Markus Janko

I completed a winter semester at Halmstad University in Sweden. Halmstad is a medium-sized city of approx. 100,000 inhabitants. The university premises are very attractive and well-equipped, for example with a fitness centre on-site. As an exchange student, you will be very well looked after at this host university and the ‘Nollningen’ introduction days provide immediate contact with students from other countries.

The course structure in Sweden is somewhat different from back in Austria. Any courses completed have a certain weighting in the form of ECT credits and a percentage value. Courses with a 25% weighting have a duration of around 8 weeks and courses with 50% weighting have a duration of around 16 weeks, corresponding to a semester. This means that a course with a 50% weighting and two courses with 25% weighting can be completed at the same time. This structure has the advantage of enabling intensive learning and deepening of course content. It is also possible to pass smaller exams during the semester. Another specific feature is the earlier start to the studies: in Sweden, the winter semester starts in September whereas in Austria it begins in October.

In addition to the course content, spending a semester abroad is a chance to boost your language skills and personal development. Coming into contact with other cultures provides an opportunity to make friends from all over the world, to learn about the customs and behaviours of others and to acquire new knowledge.

My accommodation in Sweden was a single room in a student residence with its own shower and WC. Contrary to my expectations, the monthly living costs were not that high. If you avoid drinking alcohol, which is very costly, you can easily live on 600 to 700 euros per month.

I am very happy that I spent a semester abroad during my Bachelor’s course. I would recommend all students to take advantage of this opportunity.