Globetrotting in the heart of Scandinavia

From discovering authentic Swedish traditions to its fascinating history and culture and nature in all of its glory, Year 3 student Neleh TOK has the opportunity to do this, and more.    

Neleh, who majors in Data Science and Analytics, and minors in Astronomy and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is currently on exchange at Uppsala University, one of the oldest universities in the Nordic countries.

In an educational culture where students are encouraged to look beyond textbooks for answers, Neleh has benefited from the different teaching style at Uppsala University.

She says, “The students here are not afraid to answer a question incorrectly and are comfortable sharing their thought processes and conclusions. This learning style allowed me to feel more comfortable voicing my opinions or theories.”

She adds, “I am urged to think creatively and at a deeper level before the professor divulges the correct solution.” The process revealed the flaws in the way she drew her conclusions and proved to be a valuable learning point.

Neleh, who opted for GIS for its mix of geography and data analytics / visualisation, and astronomy because of her interest in physics, had the opportunity to cover both passions when she took a masters course in applied geophysics overseas. This course included a compulsory week-long field course to Denmark where she had the opportunity to see how theories and methods she learned were applied in an actual project where she identified new carbon sinks in the ground in Viborg, Denmark.

Experiencing Sweden’s enriching student life that fuses tradition and modernity is another standout experience for her.  Neleh attended a Gasque at her ‘nation’, a student-run organisation named after different counties in Sweden comprising a formal dinner, singing (mostly traditional Swedish drinking songs), entertainment by the nation’s band and choir, and mingling with fellow students from the same nation. Together with her nation’s sports club, Neleh looks forward to skiing in the winter.

Living and working closely with a large group of international students, Neleh says, has broadened her worldview as she continues to gain insights into different societies, norms and practices in different countries.  

Thanks to the support of other NUS students on exchange, Neleh was able to settle in and feel more at ease, “almost as if there is a small corner of Singapore still here with me.”