Emily Rayner

School of Healthcare Sciences

Erasmus+ traineeship placement

Where did you go?

I completed a work traineeship at Gothenburg University

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?

I have always been interested in studying and working abroad and this was my opportunity to do so. I was also motivated by Sweden being one of the options, as their healthcare system is known for being one of the best in the world. This is something that I felt would be useful to experience and be able to use the skills I learn in my future career.

What were your top three highlights from your time abroad?

1. Living in a new country – I really enjoyed having an extended period of time to spend in Gothenburg and explore other areas locally, which allowed me to really get to know the city and the Swedish culture
2. Working in a Swedish Hospital – I felt that although the hospital wasn’t that different to the UK, I was able to learn so much from the staff there and the ways that they worked. I have been able to bring back a lot of useful experience which I know I will be able to use in the future.
3. Meeting new people – I wasn’t able to meet very many other students due to working full time however the ones that I did were lovely and I was able to get to know not only Swedish culture but other international students and their experiences.

How has your placement benefitted your studies or your future career?

The skills I developed and experience I gained from working abroad are definitely invaluable, I really improved my communication skills but also my therapeutic skills through learning new techniques and methods which are used in Sweden but not so much in the UK. I was also introduced to a range of new literature and articles that will be useful to me over the remaining course of my studies.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you left?

I wish I had known about the Erasmus society, both at Cardiff but also the equivalent in Sweden. This would have been really helpful as they offer support and it is a great way to meet other students who are going abroad and then again when you are abroad. I think if I had been more involved with this I would have made more friends abroad and quicker.

What would you say to a student who was unsure about spending a period abroad at university?

It is likely a once in a lifetime chance, and if you can live away from home at University, going abroad really isn’t that different. You will learn so much about others but also yourself. Then even if it is challenging you still have an extra skill and experience that will stay with you for the remainder of your life.

What are the top 3 things to do in Gothenburg?

1. Paddan boat tour around Gothenburg city centre
2. Archipelago/island hopping for a day
3. Ride the tram through and around the city centre to Haga the old town in Gothenburg