At KTH, Javier had the opportunity to interact with many different researchers and universities in an international environment
Javier comes from Madrid in Spain where he got his Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering at University Carlos III. He loves flamenco and playing the flamenco guitar – but he also enjoys other hobbies like basketball and writing. He studied the programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science between 2016 and 2018.
What made you choose to come to Sweden and KTH?
I am very interested in research in the biomedical field, especially in high-throughput genomics and transcriptomics analysis. After completing my degree, I was looking forward to going abroad; therefore, the combination of medicine, technology and research was enough to start my search for master's programmes in Sweden. I found the master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Sciences, whose content was a great fit for me, and it was also a joint programme. Here I have the opportunity to interact with many different researchers and universities in an international environment.
How do you enjoy living in Sweden?
I had never been to Sweden before, but many strong reasons convinced me to come here. Now I have to say I am surprised and very happy: I live within beautiful nature and a beautiful city, public services work perfectly, and I feel more and even more curious about Swedish and other Scandinavian cultures!
What is the best thing about the programme you study?
Mainly, I have to point out the collaboration between three different universities to create this joint programme. This fact made me make the final decision and apply for it. The coordinators and the professors are doing their best to improve this relatively new programme, and we feel free and invited to provide them with our feedback.
What would you like to do after getting your degree?
I want to do more research and answer or even formulate questions every day; I'm considering the possibility of finding an appropriate research topic during my studies here and jump into a PhD position.
What do you like most about KTH?
I feel impressed and captivated by the large number of research departments available to develop technology and studies within several degree subjects. This university holds many top-class professionals and resources.
Also, there are many so many choices when it comes to social and personal activities, projects and challenges, thanks to the student union and its associations.
What do you like most about being here?
I am very lucky to share my classes with a highly international and multicultural group. Actually, we are more than ten different nationalities in class! I love the environment around the city and even the one in the city itself. I have time to make lots of plans, work on my projects, study for exams and meet new friends. Going abroad has helped me broaden my views and improve my ability to communicate within science.
What is your best memory so far from your time at KTH?
One example is the Fireworks Concert that was arranged to welcome all of us new students.
The first time I set foot at the university was in July because I visited the city with my brother before coming to live here. Everything was relatively quiet on campus, it was sunny, and there was almost nobody because of the holidays. The second time I came onto campus was not that sunny, the courses were about to begin, and I already had lots of friends and people around me to start this new experience in life.
What do you think the differences are between studying at KTH and your home university?
The weather, the international environment, the resources and the investment in research. But also, of course, the language spoken around me is different. There are many differences. Not specifically better or worse, just different.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master's studies?
Everything you need is here: high quality of education, wonderful people and environment, simply a place and university where you can build your future!