Yesterday evening exchange students at Karlstad University organized their own Christmas market, transforming the campus into a festive gathering. With many students preparing to leave next week for the holidays, the market served as a perfect opportunity for everyone to gather and celebrate before parting ways.
This holiday season, the exchange students at Karlstad University decided to bring a touch of home to campus by organizing their very own Christmas market. The event brought together students from various backgrounds to celebrate and share their cultures before the winter break.
The idea was sparked by four German exchange students, who wanted to bring together their fellow students and create a more personal and enjoyable Christmas experience on campus. The market featured a bonfire and a few students brought drinks and snacks for everyone to enjoy.
– We missed our Christmas markets from back home, and we thought it would be nice to make one of our own, says Lara, 24, the exchange student that organised the event.
Lara is a German industrial engineering student, and here in Sweden she primarily studies economics. She loves the university’s modern campus and the close-knit community that she is part of with her fellow exchange students.
– Living on campus with everybody feels like family, says Lara.
She herself is from a small town back home, and therefore she appreciates what Karlstad has to offer, though she misses the snow that has yet to make an appearance. She has made many friends and enjoys the large, interconnected friend groups where everyone gets to know each other.
The students expressed their fondness for Sweden, particularly for the vast amount of nature surrounding the city. They “appreciate the friendly and welcoming atmosphere”, which has made it easier for them to settle in. Many of the exchange students have grown a strong sense of community, even though they only occasionally interact with Swedish students in class.
“The learning here is different”
– We only really talk to swedish students during group work, it’s easier to make friends with Erasmus students because everybody is looking for new friends, says an exchange student.
Another student from Belgium, Andrada, who studies cultural studies here in the university, finds Sweden to be a refreshing change in comparison to her home country. She thinks that the swedish education system has a more modern approach to education.
– The learning here is so different, and here there is more groupwork and you get to know your teachers on a more personal level, says Andrada, 23.
Overall, the Christmas market was a success. It highlighted the strong bonds formed among the exchange students and their appreciation for their time in Sweden. The event not only provided a festive atmosphere but also reinforced the sense of community and friendship that makes their exchange experience more special.
Photos taken by the student newspaper’s photographer Emil Axelsson
This is a news article. Read more about the journalistic work in Karlstads studenttidning here.
