An international master's student’s experience of Swedish culture and education
When Oluwatobi (Tobi) Ayodele arrived in Sweden to join Karolinska Institutet’s Master’s programme in Health Economics, Policy and Management, he expected challenges, but what he found was a system that changed his mindset. From discovering Sweden’s “superpower” of structure to embracing an education focused on mastery rather than survival, Tobi shares how this journey reshaped his academic goals, career vision, and life beyond the classroom.
For Oluwatobi Ayodele know as Tobi, a master’s student in the Health Economics, Policy and Management (HEPM) at Karolinska Institutet, moving to Sweden was a leap into the unknown - but one that has transformed both his academic and personal outlook.
"The structure! It feels like a vast ecosystem where you just need to find your place to ‘plug in’ to the wheel, he shared, reflecting on his first impressions of Swedish society. What initially felt “robotic” soon revealed itself as Sweden’s superpower: a foundation of reliability and efficiency that frees up mental energy for what truly matters.
Education that focuses on understanding
One of the biggest surprises? The Swedish approach to education.
"The fact that exams can be retaken shifts the focus entirely from ‘survival’ to ‘mastery,’ Tobi explained. "This system has removed the anxiety around testing and encouraged a deeper pursuit of knowledge. My mindset has shifted from chasing grades to pursuing genuine understanding. If I truly know the material, the Distinction grade will follow naturally."
A career re-imagined
Studying in Sweden has also reshaped his professional outlook.
"Collaborating daily with a cohort from 27 different nationalities has sharpened my cultural intelligence", he said. Exposure to diverse perspectives and Sweden’s emphasis on sustainability inspired a commitment to the Quadruple Aim in healthcare: improving patient experience, population health, cost efficiency, and provider well-being.
"I don’t just want to build systems that cut costs; I want to build systems that are financially sustainable but also humanly resilient."
Challenges and triumphs
Of course, the journey wasn’t without hurdles.
"The weather and the winter darkness - absolutely nothing prepared me for it!" he laughed. The solution? A personal routine and active involvement in student organizations.
"Sharing beautiful moments with other students kept me warm in spirit, which made the physical temperature much easier to handle."
Moments that matter
One defining experience came during an event packed with CEOs.
"I remember standing there wondering, ‘How did I get into this room?’ It proved to me that the doors to the industry are not locked - you just have to be willing to slide them open."
Swedish Must-Do’s
For those considering Sweden, Tobi insists on embracing local traditions:
"Midsummer celebrations are non-negotiable! The Nobel Week Lights are stunning, and the museums are the best shortcut to truly understanding the Swedish soul."