“Innovation, quality, security, the environment, the green economy, research and development. How could you not be interested in studying in Sweden?” Francesco Speciale, Edoardo Rossi and Piero Pascucci, alongside two additional LUISS students, are completing a Double Degree with the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg.
Majoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship through the master’s program in Management, Francesco, Edoardo and Piero chose Gothenburg for its focus on innovation.
“I was always interested in the opportunity of a Double Degree,” says Piero. “Even if it meant more commitment and sacrifice (keep in mind that a Double Degree means double work) I knew that it had great potential at both the personal and professional levels.” The idea of completing my studies in just under five years and finishing with three degrees, one of which from a country like Sweden, was too inviting to pass up.” Gothenburg is Sweden’s second city both in terms of size and number of headquarters of important companies like Volvo and Ericsson, both “very present in the academic world, working closely with local universities,” explains Piero.
For all three students it was their first experience abroad of such magnitude, having previous only participated in summer programs to improve their English and internships abroad, such as Piero’s experience with OXFAM in London: “It was definitely useful to have lived outside of Italy, especially for best adapting yourself to a new culture, but it wasn’t essential.”
“The first four months were intense,” explains Francesco. “The professors are demanding, and they expect constant dedication and interest. We spent most of our time in classrooms and the beautiful campus library. The semester is organized differently compared to Italian universities: lessons are longer and concentrated in shorter periods, with exam sessions every two months.”
“I immediately had a good impression of the university,” says Edoardo. “It’s a nice structure with large windows that open on an external courtyard. The Department of Economics has Swedish and international students, offering a nice environment to follow lessons, stay and study, or relax in the cafeteria.” “The university also offers professional and recreational activities. I even took an elementary Swedish course for international students. I also suggest GADDEN, the equivalent of our Career Day, and the university pub where international students meet every Wednesday,” adds Piero.
Courses in Gothenburg are very close to the business world. Companies offer seminars and workshops, and some courses are based entirely on projects: “For example, New Concepts of Operations Management and Services was held entirely off campus. We worked on a project to create innovative solutions (circular economy, z-farming, biomimetic architecture, 3D printing and crowdfunding) to promote urban development in one of the city’s neighborhoods and make it more sustainable.”
“This year also helped me widen my network, especially now that I am preparing my thesis with a local company,” concludes Piero. “Studying here has allowed me to see my career from a different prospective, to analyze my work and to better understand my strengths and limits.”
Ultimately, those interested in Double Degree programs have to be “ready to give your all. As soon as you finish your exams, you'll realize you are full of new experiences, information and skills, and that all the sacrifice was worth it. It will be hard, but fun too if you face it together. Afterall, our secret is that we are a group of students with different characteristics that were able to work together to overcome the difficulties. If you want more information, we are available for advice and suggestions.”
