Exploring engineering in Sweden

Last year, Nils Nordström, a driven student, embarked on an educational journey that bridged two continents, bringing him from the United States and the University of Minnesota to study materials engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.  

  • "I enjoy the smoothness and quality of life here in Gothenburg," says Nils Nordström about his time at Chalmers University of Technology.

  • Nils' parents, who are both of Swedish heritage, met at a Swedish language camp. They instilled in him a connection to their ancestral language and culture. "They talked to me and my sister in both languages when we where growing up," Nils shares. "I learned Swedish as a second language, and while I haven't practiced it extensively beyond elementary school, I can still hold a conversation fairly well."
    Having visited Sweden regularly as a child to visit family, Nils remembers how he used to bring home Donald Duck magazines to learn Swedish. And while he was in first grade, his family even moved to live in Sweden for seven months, immersing themselves in the Swedish culture and education system. He reflects on his first impressions, recalling, "It was a great experience. The smaller class sizes and the inclusive nature of providing essential resources like books and writing utensils made it a smooth experience. The Swedish public schools felt nurturing, and the school lunches were a lot nicer compared to what I was used to in the U.S.," Nils says.
    As Nils progressed through his undergraduate studies in the U.S., he contemplated the idea of studying abroad. The opportunity to spend a semester in Sweden emerged, and Nils discovered the exchange program between the University of Minnesota and Chalmers University of Technology. The pandemic, however, put a stop to those plans and Nils started thinking about moving to Sweden for his master’s instead. A visit to Gothenburg and Chalmers' campuses convinced Nils that this was the right choice for him.
    "I was drawn to Chalmers' materials engineering program because it offered a broad range of topics and allowed me to explore different materials," Nils explains. The cozy and self-contained campus, combined with Gothenburg's charm as a smaller city with ample amenities sealed the deal for him.

  • "I was drawn to Chalmers' materials engineering program because it offered a broad range of topics and allowed me to explore different materials," Nils explains.

  • Environment for growth
    Now fully immersed in his education, Nils finds joy in delving into various materials and working with diverse classmates. "It's been fascinating to study different materials and interact with a diverse set of students," he says. "Chalmers provides an enriching environment where I can expand my knowledge and connect with like-minded people."
    In addition to his academic pursuits, Nils is also a passionate member of the Chalmers school choir. "Being a part of the choir has been an incredible experience," Nils shares with enthusiasm. "Since we sing in Swedish, and because of my name, everyone thought I was Swedish. The choir has become a close-knit community that adds an extra dimension to my time here at Chalmers."
    While there are some differences in the format of classes at Chalmers and his previous educational experiences, Nils embraces the change. "The quarter-based system here, with two classes per quarter, has its advantages. It allows me to focus on a smaller number of classes at a time, ensuring a more immersive learning experience," he observes.
    Another thing he enjoys about his new home is the well-developed public transportation system that makes it possible to easily explore surrounding cities by bus, tram or train.
    “Overall, I enjoy the smoothness and quality of life here in Gothenburg a lot more. I notice it when I am going to places or walking around the city. Everything just kind of works and feels a bit more people-focused here.”

  • Chalmers offers Bachelor, Master and PhD programs. All master’s programs are taught in English.

  • Vedrana Sivac

  • The cozy and self-contained campus of Chalmers University of Technology in the center of Gothenburg.

  • Facts about Chalmers University of Technology:
    - Chalmers offers Bachelor, Master and PhD programs. All master’s programs are taught in English.
    - Tuition fees: Master’s programs: approximately $16,000/year. Higher education in Sweden is free for students from countries within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
    - U.S. Friends of Chalmers Scholarship: Scholarships covering all the tuition fees are awarded annually to citizens of the United States.
    - For more information, see the Chalmers website: www.chalmers.se/masters and www.chalmers.se/scholarships