Lund University International Podcast

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  Behind the scenes of Arrival Day 01.06.2026 25分

  Every year, Lund University holds two arrival days (one at the beginning of the spring semester, one at the beginning of the autumn) to welcome new international students to Lund and to Sweden, with International Mentors offering guidance straight out of the arrival gate at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport to make sure that you get safely to Lund. In this last episode of season 7, host Megan Phillips (LU Global Engagement) takes us behind the scenes with two guests who worked at the 2026 spring Arrival Day: Hannah from Germany, who is a current student and International Mentor Coordinator, and Kay from Indonesia, who is also a current student and an International Mentor. They discuss what Arrival Day is and what incoming students can expect from it, their experience of working as Arrival Day mentors, and what international students can get out of joining the Mentor programme (as mentor or mentee) - plus plenty of tips advice along the way.
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  Investing in the future: EU grants at Lund University 20.05.2026 26分

  EU funding is a huge asset to research at Lund University, but for many researchers - especially those who are or were recently students - it can be an obtuse system to understand and a daunting prospect to navigate the requirements and expectations that come with funding applications. Fortunately, researchers at Lund University don't have to go it alone, and help is on hand to ensure that they can understand the EU funding framework and keep working on important, cutting-edge research. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere dives into the EU funding ecosystem, speaking to two guests from Lund University's Research Services: Rickard Eksten and John Phillips. Together they discuss their work at Research Services, the support they offer to researchers in crafting funding bids, the role that EU funding plays in furthering research at Lund University, and much more.
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  Returning for a Master's after an exchange 04.05.2026 31分

  Exchange studies at Lund University can be a great way to get a taste of living and studying in Sweden - but how is it for the students who decide to take on a full Master's programme here afterwards, and what encouraged them to come back? In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere speaks to three current international students who previously undertook either an exchange or a previous degree at Lund: Elena from Indonesia, studying the Master's in Service Management (Retailing and Consumption); Fei from China, studying the Master's in Management; Freja from Denmark, studying the Master's in Literature - Culture - Media (English Literature). Together they discuss why they first chose to come to Lund, how their experience made an impression, and what key factors contributed to them ultimately coming back for more.
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  Sustainable student living at Lund University (Sustainability Week special) 30.04.2026 45分

  Lund University was ranked #1 in the world in the QS World University Rankings (Sustainability) 2026. But what does this actually mean for the students studying at Lund? In this special episode of the Lund University International Podcast, we find out directly from five current and former LU international students, who discuss the many ways in which sustainability touches their daily lives, their studies, and their unfolding careers. Many thanks to our host, Megan Phillips, and to panelists Leonie Feick, Fabio Cavaliere, Sayedatun Nesa Sumaia, and Freja Jepsen. This episode was filmed in front of a live audience as part of Lund Sustainability Week 2026, and took place at Lund's Stadshallen on 16 April 2026.
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  Practical experiences for international students 20.04.2026 25分

  For the international students looking to build practical skills and network during their time at Lund University, there are plenty of opportunities - you just need to know where to look! In this episode, host Timothy Parker speaks to two current international students who have been packing their schedules with practical experiences: Leonie, from Germany, currently studying the Bachelor's programme in Biomedicine, and Sumaia, from Bangladesh, studying the Master's programme in Molecular Biology: Microbiology and Biotechnology. Together they discuss everything to do with their practical experiences: from exchange studies to the UK, tutoring, and summer schools, to an Erasmus+ internship in Norway and participation in the Naturvetarna national student congress. They give tips on finding practical opportunities, preparing for exchange or internships abroad, and their tips for any incoming students looking to make the most of their time in Lund.
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  Finishing your Master's thesis 06.04.2026 32分

  Writing a thesis is a well-known part of most degree programmes, but how does it actually work at Lund University, and what's it like to grapple with such a large project? In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Corporate Communications) speaks to two guests about their thesis experiences: Megan Phillips, who graduated from the Master's programme in Applied Cultural Analysis in June 2025, and Julia Hampel, a current student and returning graduate whose thesis for her MSc Environmental Management and Policy will be her third at Lund University. Together they discuss what it's like to write a thesis, from the support and supervision they received, tips on staying motivated, the highs and lows of the project, and that all-important feeling when it's finally submitted.
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  Navigating the Swedish healthcare system 23.03.2026 21分

  Accessing healthcare when you need it can be a daunting prospect as a new international student in Sweden, with concerns understandably ranging from where to go and who to speak to, the cost, and how much it might impact your studies if you require prolonged medical care. In this episode we aim to clarify these things and reassure incoming international students, as host Leonie (a current student of BA Biomedicine) speaks to Sumaia, a current student who underwent major surgery for a serious heart problem. Sumaia shares her story, from first contact via the healthcare website and app 1177.se, to consultations with doctors and specialists and her eventual surgery and recovery. Plus, they discuss the academic support Sumaia received from the University to enable her to continue her studies while prioritising her health, and how international students benefit from subsidised public healthcare in Sweden, keeping costs capped to an affordable amount per year.For more information about healthcare as a student at Lund University, check out our website: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/current-students/healthcare
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  Finding a job in Lund after studies 09.03.2026 27分

  For international students looking beyond graduation to their future career prospects, Lund and the surrounding Skåne region can be an attractive option for jobseeking, offering an international environment, strong links to Lund University, and a high standard of living. But what are the prospects for students looking to stay in Lund and find work? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) speaks to Ronja Karvinen from Finland (BSc Development Studies and MSc Human Ecology) and Laura Vega from Colombia (MSc Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science), two recent LU graduates who are now working in Lund. Ronja now works for the local Lund municipality as a Student Coordinator and Project Leader, while Laura works as a Project Manager for Circle Centre Lund.Together they discuss what they're working with now, how they found their jobs, and how their studies prepared them for their careers. Plus, they consider how necessary it is to learn Swedish, and offer their tips and advice on looking for jobs in a competitive market.
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  Getting involved with student unions 24.02.2026 36分

  At Lund University, there are nine subject-based student unions that play a pivotal role in politics and student rights at the University, allowing students to get involved and have their say on how the University is run. Through the unions, students are represented in decision- and policy-making boards that concern education at every level within Lund University. And the strength and impact of this representation in good governance has been recognised: the 2026 QS Sustainability ranking gave Lund University top marks in Governance and Equality, both key indicators that contributed to our ranking as the #1 university in the world for sustainability.But what's it like to be active in a student union at Lund? In this episode, join host Leonie Feick (a current student studying the Bachelor's in Biomedicine) and guests Thea Norris (also studying the Bachelor's in Biomedicine) and Veronika Kletečková (studying the Master's in European Studies) as the three discuss their involvement in their respective student unions. Together they explain the role of student unions at Lund, what their responsibilities are, their perspective as international students engaging with the unions, and why it's so important that all students take an interest in their unions and have their say.
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  From Idea to Innovation: The SensoryWind story 10.02.2026 24分

  Home to the Lund Innovation District and with support from LU Innovation, Lund University offers premiere support for students wanting to turn their business ideas into real, world-changing innovations. But how can a student get started with the often daunting prospect of building their own startup? In this episode, host Megan Phillips (LU Global Engagement) is joined by Feiyu Wu, a Lund student and CEO of award-winning startup business SensoryWind, as well as her innovation coach Nicolas Arriagada, who is Head of Student Innovation at LU Innovation.Together, they discuss Fei's journey with SensoryWind, from the idea's conception in her personal life to getting support from LU Innovation, and eventually winning the Future Innovation Award 2025 and launching her product. Meanwhile Nicolas provides information and advice on you can get support from Lund University in developing your business idea, whether it's direct input from experts at the University, industry links, networking opportunities, or business collaborations with other startups in the region. Don't miss this episode's great insights into the world of innovation at Lund University!
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  Lund University: #1 in the world for sustainability 26.01.2026 26分

  The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability has ranked Lund University #1 in the world for 2026, marking an incredible achievement for the many researchers, staff and students who have contributed towards a more sustainable future. But what, exactly, does the ranking mean for current and future LU students? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) is joined by special guests Cicilia Jeppsson and Erika Söderstjerna from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, who explain not just the ranking and the wide-reaching work that has gone into achieving it, but how it relates to everyday student life and why Lund University might be the right place to study for more sustainably-minded students.
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  Studying a PhD at Lund University 13.01.2026 30分

  For some international students, it's a natural step to consider studying a PhD after graduating from a Master's, and many students that come to Lund University go on to find PhD positions here afterwards. But how do you go about securing a PhD position, and what's it like to undertake one at Lund University? In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere speaks to Gabriele Cobucci, a current doctoral student in Mathematical Physics at Lund University, who discusses his academic journey and his experience of studying a PhD at Lund. Together they cover topics such as how Gabriele got his position and what it entails, a brief overview of quantum physics and how Gabriele's research contributes to the field, the practical and everyday outcomes of quantum physics research, and of course, Gabriele's advice for students considering a PhD at Lund.
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  Settling into life in Sweden 16.12.2025 36分

  It's understandable that many international students can feel apprehensive about moving to another country and settling in when they begin their studies, but with the right preparation and mindset, that transition can be made as easy as possible. In this episode, we take a look at what it's really like to settle into your life at Lund University in Sweden, as host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) speaks to three student guests about their personal experiences and advice for other incoming students: Freja Jepsen from Denmark, studying a Master's in Literature, Culture and Media; Seoyun Kim from South Korea, studying a Master's in Human Ecology, and Yuka Nishi from Japan, studying a Master's in Media and Communication. Together they discuss making friends, what events and student groups to join, how to keep a balance and avoid burning out during your first few weeks, and plenty of tips and advice on transport, groceries, days out in the Skåne region and more.
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  Supporting your life in Sweden: 10 years of the International Citizen Hub Lund 08.12.2025 33分

  The International Citizen Hub Lund is your home away from home in Sweden, offering advice, support and events to help you and your family members with settling in while you study, work, or look for jobs. In this episode, we celebrate the ICHL's first decade and explore the many ways in which the ICHL can help new international students as they adapt to life in Sweden. Host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Corporate Communication) is joined by three guests: ICHL founder Lisa Andersson, Lund University graduate and Social Hub Lund intern Luz Adriana Hernandez, and ICHL intern Kevin Law. Together they discuss how the ICHL started, their respective work and interactions with the ICHL as internationals, what events and services it can provide for internationals in Lund, how international students can get involved, and what's on the horizon for the ICHL going forward.
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  The magic of a Lund University student ball 24.11.2025 29分

  Of the many exciting events students at Lund University get the opportunity to participate in, the tradition of the student ball is perhaps the most glamorous. These white-tie events are held regularly throughout each year, giving a chance for Lund students and alumni to dress up for an evening of fine dining, dancing, and socialising. In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) catches up with student guests Megan Phillips and Kleia Sidra, who share their experience and insight into student balls at Lund University. Together they discuss the basics of what a ball is, what makes them a unique experience, how much they typically cost and how to meet the dresscode, plus much more.
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  Launching the programme in Innovation and Societal Change 17.11.2025 27分

  Now open for applications for study starting Autumn 2026, the Master's programme in Innovation and Societal Change seeks to equip students with a systemic perspective on innovation, preparing you to become a driving force for change. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Corporate Communication) speaks to Linda Stihl (Programme Director for the Master's in Innovation and Societal Change) and Markus Grillitsch (Professor at the Department of Human Geography) about their work on the programme, covering everything you need to know about this new opportunity for study. Together they discuss the programme's origins and purpose, course contents and learning methods, as well as how to apply and most importantly, why prospective students should consider this programme.
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  Disability support at Lund University 12.11.2025 17分

  Lund University's Disability Support Services offer bespoke support for students with disabilities and other specific challenges to their studies, working to ensure that every aspect of your course is accessible and that you have the help and advice you need. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (student worker at LU Corporate Communications) speaks to Ida Jarbe Holmlund, a Coordinator at LU Disability Support Services, delving into how the support services work, who can access them, when to contact them versus contacting your healthcare provider, and much more.
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  LU Innovation: Nepri and the startup journey 03.11.2025 35分

  Many major innovations and recognisable brands across numerous fields have come from research and researchers at Lund University, from the first dialysis machine and the asthma inhaler to Bluetooth, Nicorette, and Oatly. But how can students kickstart their own innovation ideas and startups, and how does Lund University support them? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) speaks first with Peter Franck, Innovation Developer at LU Innovation, about his role in supporting new startup initiatives and innovations and how students can access these resources. Then, we turn to two more guests, Erik Karlsson and Julia Forsbacka, who are both current PhD students at Lund University and work at Nepri, an award-winning biotechnology research startup that aims to help farmers improve crop yields with more efficient, sustainable techniques. Together they discuss their journey with Nepri, from the very beginning through to obtaining funding and winning awards, and how they have balanced working on the business alongside their research and studies as PhD candidates. And of course, there's plenty of advice in there for students with their own innovation ideas!
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  Finding a PhD as an international Master's student 27.10.2025 27分

  As an international Master's student, continuing on to a PhD can pose unique challenges, from finding a position to navigating the various application processes that differ between universities. In this episode, host Timothy Parker speaks to Bénédicte Anthony, a graduate of Lund University's Master's in Development Studies, who now holds a PhD position at Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye, where she is engaged in research as part of the EU-sponsored International Dimensions and Effects of Populism doctoral network. Together they discuss how Bénédicte found and secured her PhD position, how the Turkish education system compares to her experience at Master's level in Sweden, the cultural and social differences she has encountered, and of course, her advice for other international students on how best to find and undertake a PhD of their own.
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  Choosing a destination for exchange studies 20.10.2025 26分

  Doing an exchange during your studies at Lund University is a fantastic way to see and experience another country during your studies, even if you're already an international student in Sweden! But with so many exchange destinations available, how should you go about choosing the right one for you? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) catches up with three current Lund University students who have all been on exchange: Bianca Littorin Liljerehn, who studies the Bachelor's in Business and Administration and did an exchange to SIngapore; Emmie Eklund who did an exchange to Auckland, New Zealand; Sara Elmgart, who studies the Master's in Engineering Mathematics and did an exchange to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Together they discuss how they picked their destination for exchange studies and whether it lived up to their expectations, how they adapted to the society and culture of their host country during their exchange, what they learned from the experience, and of course, their advice for any other students considering an exchange as part of their studies.