Meet Gustavo from Coromandel, Brazil

What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelor of Laws from Minas Gerais State University in Brazil.

How did you find our master’s programme?

I discovered the Master’s Programme in International Human Rights Law while browsing the Faculty of Law’s official website.

What was it like to apply for our master’s programme?

The application process was a bit tricky since it required two reference letters and a two-page personal statement. Finding referees and collecting their signatures took some effort, but it all worked out in the end. 

How was your move to Lund?

My move to Lund was smooth. It is very easy to take the train from Copenhagen Airport to Lund Central Station. I remember stepping off the train on Arrival Day and immediately falling in love with the city. Lund is beautiful, and you can instantly feel the student vibe. 

How was the process of finding housing in Lund?

Finding housing had some challenges. I had guaranteed housing through LU Accommodation as an international student, but you only get one offer and you lose your priority if you reject it. I was offered a great place, but I was worried it was over my budget, so I had to decline it. After that, I applied to AF Bostäder’s housing lottery but was not lucky enough to get a good queue time. So, I searched for accommodation through Facebook groups and websites like Blocket. Eventually, I found a nice furnished room on Facebook at a reasonable price, but I had to stay in a hostel in Malmö for a couple of weeks since it was not available right away.

Despite the obstacles and stress, everything worked out in the end, so my advice to new students is to trust the process!

How is the study environment at the programme?

The study environment is really welcoming. Most people in my programme are international, which makes it a culturally enriching and diverse space. 

Many students are engaged in advocacy and projects outside of class, creating great opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas. Everyone is willing to help each other, and there’s little sense of competition. It is a friendly and supportive environment.

How many lectures and seminars do you have on a weekly basis?

It depends on the course and the week; generally we have one seminar every other week and around three lectures per week. Most of the studying is done independently, so the reading lists tend to be long, and lectures are used to deepen our understanding of the subjects. 

What is the most challenging, and what is the best thing with your programme?

The most challenging part is definitely the long reading lists we have to get through before lectures and seminars. It can be tricky to absorb all the cases, theories, and legislation. 

The best part is getting to discuss pressing human rights issues from an international law perspective with like-minded people from all over the world. 

Plus, having close contact with highly skilled and respected professors is an amazing opportunity.

How does studying here in Lund differ from studying in your home country?

One big difference is how seminars and lectures are structured. In Brazil, we usually have one professor for a semester-long course, and we take multiple courses at once. In Lund, we focus on one course at a time, and each seminar or lecture is often led by a different PhD candidate, professor, or guest lecturer who specialises in that topic. 

What is it like to live in Sweden?

I love living in Sweden, especially in Lund. It is a vibrant university town where you will meet students from all over the world. 

The locals are welcoming and used to the presence of students. Swedes can be a bit reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they are very warm and friendly. Public transportation is great, and the infrastructure and cultural life are fantastic. Of course, adapting to a new country is a personal experience, but for me it has been a smooth transition.

What is it like to be an international student at Lund University?

Being an international student here is a great experience. I have never felt treated differently in a negative way, and I’d definitely encourage others to study here. The university provides a lot of support, whether it’s through the Academic Support Centre for writing and reading support or just general guidance from staff and fellow students. My programme is truly diverse with lots of international students, which creates an amazing atmosphere. 

How do you experience the student life in Lund?

At first, I had a lot of questions about how student life worked, but it turned out to be easy to navigate. There is so much to do! I joined Kalmar Nation and attended their events, as well as activities organised by other student nations. I also take part in extracurricular projects recommended by professors, and I found a student job as a Library Assistant at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute Library. That has been a big part of my experience too. 

What are your career goals after your graduation?

I would love to apply my knowledge in an international organisation like the International Criminal Court or the United Nations. At the same time, I am also considering pursuing a PhD in International Law. I am open to both possibilities!

Do you have any tips for prospective students coming to Lund?

Do not stress too much about where you live. Lund is a small and easy city to get around. Get a bike! It makes life so much easier. Talk to your professors. They are approachable and happy to help. Join student nations events. They are a fantastic way to meet people outside your programme.