300 international students

With the start of the semester, approximately 300 new international students start their studies at University West. The Netherlands, India and China are just some of the more than 40 countries represented by our new students. They come to Sweden both to study programmes and to study as exchange students.

- We work strategically to create a range of programmes that are attractive to international students, says Tomas Bengtsson, Director of International Affairs at University West.

Tomas Bengtsson explains that listening to industry and the labor market, the university can develop programmes that meet the needs of society.

The Master in Sustainable Development is one of the most popular programmes, among this year's international applicants. Coupled with the Master in AI and Automation.

Kudakwashe, from Zimbabwe, is one of the many students that has arrived to start their studies in Trollhättan.

- Being in Sweden feels fantastic, he says. It's a "wow feeling" and I'm really happy to be here.

Sujata has come all the way from Nepal to study in Trollhättan. She is excited to be here and says she is very much looking forward to learning and experiencing new things.

From the left: Kudakwashe from Zimbabwe and Sujata from Nepal.

Many of the students arrived last week, to participate in the Introduction Days, organized by the International Office at the university. Before the start of the semester, the international students get an introduction to what it's like to study in Sweden and at Högskolan Väst, as well as what it's like to live here. It’s also an opportunity for them to get to know each other and the campus before the studies start.

As part of the introduction, the students were given tours of the campus and in Trollhättan, presentations from the university's various functions, the police and Trollhättan City, and went on a trip to IKEA.

Not everyone has arrived, yet

Many of the students are still not here in Trollhättan.

- Unfortunately, it is a long process for the students to get a residence permit, says Tomas Bengtsson. Therefore, they must start their studies digitally, as they wait to receive their permit.

Luckily, University West has invested heavily in distance learning. This means that it is still possible for the students to start their studies from their home countries, while waiting for a residence permit.