Adriana found both community and new opportunities
From Lisbon to Västerås – Adriana Mota came to MDU with one goal: to find a degree that could take her across borders. She found that. And so much more.
After finishing her first degree in Portugal, Adriana Mota felt she wanted something more. That realisation brought her to the International Business Management programme at MDU – an education that has opened academic doors and introduced her to friends from all over the world.
Why did you choose to study in Sweden and at MDU?
Back in Portugal, Adriana felt that her career options didn’t quite match her ambitions.
“I wanted a degree that would give me the freedom to work internationally – something that would let me cross borders and understand how to navigate them.”
When she began looking into Sweden, the International Business Management programme at Mälardalen University immediately stood out.
“The application process was much easier than I expected. I went to universityadmissions.se, chose the courses I wanted to apply for, uploaded the required documents – and then simply waited for the decision.”
What does your everyday student life look like?
“We usually have no more than two classes a week, which means I can plan my studies around everything else. Before exams I spend most of my time in the library or at cafés in town. And when I’m free, my friends and I sometimes take a day trip to Stockholm.”
What is the best thing about studying this programme at MDU?
“Honestly, the best part of the programme is the people I’ve met. None of us come from Sweden, yet we formed a close group straight away. The international focus isn’t just in the courses – you feel it among the students too.”
Adriana also highlights the opportunities she has taken part in: an Erasmus week in Poland, working in the student union, attending conferences across Sweden and meeting employers through different events.
Have you faced any challenges during your studies?
“The biggest challenges have been learning Swedish and adjusting to the cultural differences. Coming from a warm country – in both climate and attitude – it took time to get used to Sweden’s cooler atmosphere.”
What are your plans for the future?
“I’ve always struggled to decide what I want to work with because I enjoy so many fields – business, law, HR, project management and strategy. It’s hard to imagine doing just one thing for the rest of my life. But lately I’ve been considering continuing my studies all the way to a PhD. I’m hungry for knowledge and I truly enjoy research.”
What advice would you give to someone considering studying this programme?
“Just do it! I’ve studied at university in two countries – here in Sweden and back home in Portugal – and I’ve had far more fun here than in Lisbon.”
People who have made a difference
Adriana also wants to highlight the people who shaped her time at MDU.
“The friends I’ve made here have meant the world to me. They brightened even the darkest winter days by being warm, kind and full of life. Among the teachers I would like to highlight Krister Frost in Commercial Law and Kenneth Santos in Project Management, who are fantastic. Selen Savsin made Micro Economics genuinely engaging, and Olivia Kang – always smiling and willing to help – made me realize that academia might actually be my future.”