Meet Franklin Lagat from Nairobi, Kenya

What is your educational background?

I studied my undergraduate and postgraduate diploma in law in Kenya at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Kenya School of Law. Later, I completed the Master’s programme in environmental, natural resources, and energy law from Lewis & Clark College.

How did you find our master’s programme?

I found the master’s programme through Google. I was seeking a human rights programme with an international humanitarian law limb, my interest area. I came across Lund University’s programme in the LLM Guide website, and it was ranked among the top 10 LLM programmes in the world. An additional appeal of Lund University Master’s programme was the presence of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), though at the time I did not understand the extent of the collaboration.

What was it like to apply for our master’s programme?

It was quite simple. With the requisite documents and the application fee in hand I only spent time preparing my letter of motivation.

How was your move to Lund?

It could not have gone better. I arrived before the orientation and was met by volunteers from Lund University that eased the transition. My flight landed in Copenhagen, and I took a train from the airport to Lund. At the airport, volunteers guided newcomers through ticket purchasing. On my arrival in Lund, I was received by another volunteer group that later dropped me off at my Lund University accommodation.

How was the process of finding housing in Lund?

As an international fee-paying student, one is guaranteed housing. After accepting my offer, I received an email about accommodation selection. According to the Lund University housing process, a prospective student selects five accommodations but is not guaranteed a specific option. My housing offer was communicated just over a month after I submitted my five preferred housing choices. I confirmed my acceptance of the housing offer through payment of a deposit before the deadline in early August.

How is the study environment at the programme?

The study environment is incomparable to my previous studies. As a student of the International Human Rights Law programme, I have access to the RWI library. A cosy library with access to substantial resources on human rights and humanitarian law. Further, I interact with my fellow first year students and the second years. A sociable group!

How many lectures and seminars do you have on a weekly basis?

Before my present elective courses, my schedule was more uniform. I had two to three lectures every week. Presently, I have more classes per week. As for seminars, there is usually a varied number of seminars in every course with irregular frequency. 

What is the most challenging, and what is the best thing with your programme?

Honestly, I cannot pinpoint any challenges thus far. The courses are shorter than I am used to, so it is but an eventful experience. The best thing about my programme is its scope, there are diverse courses on offer.

How does studying here in Lund differ from studying in your home country?

The structure of the programme is significantly different. Firstly, regarding core and elective courses. Core courses take ten weeks to complete while elective courses take five weeks. Secondly, studying in Lund involves taking one course at a time. In my home country, several courses are taken at the same time and for an entire semester. Further, examinations for all courses are done at the end of the semester and mostly entail written examinations as opposed to the take home assignments in my current programme.

What is it like to live in Sweden?

In a word, novel! I am still getting used to the silent streets. I also enjoy the proximity of green spaces to the city.

What is it like to be an international student at Lund University?

It is interesting. At a minimum, it is a conversation starter. The first interaction is almost always about where I am from. As a student city, Lund is a great place to interact with students from other nationalities and to participate in the activities at nations. 

How do you experience the student life in Lund?

I try to be active with extracurricular activities. I participate in the committees of the Association of Foreign Affairs, interact with new people weekly, volunteer for activities both within the master’s programme and for ABC Sweden. 

Additionally, I attempt healthy living although consistency on that front is sorely lacking.

What are your career goals after your graduation?

I would like to pursue further studies and work in the humanitarian aid sector. 

I have always loved the phrase, ‘find a job where you shower at the end of the day’.

Do you have any tips for prospective students coming to Lund?

Come with an open mind and no expectations, I have found it’s the best way to enjoy a new study programme.