Students perspective
Some of the exchange students of the Master's Programme 2002-2003 have taken the time to present their experiences.
Elena Tonetta (22) from Italy
Philip Potvin (23) from Belgium
Tobias Gaugler (24) from Germany
Tobias Stuber (23) from Germany
Why did you choose Kalmar as your Erasmus destination?
- The four of us agree that Sweden is quite different. The educational system is advanced and the culture is really "Scandinavian", we cannot put the latter into detail. We suggest that you experience it yourself. Moreover, the perfect infrastructure of the University of Kalmar and in particular its IT resources are certainly noteworthy.
What is the added value of this programme?
- After one year of active participation and lots of qualitative writing we receive a Master's degree, this is certainly of extra value when we return.
Moreover, the programme is run in a most particular way. Not only will you be familiar with strategy, business intelligence, leadership and management but you can also expect activities such as group dynamics.
- Above all, Tobias Gaugler continues, the head of the programme Professor Daudi manages to combine the economics with philosophy and psychology. This has broadened our horizons.
Tobias Stuber underlines the extra value of the international guest professors during the first semester.
- We have had the privilege to meet professors from Thailand, Japan, France, Italy, and of course Sweden. Experiencing the different international methods of lecturing is extremely exciting.
How is the programme organised?
Philip appreciated the well-structured organisation of the weeks.
- A typical week in the first semester is characterised by one subject, which is elaborately discussed in a theoretical manner with the indispensable interaction from the group. The following day case studies and presentations make up for the practical part. The last day is often used to formulate and draw the conclusions.
Elena has gained a lot of experience from the presentations that were regularly done in small groups.
- Especially since this has given us the opportunity to work in groups with different cultures. The experience to talk in front of a group in a foreign language tremendously improves your language and personal skills. Moreover, Prof. Daudi guided us in order to improve our style and communicating skills.
Furthermore, Tobias Gaugler stresses the benefits gained from guest lectures.
- The possibility of receiving current and real examples from professional managers gives you the additional practical package.
How are the participants involved?
- We all agree that it is an amazing experience to participate in a group of 40 students from over 20 countries.
Philip and Tobias Gaugler emphasise that the students of the Master's programme are active participants and thus co-creators of the programme.
- It is the contribution of the participants that is vital to have a successful programme. Besides, the students are free to take up different initiatives to involve themselves in the programme.
What should you know regarding the thesis?
Elena certainly appreciated that everyone was free to decide their own topic, the contents and structure of the thesis.
- In addition, Prof. Daudi guides us through the thesis with witty suggestions and practical guidelines in order to develop a worthy and impeccable thesis.
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Juan Manuel Márquez Goitia, Mexico
Vanessa San Martin de Márquez, Mexico
How did you find the Master´s programme?
- Well, three years ago we were not married, we were only friends. Juan was living in Spain at the time studying Economic Analysis and Financial Economics. I was working in Mexico as Marketing Manager for a household product company; Juan encouraged me through e-mail to take the opportunity to study abroad for one year, particularly to broaden horizons for my professional life in a developing country such as Mexico. I visited the Swedish Embassy as a suggestion from my brother, who is well informed about the quality of schools in Sweden. I wrote for information to many universities, and it was only Kalmar that answered that I could be eligible for a master degree since I did not write a thesis for my bachelor. I was accepted to come for 2001-2002 but for family (mostly economic) reasons I could not come then. Later Juan and I got married and decided to take on the adventure together.
What were your first impressions of Sweden?
- We flew in to Stockholm and then rented a car to come down to Kalmar. It was still summer so we really thought Sweden looked amazing, with big, deep woods and great lakes. Coming to Kalmar we felt the town looked even better: like it came out of a medieval fairy tale. By the sea, with its beautiful skies, the rock avenues, ever-green parks, old fashioned buildings and the impressive cathedral in the middle, and on top of it all, a defence castle from the thirteen century. People always are willing to help, almost everybody speaks perfect English, although they usually like to say they only speak “a little”, and even those who don’t know the language tried their best to give orientation or help in any possible way.
We were a little disappointed when we heard housing was a big problem because of so many students coming to the university, but it was easily blown away by deep pleasing when we rented a room in the countryside of the island, Öland, just by the sea. Specially for us, coming from the largest city in the world, this is a unique opportunity to live surrounded by nature at its best.
To study...
- Well, I have to say that studies are quite demanding and absorbent. We take at least 10 hours of class each week and read and work by ourselves probably equally at home or the library. This is what we came for, to study, to learn, and we enjoy it (most of the time!). Some weeks are heavier than others, but it is only fair to say that we have plenty of time to meet other people, get to know the area and enjoy our student life. We are having one of the greatest times in our life.
What do you think about Kalmar?
- Like I described before, we feel we live in a fairy tale town. There is so much to see, so much to enjoy. We are not used to see the town closed by 4 o’clock on Saturdays and even earlier on Sundays, but it has been a relaxing point for us to know that there is nothing to worry about on weekends but to read, drink tea and stay warm by the fire place at home.
The advantages for us
- Mexico is a developing country. Currently, there is lack of job opportunities and mostly low salaries everywhere, work is required but paid cheap.
Having a master's degree from a European University can mean the difference one wants to make in one’s life. Not only because the quality of the studies, but also because of the experience of having lived in a totally different environment, a developed economy, and the open-mindedness that one gets from sharing one whole year with cultures from all over the world.
Future plans
- When we finish our studies we will take the opportunity to travel around Europe and then go back home and find jobs, be productive for a few years before we start a family. We are here to learn and to take our knowledge back home, where it is very needed. We wish to work for our country so that future generations find it a better place, with more opportunities for all.
More comments
- 40 people from around 15 different countries form our group. This means 40 different backgrounds, 40 different points of view about almost everything. We are led by the very experienced Professor Phillipe Daudi, who is not only amazingly capable of transmitting his knowledge clearly to us, but to make the best out of the cultural diversity in our class, and to make everyday a new experience that leads us not only to understand others, but also to understand ourselves better.
I think we have said it all...
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Luis Noguera, Colombia
Where did you hear about the Marter´s Programme?
- I first heard about the master’s programme in Kalmar, whilst working in Barcelona for an American bottling water company. At that time I was interested in taking a master programme in order to improve my academic background. So I began to enquire about universities and masters programmes in Europe, and while doing that I received some advice from friends about the Swedish educational system and the master’s programme in Kalmar.
Why Sweden?
- I wanted to experience the life in a Nordic country. I have always heard of the Swedish collectivistic society, so I was expecting to find a culture that will differ from the Colombian one. Which I wanted to be a learning experience.
What do you think about Kalmar?
- I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to either work or study in big cities (London, Tel Aviv, Valencia and Barcelona). Therefore, to live and study in a small and friendly town as Kalmar is a significant new experience for me, Kalmar’s size make things easier, I can reach every place I want to go to by bicycle, the library and sport centre are only five minutes from my place. Another positive aspect of Kalmar is its big young student community, which make it a more sociable place. Furthermore its surroundings made Kalmar an insuperable place in spring and summer.
Why did you choose the Master´s Programme?
- One of the reasons that made me chose this Matser´s programme was the variety of nationalities involved in the programme. I was sure that such variety and multiculturalism will bring different perspectives and initiatives to the course and will spice it up, making the programme more interesting and educational.
- This is definite one of the most rewarding aspect of the whole experience; I have made friends from so different backgrounds. That sometimes I think that I will achieve a degree in intercultural communication.
What will you do after your time in Sweden?
- My plans involve going back to Barcelona, to work for an international company in the logistic department. In a longer perspective, I want to apply what I have learnt here and the experience acquired from my previous jobs in order to start my own company.
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Francois Lamotte, France
Where did you hear about the programme?
- I found information about the Master´s programme thanks to the international office of my home university. I did not have expectations per se. I always follow my feelings and “the warm streams”. In this way, it is difficult to be disappointed
What do you think about Kalmar?
- Kalmar is neither NYC, nor Paris or Montreal, that is to say the “cultural life” (expositions, art, cinema…) is not very exciting. But there is one thing that make Kalmar irresistible and unforgettable: the people.
Tell us about the Matser´s programme
- As a head coach, Philippe is here to open the doors, but it is our job to deeper investigate in those areas of research. Therefore, the entire class is responsible for the quality of the programme. Moreover, the polyvalent and multicultural character of the Master allow participants to improve to better understand their own mental map and personal cognition. The Master Programme in Leadership and International Management procure a space where you can find your “self”.
What do you want to do in the future?
- In terms of carrier, my objective would be to procure passion and emotions, and maybe aesthetics…I still don’t have the magical formula but I have some “hints”.
- First, what we need is not a leader, what we need is a community of leaders. Secondly, to become someone, it is important to like serving people around you.
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Songkran Nuanplab, Thailand
What were your expectations of the Master´s Programme?
- My Kalmar life started when I was interviewed with Professor Philippe Daudi in Bangkok. During the interview he asked about my expectations here, of course... my answer was Swedish Diploma and English improvement. However, he commented that the outcome is depending on me. I can dream what I want which may over or under what I’ve expected but I can only create it by myself. He picked up the theme “The Art of Leading Others Comes from the Art of Leading Oneself”. At the time of writing this letter, I confirm that the statement is true. What I got here is more than only degree and English. I have learned how to manage myself in a very practical way.
What do you think about Kalmar?
- Kalmar is very different from Bangkok. Kalmar is a very peaceful city with a very good atmosphere and old-fashioned structural design. The climate is freezing cold though my life here is neither lonely nor quiet. The people in Kalmar that I have met are very kind.
What are your experiences of the Master´s Programme?
- The students here are very friendly and easy to make relations with. Swedish students have their unique style with cute behavior. Especially in my program, we are under the same roof with many nationalities in a multi-cultural context. From this I have chance to evolve in cultural diversities and different thinking perspectives. Under the good structure of the program drawn by Professor Philippe, students have firmly developed strong leadership and analytical skills. As well as ability for problem-solving and decision-making skills that we are freely to create under tutorial and counseling. In addition, I have obtained international perspective and professional experience of the other instructors both from Sweden and from other countries. This allows us to eagerly learn new things and be able to assimilate new knowledge to apply to new assignments. The pathway of the program is wonderful like I mentioned before, we can draw and reach our dream by leading it ourselves.
What will you do in the future?
- Now I feel like I have got used with the Swedish environment and friends here, my short plan is to stay here longer to gain more and to get more experiences. Hopefully in protracted forthcoming, I can bring all the perspective and experiences to anticipate to my home country.
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Virginija Kliukinskaite, Lithuania
Where did you hear about the Master´s Programme?
- The first time I heard about the Master’s Programme in Leadership and International Management was when I was about to complete my first year of the Master’s programme in Business Administration at Klaipeda University, Lithuania.
What were your expectations?
- I came to Sweden having expectations to spend a personally enriching academic year, similar to the one I spent in Canada a few years ago. Like then, I was looking for experiences to challenge my values, beliefs, and attitudes towards life, to experience something differently inspiring that would make me want to change and grow as a person.
What do you think about Kalmar?
- Kalmar will always remain in my memories as the city of scrupulously decorated little houses in Gamla stan (so little I often wondered if the tall Swedish felt comfortable in there), “Välkommen” signs at the front entrances, Christmas lamps, candles and paper stars in curtainless windows, crowded streets on Saturday afternoons (but only until 3 P.M.), the repetitious horn of the ice-cream car, shingly winter roads, straw pigs and goats in shop windows, flocks of gaggling geese in Stadsparken, bells of whooshing bicycles, majestic castle, and… slightly reserved, but nice people.
- Participating in the company interventions, listening to the Swedish and visiting French, Italian, German, Thai professors, and working in multinational peer groups certainly made my academic experiences enjoyable.
What do you think about the Master´s Programme?
- One of the most attractive and valuable characteristics of this programme is its participants coming from different nationalities and cultures. Just by staying in one country I could experience what it is like to work with a Thai, Italian, Columbian, Swedish, American, Belgian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Mexican, German, Austrian, Pakistani, Spanish, French…
- I was very impressed by the modern facilities, helpful operating personnel, experienced teaching staff.
What do want to do in the future?
- After the program I would like to continue my pedagogical experience at the college where I had been teaching for two years before coming to Sweden.
- In years to come I see myself being with the man with whom I will want to travel the world, read books, listen to music and still hold hands when I am 80 years old, at the same time trying to manage a small kindergarten at home and a private art gallery somewhere in… Madagascar.
- During this year I re-discovered anew that what truly matters in general and in business in particular is people and relationships. The greatest lessons that I learned while participating in this program and living abroad were those that taught me tolerance, sincerity, empathy, modesty, and open-heartedly listening to others and hearing them.
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Nguyen My Hanh, Vietnam
Why did you choose the Master´s programme?
- I wanted a program that is recognised in the world, is thought in English and in takes place in a friendly country. Sweden fits perfectly.
- Luckily, the Master Programme in Leadership & International Management is matching all my need. I apply and Dr. Philippe Daudi chose me, so I came here with some concern about the new environment, new friends, and a new culture. But since I joined this program, I feel more and more confident and very satisfied.
Before I came here, I had some concern about the fact that English is not the native language in Sweden, and it may create communication difficulties. But I find out to be that most of Swedes speak English well and are very friendly. Kalmar is an old city and not so cold as I thought. This city is small but it has everything for living in comfort.
- By the way, I am from Vietnam, a tropical country with a hot climate. In Sweden, I expected to see a lot of snow.
- I feel surprised when I see so many computers in the University, not only in the lab room but also along in the corridors. I feel very comfortable with the level of technology. The classrooms are good with many sizes, from lecture room to group room and much better than what I expected. The Leader of program, Dr. Philippe Daudi has organized the program in such a way that the students devotes different time portions to joint the lectures as well as to self study. Beside the lectures, I have the chance to spend time at the library.
What do you like the most about the programme?
- What I like best in this program is that I have chance to meet many students from other countries, other cultures. My classmate come from 17 countries and makes us really an International Environment. Also, Dr. Philippe Daudi gives us chance to have many lecturers from other Universities in other countries. Every lecturer has a special way to teach and it makes us feel curious. Especially, I like the way Dr. Daudi gives us the chance to make weekly presentations throughout the whole program. We learn to talk and we build our confidence to expose ourselves in front of listeners. I think that it is very beneficial for me in my future job.
What do you want to do in the future?
- After this program, I intend to go back to my country, resume my work in my old company or, perhaps, taking a new challenge. I am not sure because I feel I must take opportunity when I have. But, given what I am learning in this program, I am sure that I will be working in an International Business Environment.