"I first learned about the possibility to participate in the EuMIGS programme during my first year in International Migration and Interethnic Relations (IMIB) at the University of Osnabrück. I was interested to get to know a new country as well as a different Migration Studies Master and its students. This interest led me to apply for the EuMIGS programme thanks to which I was able to study my second master year in Ethnic and Migration Studies (EMS) at Linköping University on the beautiful campus in Norrköping. I’m grateful to have had this opportunity as it has been an eye-opening and enriching experience on so many different levels.
On an academic level, the EuMIGS programme enabled me to study both in German and in English and led me to get to know two different institutes and their approaches in the field of Migration Studies. The wide choice of classes within different disciplines, which was especially the case during my first year in Osnabrück, combined with a critical approach in the classes during my second year enabled me to first discover the field broadly and then develop my research approach and interest.
Most importantly I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and study with many students from different backgrounds. The EMS programme at Linköping University is in English and therefore open for international students from all over the world. This aspect broadens the perspective of the studies as students shared and exchanged on their experiences in different countries as well as their experiences traveling to Sweden. These conversations contributed to my academic development and especially made me grow and learn on a personal level as these encounters developed into precious friendships.
Being a fairly new programme, we could suggest ideas to improve the exchange for students and stay in touch throughout the cohorts as well as with interested students. I hope that our network of Migration Studies students and scholars will remain and grow as a community and that we will continue to discuss, inspire, and support each other in our work!"