research made me realize how much I value learning, mentoring, and asking questions that matter. Receiving the Swedish Institute Scholarship made it possible for me to continue this journey at Karolinska Institutet.

What led you to global health?

Global health became personal to me long before it became academic. Growing up and studying in Bangladesh, I saw how health is shaped by where you live, what resources are available, and whether systems actually work for people. During my research in under-resourced healthcare settings, I saw gaps that couldn’t be fixed by individual effort alone. I wanted to understand how health systems, policies, and global decisions affect real lives—especially in low-resource contexts like my own.

What have you enjoyed the most about the programme?

One aspect I’ve especially appreciated is how professors from different countries and professional backgrounds join the programme as guest lecturers. Hearing directly from people working across health systems, research, and policy settings has made the learning feel grounded and connected to real-world contexts.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Sweden?

Outside of academics, what I enjoy most about Sweden is the sense of access it gives me. Living in Stockholm has made travel—within Sweden and across Europe—feel possible in a way it never did before. I enjoy exploring museums, experiencing new cities, and planning trips, especially during breaks. Winter has been particularly memorable for me; seeing the snow for the first time!! Learning to adapt to the cold, shorter days, and preparing to experience Sweden has felt like stepping into a completely new world.

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

I would tell my past self to trust the process or yourself more and not underestimate my own potential. Coming from a low-resource setting, it’s easy to doubt whether opportunities like this are possible—but they are. Even if it feels impossible, give it a try, give your best shot; eventually it will come to you. Receiving the Swedish Institute Scholarship was a reminder that hard work, consistency, and purpose do get recognized. I’d also remind myself that growth often comes from discomfort, and that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away.

In short

From what you’ve just read, you’re probably realising that, indeed, Saifa represents the kind of student that KI attracts. Excellence, experience, and knowledge, but also kind-heartedness, drive and humility. She has gone very far at the ripe age of 23, and something tells me that this is just the beginning for her (and all of us first-year Master students). I’m actually excited to see what will become of our class after graduating—but hey, as I have to constantly remind myself, the future is for later!