Another option

[reppu]

Grad school in Sweden. I am considering this. Anyone have any opinions or experiences here? Looking at Lund University's Asian Studies program or Uppsala's History program. Each program is just one to two years (depending on which Masters degree I choose to get), which is a much more manageable commitment than seven years for a PhD. That's not to say that I don't want to continue my studies with a PhD (I mean, really, what can I do with a Masters in Asian Studies?), but it's free? The programs feel more like enrichment and a taste of what's to come, like an appetizer, rather than the full course of a doctoral program.

But Sweden is cold. Damn man, can I not get away from cold temperatures?

Comments

[reppu.livejournal.com]

I can deal with above freezing. I can even deal with -3C. I think my limit is about -10C, and I don't like cold wind. I mean, where I live, it gets to about 4 or 5C every winter, so I'll always be a bit spoiled on that end.

I read about the Nations and Unions on Lund's website, but I think I can manage the small fee to be a part. Do you have to participate, or can you just be a member on paper? The wiki page said unions also have restaurants and housing and stuff; I'd assume that you can only being in the housing if you're a union member, but does the same qualify for restaurants and shops? I wouldn't think that it would.

Also, how is diversity at those two universities? Of course, I'd assume the majority of people are Swedish, but are there like, African-Swedes or something? I'd just like to know; I lived in Japan, after all, so it's not like I need to be surrounded by foreigners, but it is nice to know where to find them. ^^;;

As for Uppsala, there's not much information on the English page about their History program. I have no idea if they even have an East Asian section for historical study. Is it okay to just e-mail professors in Sweden? I know that some professors in America prefer that you go through other offices before you e-mail them, so I figured I'd ask about that first! Right now, my top choices are Lund's Asian Studies program and Uppsala's History program, but Uppsala requires more forms (a statement of purpose and a one-page thesis, what is that?).

And how easy is it to get by in Sweden without being able to speak Swedish? I took German once upon a time, so I don't shake in my boots when I see it. I think it would be interesting to learn, but I'm not gonna know it right off the bat. I always strive to speak to people in their original language, but is English well-spoken in Sweden?

You're a lifesaver, thanks for helping me!