Meet the ambassador – Rachel – EARTH, Sweden

Name: Rachel Kay
School, Degree Programme: EARTH – Environmental Geoscience with year of study abroad – year 4
Host destination: Stockholm, Sweden

Tell us about your global opportunity—where did you go, and what did you do?
I went to Stockholm, Sweden, and enrolled in the School of Geological Sciences. My modules included Geochemistry, Submarine Geomorphology, Geology of Sweden, Sedimentary Systems, and Petrology.

What surprised you the most about your host country/programme/time abroad?
How much I enjoyed the winter, I like the cold and winter months, I expected it to be very extreme in Sweden and a bit of a challenge, with much shorter daylight hours and much colder winters, which was the case but I found it the most enjoyable time. The scenery was so pretty as there was heavy snow, but also there were so many activities, with winter sports, such as, skiing, cross country skiing and ice skating, there was also lots of opportunities for ice bathing and saunas. Experiencing this with new  friends was such a rewarding experience as it was so different and exciting.

What is the one thing you miss about your time abroad?
I miss the large international community and friends I made whilst abroad, I made friends form across the world who all had such different experiences and takes. It was an opportunity to experience so many new things with groups of such different people, it was just a super friendly enjoyable environment. I also do really miss the winters and heavy snow – and opportunity to see the Northern lights! But on the flip side I miss the long sunny days in summer and spring and the incredible lakes with the ability to explore Stockholm’s archipelago. (And I do also miss fika! – Swedish coffee and cinnamon buns)

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your studies?
I am super passionate about the outdoors, hiking and camping. At the weekends I love to go on hikes to the Brecon Beacons and take in all the pretty scenery!

What’s your favourite place on campus/in Cardiff?
Alexandra Gardens

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (a dream destination), where would it be—and why?
I would love to live in Canada I think – it has very strong seasons like Sweden, but much bigger mountains, and gives the opportunity for lots of skiing and hiking!

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I’m born on Christmas day!

Describe your global experience in three words:
Adventurous, Eye-opening, Rewarding

What advice would you give to students considering a global opportunity?
Take every opportunity you can and try to speak to as many people as you can, try new activities, really take yourself outside of your comfort zone!