Sustainable development goals attracted international students

International students with SI scholarship, from left: Oluwatosin Aromokun, Gertrude Toezay, Edgar Asiimwe, Elvis Mukogo and Omowunmi Ayinde.

What attracted you to Sweden, and why Kristianstad?

“Sweden seems to be an open country for any race and any nationality. The education system here is rated highly and everybody here speaks English,” Elvis Mukogo, 32 years old from Zimbabwe, says and continues.

“Kristianstad is a small upcoming university with integrated sustainable development goals [the UN global SDG]. At my previous job I felt that if I take a course which integrates the SGD:s it will enhance my chances and help me.”

“It’s also a small campus here where we have access to our lecturers and can interact with them closely.”

“Yes, that is very important for me too,” confirms Omowunmi Ayinde, 43 years old from Nigeria. “Also, that Kristianstad is a small and modern city, but still quiet and peaceful. I’m not fond of big cities with lots of distractions.”

“It’s also a small campus here where we have access to our lecturers and can interact with them closely. And I heard the weather in southern Sweden is also warmer than further north. I have done my homework about you!” Elvis says with a big smile.

What do you think about it so far, both Sweden and Kristianstad?

“I feel very welcomed!” Omowunmi states. “Swedes are a little reserved but very friendly and helpful. I have already made a few new friends in my class and can ask my classmates if I need help.”

“I agree! When we arrived in Copenhagen we didn’t know your system for buying train tickets, but everyone is so friendly and kind, and eager and willing to help you,” Elvis explains. “And since everyone speaks English here, such things aren’t any problem. It’s very easy to integrate with people thanks to that.”

“This education is like the icing on the cake for me—the auditing and control perfectly match. This programme is exactly what I wanted to complement my education with.”

Why did you choose the Master programme in Business Administration?

“I have a bachelor's degree in accounting and have been working in the private sector. I needed to upgrade and enhance myself. I specifically wanted something with practicability. And when I heard about this one-year master’s education it fit perfectly. It encompasses the United Nations’ SDG:s and includes a lot of research and academic writing for us, which I lacked in my bachelor’s. It’s exactly what I was looking for,” declares Elvis.

“I also have my bachelor's in accounting,” Omowunmi joins in. “I have been working in the banking sector, where I did some auditing. So, this education is like the icing on the cake for me—the auditing and control perfectly match. This programme is exactly what I wanted to complement my education with.”

How did you become interested in this field?

“My role model is my father,” relates Omowunmi. “He is a retired chartered accountant, and I have always been fascinated by his work. And banking–I stumbled into banking because I had another role model as well, a CEO of a bank, that was a significant source of inspiration.”

“I have always loved auditing,” Elvis affirms. “When I did my bachelor’s, I realized it was something I wanted to continue with. I have now been working with auditing for four years back home in Zimbabwe. I really like working with accountability and making institutions stronger, be it privately or publicly. We contribute and are important for the society. And with this master’s I will be able to do it better and contribute more.”

Omowunmi Ayinde from Nigeria and Elvis Mukogo from Zimbabwe were both attracted to the education program that incorporates the UN sustainable development goals.

“We’re coming from developing countries, and the key factor we need to develop further is human resource based. To come here to an international platform with highly developed education system and infrastructure I get to learn quite a lot.”

What are your plans for the future?

“In ten years, I'm a corporate boss making decisions that will change the environment for the better. I want to impact the world to become a better place for all of us. Studying in Sweden will give me the essential experience to bring back to my native Nigeria,” Omowunmi explains with a firm voice.

“I too really want to contribute back home,” Elvis continues. “We’re coming from developing countries, and the key factor we need to develop further is human resource based. Coming here to an international platform, with highly developed education system and infrastructure, I get to learn quite a lot. All this I will bring back home to Africa and Zimbabwe.”

How did you hear about the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals?

“I heard about it from a friend two years ago,” Omowunmi says. “He confirmed that the Swedish education system is sound. And also, that equality and the weather good. So, I thought I'd like to see all this myself.”

“A friend of mine was in this programme before, so my question was, how can I finance it?” says Elvis. “He also mentioned the scholarship option. I researched the scholarship website and thought that I could fit into that category. It’s not easy and I spent some sleepless night working with my application, so I was very happy when they announced I was approved. I feel so motivated! It’s a very prestigious scholarship. It’s a huge honour for me to have been among the few selected.”

How was it making this decision to study abroad during a pandemic?

“It wasn’t easy,” Elvis recalls. “Of course, you’re a little afraid when you’re on a flight for so many hours. But this pandemic has also taught us that we can’t put our lives on hold completely. We don’t know when it will be over. Sweden has a very good health system, so I wasn’t worried about that. When I got the scholarship, I just had to go. I will soon get my first dose of vaccine and I’m very grateful for that.

“I feel secure,” Omowunmi declares. “I knew that most people in Sweden are fully vaccinated, and I would be too soon, thanks to the offer of vaccines to students.”

Text and photo: Fabian Rimfors