What Racheal's says about the Master's in Public Health

Introducing Racheal

Hi! My name is Racheal and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Public Health. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, courses, student life, and life in Lund and Sweden via the Unibuddy Platform, where you can chat with me (see below). Please note that I cannot answer questions about the application process, scholarships, or residence permits.  

About the programme and the teaching style

Why did you choose Lund University?

"I chose Lund University because it is a world-renowned university (ranked among the world’s top 100) and the world’s third-best University in terms of sustainability (according to the QS Sustainability 2025 ranking). Additionally, its location in the southern part of Sweden was a bonus for me since I hate the cold, and the south is not as cold as the north."

What do you think of your programme so far? Does it meet your expectations?

"The programme is exactly what I expected it to be and more. The multidisciplinary and multicultural nature of the students creates such a lively classroom. The professors are also very supportive in nurturing a student’s interests and in receiving feedback from the them."

What is the best thing about your programme?

"The programme’s continuous emphasis on critical thinking, which is deeply embedded in the curriculum, underscores its importance not only in academic settings but also in the real world. This approach ensures that we are well-equipped to analyse, evaluate, and create solutions to complex problems. I also appreciate that we do not always have to take sit-in exams for all the courses."

What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden?

"The teaching style is quite unconventional in comparison to what I was used to back home. I love the mix of lectures with guest lecturers, who are sometimes public health professionals and experts from outside academia. This gives you an idea on what the field is like beyond the classroom."

How international is your programme?

"The programme is quite multinational and multicultural, with students from about 27 countries. This makes it really interesting given the diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Also, you get to meet and make friends from across the globe which I have found really interesting."

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies?

"Definitely! From writing research papers to seminars and opportunities such as working on projects with researchers during the summer research school, there is a vast array of opportunities available outside the classroom for students to explore their interests and build their careers."

Why should prospective students choose this programme?

"This programme offers a unique blend of global perspectives, a comprehensive curriculum, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking. The dynamic teaching methods and professional development opportunities ensure that you are well-prepared for a successful career in public health."

Thoughts on being an international student at Lund, spare time and tips for prospective students

What is it like being an international student at Lund University?

"While deciding whether to choose Sweden, I was initially worried about the language barrier. However, as an international student, I have found it easy to speak with Swedes since they speak English. Also, Malmö is quite a diverse city in terms of cultures and nationalities. I have felt welcomed as you can imagine with the diversity comes a variety of culture experiences such as Asian and African stores, which was also a plus for me."

What do you do in your spare time?

"In my spare time, I work out at the gym. I love exploring the hidden gems and experiences in both the cities of Malmö and Lund, such as cute little cafes, trying out new restaurants, salsa dancing, and karaoke. I also enjoy exploring the Skåne region as I am a lover of nature. Occasionally, I travel within Europe."

What have been the highlights of your first year in Lund?

"During my first semester, we had a career fair. The student administration, together with our programme board, brought together various public health professionals from entities such as WHO, CHAI, UNICEF, Region Skåne, among others. This included programme alumni, industry experts in academia, research, and NGOs. I had the chance to interact and network with them, gaining insights into the different career paths one could take after completing this Master's programme." 

Do you have any advice for students that are considering coming to Lund? 

"Come with an open mind, and you will enjoy the most out of your experience at Lund University!"

Have more questions for Racheal?

You can chat with her and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.