Uzma Ghaffar comes from Pakistan and is currently in her second year on the master’s programme Economics and Econometrics at Örebro University.

She first learned about Örebro University through a relative.

- My cousin already studied here and he was very pleased with it. So, I applied to the master’s programme in economics and econometrics online. I had already studied economics in Pakistan and I wanted to study an advanced course in economics, preferably econometrics. I chose econometrics because I wanted to specialise and there are not many master’s programmes in econometrics in Sweden.

- The master’s programme here is very comprehensive. You learn a lot. They teach you the latest developments in the field. You really feel updated. The programme is mostly taught by PhD teachers, who are really good and knowledgeable. I just started writing my master’s thesis, so I am only at the initial stage.

- There is also a lot of good research going on at Örebro University, in economics, medicine, and robotics to mention a few. And in a very short time span the university has developed rapidly. It is impressive.

- The administrative staff is really helpful. They help you to adjust to university life, for example they can tell you how to sign up for exams, how to contact the teachers, how to interpret the course schedule, etc.

A truly international environment

- There are many students from developing countries in my class. We have very few Swedish students on the master’s programme. Instead there are a lot of Pakistani and Chinese students, which is fun! When I first came here, the International Office recommended me to join the network SwedenInTouch on the Internet, which is a good communication source for all international students. I also found a network for Pakistani students studying in Örebro. It is an unofficial network but it is very active. It is called OrebroPK.orebro students, and new students can easily join by searching for it in the yahoo groups.

Mixed impression of Sweden

- Swedes tend to speak good English, especially young people. The older generations are not as keen. Also, Swedes are really helpful and happy to guide you. For example, the bus drivers in Örebro are always helpful when you need to find your way.

- Swedes are reserved but nice. It takes some time to make friends with them. Since there are few Swedish students on the master’s programme you mostly come into contact with Swedish people in your residential area or in shops. Like your neighbours for example and the staff at the university of course.

- There are many nice things to say about Sweden. But if I have to say something negative it would be that living here is quite expensive. Clothes for example are very expensive but fortunately I brought a lot of clothes with me from home.

Many plans for the future

- My goal is to gain a PhD in economics, so I would like to apply for a PhD. I will apply here but also in other countries.

- Back in Pakistan I used to work in a national trade organisation. I would like to work in an international organisation in the future. I do not necessarily need to work in Pakistan. I would work anywhere where there is an exciting opportunity.