1,200 foreign master´s programme students to KTH
An ever-increasing share of new students enrolling here at KTH are master´s programme students from other countries. This autumn some 1,200 of these will study the 42 programmes given by us in English. They represent almost 100 different nationalities; China here ranks as no. 1, with Pakistan, Greece and Iran next. One student travelled to Stockholm from his home in Brazil – on bicycle, see below.
In view of the differences in culture and environment that meet these students as they arrive, an intensive introduction programme has been undertaken by KTH´s International Office. This year´s effort includes both large central welcoming parties, introductory receptions at School level, and a multitude of information get-togethers concerning practical matters – insurance, health care, how to obtain a personal ID number and a bank account, etc. KTH´s International Student Service also runs a varied programme of social activities on Campus, such as pub & film evenings and museum visits; this also aims to make the guest students feel more relaxed and better at home here.
Just as in previous years, an enormous administrative effort has been put into finding somewhere to live for every one of these students. The staff at KTH Accommodation Office are now fairly optimistic; nearly everyone of those who have paid a deposit will have accommodation in a few days, yet some fifty students will have to put up with temporary lodging at youth hostels for a period of time. In addition, a rather large number of students are looking around for lodging on their own.
One of KTH´s freshman students is Edgard Antunes Dias Batista from Brazil. As his notice of acceptance arrived at home, Edgard decided to take his bicycle along to Stockholm, instead of just booking an airline ticket.
– Bikes are a fantastic example of how simple and efficient some technology can be, at the same time ecologic, healthy and fun, he says. In these times of global warming discussions, bikes are a good answer to the problems caused by cars, like pollution and traffic jams.
Edgar views his trip to Europe as an environmental project, and a way of combining work with pleasure. His own study project? Why, sustainable technology, of course.
Sara Öhman