What ho,
Just thought I'd give a quick update on things: I've started my lectures (had an intro to my course on Friday), and I've joined a Nation, which is a bit like an Oxbridge College, except the nations are named after certain areas in Sweden. The nation I've joined is called Kalmar, which is one of the regions in the south-east, below Stockholm. I also have a University Library Card, what larks.
Was also at a Club Night at Varmlands Nation last night, and can safely say that when the Swedes party, they go absolutely bananas. I was almost deafened by the sound of party hooters and shouts of "Skal!" (pronounced Skoal), which means "Cheers!" Needless to say, I had a lie-in today, but I've still been busy: cycled up to Gamla Uppsala today and took a few photos which I'll be putting up on the group shortly. Also saw some Swedes playing football, and can confirm that women's football is not all bad (though why the teams were dressed as Watford and Charlton I have no idea. Watford scored two goals whilst I was watching). Finally, Lidl is ridiculously cheap, especially when you consider the cost of living in Sweden... the taxes are pretty high, as the Government provides free education and healthcare.
Finally, as you may have already guessed, I have internet in my room, which is definitely a time-saver. If only I could get rid of the builders working on the floor above... they will insist on waking me at exactly 8:00 in the morning!
Take care,
Chris S
P.S. Not sure why, but John McCain has picked a 44 year-old Governor of Alaska as his running mate. After saying that 47 year-old Barack Obama doesn't have enough experience. Hmm...
Welcome!
Hello! If you happen to know a random loon called Christopher Julian Stanley, and you're wondering why on earth he's going to Sweden for five months, then you've come to the right place. As Edmund Blackadder once said, "Pull up a muffin" and "Sit yourself down", and feel free to ask me some questions about my impending voyage to Uppsala, or comment on my blogs.
Signing off,
The Intrepid Explorer
Signing off,
The Intrepid Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
Chris, I hear you're going abroad for five months?
That's correct. From August the 20th 2008 until January 16th 2009 I will be studying abroad on the Erasmus programme for the first half of my second year at University, residing in the delightful city of Uppsala.
Uppsala? Where's that?
Uppsala is in Sweden, and is approximately 50 miles north of Stockholm. It's also about 1200 miles from London.
So why Uppsala, then?
Uppsala University is one of the Universities that is linked with my uni, the University of Exeter, through the Erasmus programme. Exeter students can study abroad in places like Uppsala for the first semester of their second year, then return to Exeter for the second semester.
Studying abroad - but wouldn't you have to be fluent in the language of the nation you're visiting?
Nope, that's only if you're studying in France, Germany, Italy or Spain. I'll be doing an English speaking course - mind you, that won't stop me learning a bit of Swedish in order to get by!
Wouldn't it be easier just to do all of your degree in the UK?
It would, but it would also be less challenging, and I like a challenge. It's also a great oppurtunity to see how history is studied outside of the English education system, and let's not forget it's going to look great on my CV!
When will you be blogging?
I'll be doing a major blog every Tuesday, from the 20th June 2008 until at least the 27th January 2009. If anything exciting happens I'll do a mini-blog on that too.
That's correct. From August the 20th 2008 until January 16th 2009 I will be studying abroad on the Erasmus programme for the first half of my second year at University, residing in the delightful city of Uppsala.
Uppsala? Where's that?
Uppsala is in Sweden, and is approximately 50 miles north of Stockholm. It's also about 1200 miles from London.
So why Uppsala, then?
Uppsala University is one of the Universities that is linked with my uni, the University of Exeter, through the Erasmus programme. Exeter students can study abroad in places like Uppsala for the first semester of their second year, then return to Exeter for the second semester.
Studying abroad - but wouldn't you have to be fluent in the language of the nation you're visiting?
Nope, that's only if you're studying in France, Germany, Italy or Spain. I'll be doing an English speaking course - mind you, that won't stop me learning a bit of Swedish in order to get by!
Wouldn't it be easier just to do all of your degree in the UK?
It would, but it would also be less challenging, and I like a challenge. It's also a great oppurtunity to see how history is studied outside of the English education system, and let's not forget it's going to look great on my CV!
When will you be blogging?
I'll be doing a major blog every Tuesday, from the 20th June 2008 until at least the 27th January 2009. If anything exciting happens I'll do a mini-blog on that too.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
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