Student experiences

Name: Merel Tuteleers
Country: Belgium
University: AP University College, Antwerp
Educational program and level: Professional Bachelor, Nutrition and Dietetics
Time of stay: 1/9/2025-19/12/2025
Funding: Erasmus+

What made you decide to come to our group?
I chose this internship because I really wanted to gain an international experience during my studies. The opportunities offered through my university were quite limited, so I started looking for options myself and talking to other students about their experiences. In that way, I came across the NGBI group in Örebro.

I was immediately interested in the research topic and in the opportunity to learn how scientific studies are designed and carried out in practice. I wanted to learn as much as possible and challenge myself in a new academic environment. The fact that this could take place in Sweden was an important extra motivation for me. Sweden has always interested me, especially because of the different Scandinavian approach to topics such as nutrition compared to many other European countries. I was curious to see what I could learn, both scientifically and culturally, from being in Sweden.

This internship also gave me the chance to explore what kind of professional path I might want to follow after my studies and how broad my field of study really is. For me, this experience felt like a meaningful step outside my comfort zone and, in many ways, a dream come true.

How was your experience from our lab?
My experience in the lab was very positive. I was given the opportunity to develop new skills and to explore different aspects of research. I was able to follow several colleagues in their work and to support them in different parts of their research projects, which helped me understand how studies are organized and conducted in practice.

It was also interesting to see how research in Sweden is similar to, but also different from, what I was used to in Belgium, for example in terms of organization and working routines. I felt welcomed by the team and appreciated the guidance and trust I received during my internship.

How was your experience at our University and our city?
Örebro is a very pleasant city to live in. It has the advantages of a larger city, but still feels calm and accessible. There are many cozy cafés and restaurants, and at the same time a lot of green spaces and nature close by, which makes it easy to find both social life and quiet places to relax. As a student city, Örebro is also very welcoming, especially for international students. The university and student organizations put a lot of effort into creating a good Erasmus experience. There are several student associations, including Nexus for international students, which made it easy to meet people and feel part of the student community.

Through Nexus and their collaboration with Timetravels, I was able to participate in different trips and activities that helped me discover more of Sweden. One of the highlights was a trip to Lapland (Sápmi), which was a unique and memorable experience.

What was the best?
It is difficult to point out one single best aspect, because the experience as a whole was very positive. Living independently in Sweden for four months was an important personal experience for me. At the same time, the internship allowed me to grow academically and professionally.

I learned new skills, gained insight into different research projects, and experienced how scientific work is done in practice, from laboratory activities to understanding how scientific articles are developed. Discovering the city of Örebro and its surroundings, and learning more about Swedish culture, were also important parts of what made this experience special.

What do you take with you from here?
From this internship, I take with me practical knowledge about how research is designed and conducted, as well as a better understanding of what working in a research environment involves. I also gained more confidence in working independently and in an international setting. 
In addition, I take with me a broader perspective on my field of study and on my future possibilities. Living and working in Sweden helped me become more adaptable and open to different ways of thinking and working. This experience has motivated me to keep challenging myself and to continue seeking opportunities that allow me to grow, both academically and personally.