Why the meeting with Sweden was an unexpected boost for the international master's student
When Oluwatobi (Tobi) Ayodele came to Sweden to start Karolinska Institutet's Master's Programme in Health Economics, Policy and Management, he was prepared for challenges. But they were different from what he had thought from the beginning and they had unexpected results. Tobi Ayodele shares how what seemed limiting at first has actually changed his academic and professional goals and life outside the classroom for the better.
For Oluwatobi Ayodele, known as Tobi, a master's student in Health Economics, Policy and Management (HEPM) at Karolinska Institutet, the move to Sweden was a step into the unknown.
It also turned out to be a step that has changed both his academic and personal perspectives. He tells how something that at first seemed limiting, in fact became something liberating and empowering. He sums up his first impressions of Swedish society in one word:
"Structure! It feels like a huge ecosystem where you just need to find your place to 'connect' to the wheel. What at first felt almost mechanical soon turned out to be Sweden's superpower. It's about a foundation of reliability and efficiency that frees up mental energy for what really matters," says Tobi Ayodele.
Education with a focus on understanding
One of the biggest surprises? The Swedish approach to education.
"The fact that exams can be retaken has removed the stress around exams and encouraged a deeper search for knowledge. My mindset has gone from chasing grades to striving for real understanding. If I really know the material, the highest grade comes naturally."
A new outlook
Studying in Sweden has also changed his view of professional life.
"Collaborating daily with a group from 27 different nationalities has sharpened my cultural intelligence. Meetings with different perspectives and Sweden's focus on sustainability have inspired me to work for Quadruple Aim in healthcare: improved patient experience, public health, cost-effectiveness and well-being of healthcare professionals."
"I don't just want to build systems that reduce costs; I want to create systems that are financially sustainable but also humanly resilient," he says.
Of course, there have been some challenges as well.
"The weather and the winter darkness, absolutely nothing prepared me for it! The solution was a personal routine and active involvement in student organizations. Sharing nice moments with other students kept me warm in my soul, and in this way the physical cold became much easier to handle."
Moments that matter
A defining moment came during an event attended by many business leaders.
"I remember wondering to myself how I had been so lucky that I ended up right here. At that moment, it became so clear that the doors to the industry are not locked. It's just a matter of daring to open them.
Tobi's best tips
For those who are considering applying for an education in Sweden, Tobi Ayodele has a clear piece of advice:
"Midsummer celebrations are a must! Nobel Week Lights is fantastic, and the museums are the best shortcut to really understanding the Swedish soul," he concludes.