Miyuki Moriya, Japan

"Sweden is a small country, the population is smaller than Tokyo’s, and still Sweden’s contribution to international society is big (development assistance, peace keeping, environment...)."

Name: Miyuki Moriya
Age: 22 years
Study: Political science and law at Stockholm University
From: Tokyo, Japan
Lives: Lappkärrsberget, student apartment

Why did you decide to study in Stockholm?
- I decided to study in Stockholm for many reasons. Before I came to Sweden I studied in Minnesota, USA. After that I wanted to go to Europe and study international law.

- I wanted to study in English so I thought of studying in the UK. But I am interested in Sweden and its neutral policy in war, its democratic system, and it contribution to international development/peace keeping assistance. So I decided to study in Sweden.

- Because of what I study, I think Sweden is a very interesting country. Sweden is a small country, the population is smaller than Tokyo’s, and still Sweden’s contribution to international society is big (development assistance, peacekeeping, environment...). I think Sweden is a perfect country for political science and law studies.

What do you think is the best about Stockholm?
- A good thing about Stockholm and Stockholm University is the study environment. From the university it is only ten minutes to the city. At the same time the university campus is secluded, and therefore good for studying.

- There are a lot if things to do in Stockholm.

What are the down parts?
- It is quite small. I miss the stores that are open twenty-four hours.

- Eating out in restaurants and buying groceries are expensive here in Stockholm.

What is your favourite part of Stockholm?
- I really love Gamla Stan with its old streets and buildings.

- Stockholm has a lot of museums which is fun for us Japanese, because we like history and learning about the Vikings, for example.

What do you do in you spare time?
- In my spare time I like to go to movies and play pool with my friends.

- I read a lot of books, both in English and Swedish. I read children’s books like Pippi Långstrump in Swedish. It’s good for my language skills.

Is it hard for you to learn Swedish?
- For me it is hard to speak Swedish because of the different pronunciation. I tried to speak some Swedish at the grocery store but the staff understood that I wasn’t from Sweden so they replied in English.

- In Stockholm you don’t need to speak Swedish, everyone here speaks English.

- For me, my newfound language skills in Swedish broadens my other language skills. When I was in Paris I discovered that the word “library” in French and Swedish is practically the same.

How did you find a place to live in Stockholm?
- For exchange students like me, the school offers accommodation, so I got my apartment from them.

- I live at Lappkärrsberget in a student apartment. I share my kitchen with other students. It can sometimes be annoying to share a kitchen but it is an interesting experience.

- I had never lived with anyone before living at Lappkärrsberget. So it was new to me. I couldn’t cook so that I had to learn. I didn’t even know how to cook rice. Learning new stuff is fun!

What do you study here in Stockholm?
- I study political science and law at Stockholm University. Before I came to Sweden I studied law, and now I wanted to learn more about the political view on law. I have taken one course on “the rule of law” and now I am taking “the study of democracy”. The next semester I will learn more about international relationships.

What do you hope to become after you graduate?
- After my time here in Stockholm I still have half a year to study in Japan. My dream is to become a diplomat.

What is different in Stockholm, Sweden, when it comes to the studies?
- The educational system is different. In Stockholm you study only one subject for one or two month, which makes four subjects in one semester. You can concentrate on the subject during the term, and it’s an intensive and reasonable system. In Japan we often have more than ten subjects in one semester with all the exams at the same time.

- Here you can concentrate at one subject at a time, but it is sometimes a short time to learn about a subject in only one month.

- Also here the PhD students are teaching. In Japan all of the teachers are professors. Here in Sweden the PhD students who teach are passionate about their subject, which I think is good.