Exchange studies
University West has agreements with universities all over the world and welcomes around 200 exchange students each year. The university is involved in the Erasmus Life long Learning programme, the Linnaeus-Palme study exchange programme and the Nordplus Higher Education programme.
If you are a student at a partner university to University West you are welcome to apply as an exchange student!
New experiences
As an exchange student you have the opportunity to broaden your studies, get to know another country, make new friends and also learn a lot about yourself. Like most exchange students, you will probably go through different phases during your stay abroad. During the first weeks you will see and experience things through the eyes of a tourist. Everything is new and exciting! After this period, everyday life takes effect. With this follows, in some cases, a feeling of disorientation or culture shock. It is a rather natural phenomenon when a person moves to a place where everything is new and unfamiliar. If this affects you, remember that this period will pass and in the meantime try to keep an open mind and go out and see other people!
If you are looking for more information about exchange studies the International Office will help you.
"I´m curious about Sweden and the culture"
Margaux Fauquet was inspired by a friend who had a great experience from studies in Denmark. After studying Business in her French hometown Valenciennes, Margaux chose to complete her education at Högskolan Väst.
-I wanted to study far away from France, in a different country I didn´t know much about. However, I knew that people in Sweden are good at English – and that was important to me. I need to practice my English.
-It was easy to choose Högskolan Väst as it is a partner to the university in Valenciennes.
Likes studying in groups
Margaux came to Trollhättan in august 2010 together with three students from Valenciennes, who now are her friends.
-There are five more French students here right now studying different programs. I´ve also made friends with students from Slovakia, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and other countries. We spend the weekends together and travel a lot. So far I've been to Stockholm and Tallinn.
Margaux likes to study in groups were she meets students from many different cultures with different ways of thinking.
-We do a lot of studying together – often in the library. And I´m beginning to like the Swedish 'fika' tradition. We have more 'fika-brakes' with coffee and cakes than I could ever imagine. 'Fika' offers great opportunities for social relations and discussions.
Personal mix of courses
Margaux will stay for a year and she has chosen courses with links to her international business and economy profiles.
-I really appreciate the possibilities to choose the courses that interest me. All of them are in English and the teachers are easy to understand.
-There's a big difference between studying in France and in Sweden. At home, all examinations are concentrated to one single week at the end of the term. And in my university department you never get a second chance if you fail. That's why I prefer the Swedish system.
Open-minded campus
-I like this campus – it´s open minded – all people are welcome here. At our university in Valenciennes, only students and staff have access to the campus.
-I also like Trollhättan and Sweden. It's easy to get in touch with people and it seems to me that people from different ethnics get along well. But when it comes to Swedish food ..., to be honest, I'm not very fond of Swedish specialties like herring, not yet anyway ...
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