Christian Norrie from Canada is studying the final semester of the Master’s programme Data Science at the University of Skövde. On 28 May, he will receive the Global Swede award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Foreign Trade, Anna Hallberg.
Global Swede is an honorary award that is presented every year to foreign students studying in Sweden. Among other things, the award is supposed to encourage students to act as ambassadors for their country's relations with Sweden, and not least as ambassadors for Sweden as a destination for higher education.
This year's Global Swede at the University of Skövde is Christian Norrie from Canada. He is currently studying the final semester of the Master's programme Data Science, and feels surprised to be nominated.
– I worked very hard these past two years, but it is a bit strange to find myself in this position. I'm honoured to be chosen for this and hope I can represent Canada and Sweden well in the future.
He chose to do his Master’s studies in Skövde because there are a lot of cultural similarities between Sweden and Canada, but at the same time Sweden is very unique.
– I've always been interested in coming to Sweden. When I was doing my research for which university I wanted to attend, I knew I wanted it to be in Sweden, and Skövde just seemed to fit. The university has a great reputation, and the quality of university education in Sweden is extremely high.
Leaves traces in the learning experience
The nomination states that Christian Norrie has extensive knowledge of his subject area and always makes well-grounded interpretations. He gives rich feedback, and encouragement to his classmates and inspires in a way that leaves traces throughout the learning experience.
What do you feel when you hear this description?
– I feel really good hearing that! I know I have put a tremendous amount of time and effort into this programme over the past two years and have a real passion for it. Covid-19 has made this past year quite difficult, but my peers in the Data Science programme have really supported each other through this time. We all rely on each other for feedback and to find ways to succeed.
Digital ceremony with Swedish Minister
This year’s Global Swede ceremony will be held digitally on 28 May, where the Minister for Foreign Trade, Anna Hallberg, will participate and give a speech to the nominated students. The ambassadors from the nominated students' home countries will also be invited.
The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate foreign students and their importance as ambassadors for Sweden. The event will enthuse and engage students to maintain their relationship with Sweden and their universities after completing their studies. The students nominated for Global Swede have excelled through good academic results, and have shown creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in their academic field.
The nomination:
Christian Norrie is an outstanding ambassador for the University of Skövde. He has excelled in his studies in the Data Science Master’s Programme in ways that surprise the teachers - providing his extensive knowledge and well-grounded interpretations. His interest in ethical aspects brings an additional dimension to the discussions, envisioning the practicalities of the results. As a classmate, Christian delivers rich feedback, encouragement and inspiration, leaving traces on the whole learning experience.