SI scholars celebrate graduation at Stockholm City Hall

This year's graduates gathered in the lavish 'Blue Hall' in Stockholm City Hall for an evening of reflection, entertainment, and a rather delicious buffet dinner.

Photo: Blå Hallen at Stadshuset.

Emotions always run high at diploma ceremonies, but so do expectations for the future. 

Graduate Ivana Read, who has just completed a two-year master's degree in Strategic Communications at Lund University, plans to move back to her home country of the Dominican Republic to put her learnings into practice.

"I have seen so much and learned so much, I would like to go back and use the things I've learned and the knowledge I've acquired and implement it back home. Maybe starting my own consultancy company or finding a job where I can apply my knowledge."

Photo: Ivana Read at the diploma ceremony

For Ivana, the entire experience of studying in Sweden has taught her to look at the world in a different way.

"Studying in Sweden has been an amazing experience. I haven't just learned to question why things are a certain way, but also how I can make it better which is something I really value."

Her fellow graduate Anup Banerjee likewise feels that his time as an SI scholar has shaped his view of the world. In the two years since he started his master's degree in Global Management at Jönköping University, he notices a marked change in his outlook.

"I have learned a lot in the last two years. I'm more passionate, patient, and open-minded to different cultures."

Anup first heard about SI when two friends were awarded the scholarship several years back. At the time he was working on his family farm and was interested to learn more about family business. The friends had plenty of good things to say about Sweden, encouraging him to apply for the scholarship.

Photo: Anup Banerjee at the diploma ceremony

"I saw Jönköping was ranked number three for family business. My interest in the subject inspired me to apply and it's all worked out!"

Anup has applied to study for PhD and hopes to continue with his studies at Jönköping University.

"Career-wise, I would love to stay here because the Swedes care about work-life balance, they care about social security, and I also think that you, as a human, are quite important here in Sweden."

He has one final piece of advice for future SI scholars that he hopes will help them to get the most from their time in Sweden.

"For newcomers, try to explore Sweden as much as possible. It's a really beautiful country."

SI News congratulates all of this year's graduates and wishes you nothing but the best in the future.