David Beliën (photo: private)

I saw this as the ultimate opportunity to test out if SULaw was an exchange faculty for me. After a couple of lessons, I fell in love with Sweden and the university

Why did you choose to participate in SULaw Summer programme 2022?

As Dutch students, we are offered to join the Erasmus exchange programme for a semester, i.e. half a year. In determining if I wanted to go on exchange next year, I saw this as the ultimate opportunity to test out if SULaw was an exchange faculty for me. After a couple of lessons, I fell in love with Sweden and the university. While I’m writing the answers to these questions, I wished I was in Sweden, back at SULaw - the Summer Programme is definitely worth undertaking.

Which course(s) did you choose and why did you choose them?

I followed one course, "Public International Law in Brief", since the UvA only offers 1 course focused on public international law in the bachelor programme. Therefore, I saw this as an opportunity to broaden my view and horizon. After following the course, I got a better understanding of public international law, its history and its current-day developments.

What are your tips and tricks to make the best of the course(s) and your stay at SULaw?

First of all, by being yourself, other students will pick up on that. And together with the people you will meet, you will do the most breathtaking things; for example, going to a lake at night, trying to see the northern lights at the beginning of August but having a clear view of all the stars in the sky. My biggest tip is to get to know the metro/tube system as quickly as possible. One thing I encountered is that the metro rides on the opposite side compared to the Netherlands. In Stockholm, the metro will be on the left-hand side, while traffic (cars, bikes, busses, etc) will be on the right-hand side.

What did you enjoy the most during your stay here in Stockholm?

On my last day in Stockholm, it was the Stockholm Pride Parade. The atmosphere was amazing, I talked with a lot of people and had a lot of fun. Walking through Hagaparken was also in the top 5 of things, but the most fun activity was having Fika with your fellow students.

Why should other students choose to study our Summer programme?

One reason is to get to know SULaw as a possible future exchange studies destination, but mainly, students should choose SULaw's Summer programme for the fun times they will have with other students in the programme. Also, the location you will be staying at in Stockholm is quite nice; within a few minutes you can be in the city centre. The nature surrounding the university and the nature close to the accommodation is also amazing. Lastly, to create unforgettable times and friends for life.

How would you summarize SULaw Summer programme in 3 words?

Fun, Educational and eye-opening

Discover the course David took at SULaw:

Public International Law in Brief