Over 400 international students at University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology were welcomed to Börsen, Gothenburg’s official representation building, by Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor. The event was organised by the City of Gothenburg in collaboration with Unimeet Gothenburg.

Lord Mayor Aslan Akbas. Photo: Elina Maaranen

A large group of international students arrive each year to study at Chalmers and University of Gothenburg. International students are important to Gothenburg, which is why the City of Gothenburg in collaboration with Unimeet Gothenburg wants to recognise them by organising a reception at Börsen.

On the 7th and 8th of October, the city’s Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor Aslan Akbas and Margareta Broang welcomed a little over 400 students who recently have moved to Gothenburg to study. In their speeches, they talked about the history of Gothenburg and emphasised how the city is a sustainable one and open to the world. On behalf of the city, they welcomed everyone and expressed appreciation for their decision to study in Gothenburg.

Lukáš Zelenák, student at University of Gothenburg. Photo: Elina Maaranen

One of the attendees on October 7th was Lukáš Zelenák, who just started a Bachelor’s programme at University of Gothenburg. He was glad to be able to participate:

– I love the building, I like the people that I met, and I think that it is a great event that you should attend.

Dieu Linh and Thuy Nhien. Photo: Elina Maaranen

Thuy and Dieu, two friends who participated on the welcome reception’s second evening, were impressed by the event. They felt warmly welcomed by both Deputy Lord Mayor and the town itself:

– People are so friendly; the food is so good! I feel like we became a part of this city after this event.

– Yes, they are so friendly, we have been taken care of from start!

Unimeet Gothenburg is a collaboration between the University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, and Trade & Industry Group at Göteborg & Co.

The aim of Unimeet Gothenburg is to enhance the image of the Gothenburg region as an attractive place for the universities’ international students, researchers, and internationally recruited staff to study, live, and work. This is achieved by organising activities to strengthen the connection between studies and working life, creating meeting places and networking opportunities, as well as promoting social and cultural activities.