David Berglund

Before arriving, my expectations were somewhere between friendly Americans and extroverted Swedes: a mix of warmth, openness, and curiosity. Preparing for the move was straightforward; arranging documents, visa, flights, and packing all went smoothly, and I found that if I forgot anything, there were plenty of good secondhand stores in Edmonton to fill the gaps.

How was the preparation stage?

Compared to my earlier experience in the United States, the Canadian study permit process was surprisingly simple. It was much easier and less bureaucratic than applying for a U.S. J1 visa. Other practical matters such as health insurance, banking, and phone contracts also went relatively smoothly. If anything, I wish I had known in advance how different the academic system would be compared to Sweden, as that required the biggest adjustment.

What did you study?

I came into the program with a solid forestry background: a bachelor’s degree from the Skogsmästar-program in Skinnskatteberg and the first year of my master’s in the Euroforester program at SLU. This gave me enough coursework to complement with just few courses to be eligible for the RPF (Registered Professional Forester) designation in Canada. 

The teaching style was quite different from Sweden. At SLU, courses run one at a time and take half a semester, with exams and presentations that can be retaken if needed. At UofA, several courses run simultaneously, and it is up to the student to avoid overloading their schedule. Assignments and exams carry a heavier weight, and there is less flexibility if you do poorly. You cannot simply redo a task but instead must balance weaknesses with stronger results elsewhere. 

What was your social life like?

Socially, I found community through the UofA Forest Society, which organized student events, and the UofA Chapter of The Wildlife Society, which hosted hunting and fishing activities. These groups provided both social opportunities and practical insights into Canadian outdoor culture. I also spent many of my evenings in the climbing gym, getting to know Edmonton’s climbing community. 

In comparing Canadian culture to Swedish, I found that Swedes tend to be polite but introverted, whereas Canadians combine friendliness with extroversion. This made it easier to connect with people socially and academically. Outside of campus, the Rocky Mountains offered some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. 

Travel advice

• For local travel, TURO, a car-sharing app like Airbnb but for vehicles, was an excellent resource. Fuel prices were much lower than in Europe.
• For anyone staying in Canada, I highly recommend visiting Nitinat on Vancouver Island, in addition to the Rockies.
• Without a car, grocery shopping can be inconvenient, but services like Instacart and Uber Eats make it manageable. 

What are your advice to other students?

One thing I wish I had known is that many forestry courses at UofA are taught at a fairly basic level, often combined with undergraduate cohorts. While informative, they sometimes lacked the depth expected at the master’s level.

Since tuition is covered through TRANSFOR-M, I recommend taking as many courses as you can reasonably handle to maximize the experience. Balancing studies and travel are difficult, Canadian master’s programs demand substantial commitment, so expect to prioritize academics.

Socially and academically, my best advice is to stay engaged: join societies, attend events, and make the most of networking opportunities.

Closing reflections

My year in Canada through TRANSFOR-M was transformative both personally and professionally. I gained new perspectives on forestry, experienced an entirely different academic culture, and built connections that will support my career in international forestry. While the thesis supervision could have been stronger, the independence it required of me forced growth in resilience, adaptability, and initiative.

For anyone considering the program, I recommend it. It is demanding, but the rewards in knowledge, experience, and personal growth are worth every challenge.