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Warm Welcome for Arriving Exchange Students

Published Aug 03, 2012

Several hundred international exchange students got their first look at the KTH campus this week, arriving three weeks before classes start to sort out housing arrangements and other practical matters, and to begin intensive language courses. KTH’s student union and International Student Office were there to greet them.

After several weeks of summertime quiet, the KTH campus came alive this week with students dragging luggage up from the underground station, gathering in clusters to read maps, and finding ways to communicate in dozens of different languages. 

It’s one thing to take a holiday abroad, but a first-time visit to a foreign country with plans to live and study for months or even years can be quite another. A small army of blue-shirted functionaries from the International Student Office is on duty this week to help the new students get their bearings.

“Housing is the biggest issue that we help with, followed by transportation,” says Maria Frost, head of the ISO. “Most exchange students have registered for rooms or flats through our service, and they’re here now signing contracts and picking up keys.” The city’s bus and underground train operator, SL, offers students a substantial discount when they present certificates issued by ISO. Frost’s office also advises on banking, insurance, health care and even shopping for basic necessities to equip a new apartment. 

 Meanwhile, the university’s student union, Tekniska Högskolans Studentkår or THS, is arranging barbecues and pub evenings to give the new arrivals a chance to meet and compare notes.

Classes don’t begin at KTH until August 24, but exchange students are offered three weeks of instruction in Swedish. “Most exchange students take all their courses in English, and almost everyone in Stockholm speaks English, but it can be big help to at least know the basics of the local language,” Frost says.

Django van Amstel, a systems and control student at Delft University in Holland, will study sustainable energy at KTH’s School of Industrial Engineering and Management. “I looked at an exchange programme in Tokyo, but KTH has a good reputation and it’s a lot closer to home. I’ll get some experience here, and then maybe go to Japan.”
Charlotte Sythes and Luke Callaghan from Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. Both are studying environmental planning and urban management at KTH’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment. “We want to learn about the public transportation systems here,” says Charlotte. “The city looks idyllic.”
Gaeton Grimberger will study energy and mechanical engineering. On his first day in Sweden he says, “In France, we all believe this is a clean country with respectful people, low crime and beautiful nature. I wanted to come to a university where I don’t know anyone, so I have to meet new people.”
Xintong Zhang signing up student volunteers to help stage Nobel Nightcap. Every December 10th, Nobel Prize winners come to Stockholm to collect their awards and attend a formal banquet hosted by Sweden’s royal family. This year, the annual late-night after-party for Nobel laureates and their families will be held at KTH.

By Kevin Billinghurst

Photos by Jann Lipka and Kevin Billinghurst

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Last changed: Aug 03, 2012