A year as a board member of The Swedish Institute's Network for Global Leaders in Lund, Sweden

As the academic year 2022-2023 draws to a close, so does my assignment as Project Manager of the Board of Network for Global Leaders in Lund, Sweden, an inspiring student association supported by The Swedish Institute (SI). This past year has been a whirlwind of experiences, all centered around our mission to enrich the lives of SI scholars. From our kickoff picnic at Lund's Stadsparken to a series of engaging extracurricular activities, we've dedicated ourselves to fostering well-being among our fellow students. Here are some of the standout moments:

August 2022: Welcome Gathering at Stadsparken, Lund

We commenced the academic year with a lively celebration, complete with teamwork games, introductions to new scholars, interactions with second-year students and alumni, and a glimpse into each other's aspirations and dreams. This event marked the beginning of an exciting journey into academia, student life, and the formation of meaningful connections.

Field trip: Exploring Sofiero Palace in Helsingborg, Sk?ne, Sweden

Just a short journey from Lund, Sofiero Palace in Helsingborg held a special place in our hearts. Once the residence of the Swedish Royal Family in the early 1920s, this historical site, originally known as Skabelycke, was purchased by Prince Oscar of Sweden in 1864. (Read more).

November 2022: Fika and Well-being Check-up

We reunited SI scholars in Lund for a cosy Swedish fika session filled with friendly conversations, shared stories, and updates on upcoming winter and spring activities. It was a delightful gathering focused on nurturing our well-being.

Study visit: Eriksh?lpen, Lund - More than just a second-hand business model

[As featured on asustainablecloset.com] Erikshj?lpen Second Hand , a non-profit organization, goes beyond the typical second-hand shopping experience. Their mission is to generate funds for social and humanitarian initiatives within Erikshj?lpen. With physical stores across the country and an e-commerce platform, secondhand.se, they are making sustainable choices accessible to a wider audience.

March 2023: Spring Reflection at Hemg?rden, Lund

Our mission as the Board is to enhance the well-being of SI scholars, making it essential for us to pause and reflect on our thrilling Swedish experiences, our strengths, and our areas for growth, especially after 'surviving' another, or for some, their very first winter in Sweden.

April 2023: Study Visits - Volvo Cars Factory Tour in G?teborg and IKEA Museum in ?lmhult, Sweden

Our journey led us to the heart of two internationally renowned brands. We delved into their histories, gained fresh insights, and were inspired by their global impact. These study visits offered a close-up look at technical and digital innovation, sustainability, and circularity on a corporate level.

June 2023: Exploring the Sk?ne region?

Since Lund University resides in the Sk?ne region, it was essential to introduce our scholars to its rich history, hidden gems, and remarkable sites. Our expeditions included:

Tycho Brahe Museum on Ven Island

A visit to this museum is dedicated to the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, renowned for his meticulous records of celestial bodies.

Bosj?kloster Castle & Gardens in H??r

An exploration of a 900-year-old castle steeped in history, surrounded by terraced gardens, a park with animals, and more.

S?der?sen National Park in Ljungbyhed

A journey through breathtaking beech forests, dramatic valleys, and flowing streams, all within one of Northern Europe's largest protected deciduous forests.

Our discussions also touched on Sustainable Development Goals #13: Climate Actions and #15: Life on Land, and how we can contribute to them. We delved into sustainable forest management practices in Sweden, enriching our knowledge further.

Well-being Day: Meditation, Dance, and Workout at Lund Botanical Garden

A holistic wellness journey awaited us as we explored the definition of well-being through meditation, Mandala dance, and a high-energy HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout. The day ended with a well-deserved fika.

Graduation Picnic at Lund Stadsparken

Returning to where it all began, we bid farewell to the academic year 2022-2023 with a cozy picnic at Lund Stadsparken. We celebrated the accomplishments of our newly graduated scholars and savored moments together under the sunny summer sky.

Lastly, a heartfelt shout-out to my incredible board members: Sevinj, Upasana, Thadeu, Ayesha, and Ghofrane. Your dedication and enthusiasm made this year unforgettable.

Here's to the lasting memories and experiences we've created together.