Five tips from an SI scholar for balancing studies and extracurricular activities

Without a doubt, achieving as a student can be a hard job that requires dedication, proactivity and prioritization of tasks. But what if a student aspires to be active in areas other than studies? How do you handle that in addition to passing pretty tough graduate-level courses?

This article, first of all, provides examples of possible extracurricular activities in Sweden and then elaborates on advice for students that aspire to be actively involved in similar projects.

My journey started back in September 2018, when I moved to Sweden to study. I was accepted on the Master’s in Entrepreneurship programme at Linnaeus University, fully covered by a prestigious scholarship from the Swedish Institute (SI). Being SI scholarship holder means that you and your fellow scholarship holders at the university have a privilege to establish a local Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL). That was what we did. We brainstormed the activity plan, applied for funding, got approval and started organizing our events. Throughout the first year, we organized two study visits (SaltX and Suderbyn Ecovillage), two workshops (“Plastic Is Not Fantastic” and “Sustainable Saturday”) and the event (“Let’s Clean Our Campus”). I have also represented our network at the Social Innovation Summit, Anti-corruption workshop and study visits to UN City, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and Science Park Mjärdevi. This year, I was invited to the annual kick-off event for SI scholarship holders in Stockholm as the motivational speaker and representative of our local NFGL. We were more than 400 professionals and future global leaders from about 50 countries at this prestigious event. 

Some events that were organized/attended while being a board member at SI NFGL Linnaeus University

In the meantime, our university offered a wide variety of activities for students. Just to mention a few, I was (and still am) involved in: the Friend Family Project (where local Swedish families are matched with international students to foster cultural exchange), the Buddy Program (where local Swedish students are matched with internationals for better cultural integration) and the Mentor Programme (where students are matched with company representatives with the purpose of boosting personal/professional development). I have also worked as the student ambassador during orientation week in August 2019. As the team of two, we were meeting incoming international students and providing accurate information about our university and its facilities.

What is more, we have a number of organizations to join in Växjö. Last year, I joined United Nations Association (UNA) Växjö as the board member. As the team of nine, we organized a number of activities (events, workshops and movie nights) that focused on raising awareness of the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. This year, I joined the student union at Linnaeus University - Linnéstudenterna - as a part-time board member. We, four full-time board members and six part-timers, work towards enriching students’ lives with various activities, events and offers (by constantly working on establishing partnerships/co-operations). I am truly proud of the “Teleborg Castle Reception” event that I organized in collaboration with Växjö Municipality for more than 200 students this October. 

Other events that were organized/attended

Notwithstanding countless events (those of Videum Science Park, Drivhuset Växjö, Talk Innovation and so many more) that were attended during my time in Sweden so far and academia/industry-related university projects, I would say that I am endlessly grateful for this opportunity to study at Linnaeus University with the scholarship from the Swedish Institute (SI).

Based on such vast experience, I elaborated on an action list for those who aspire to have an active student life in Sweden.

1. Research all opportunities that are available in your city/university;

2. Think about your interest areas and/or causes you wish to support;

3. Limit options based on the interest areas/causes, taking into account limitations (some positions might require full-time commitment which is not in line with university studies);

4. Show your interest in joining, be honest and truthful about your intentions. Do not do stuff just for the sake of building a CV. You will just waste your own and your team’s time;

5. Once “on board”, make sure that activities do not overlap with studies, prioritize tasks and be a true team player! 

I truly hope that my experience and advice will be of value to the readers. Just remember: do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! By now, you might not even have an idea of how many hidden talents you have!