My experience as a Teaching Exchange candidate from Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan, to LTH, Lund University, was truly remarkable. I was thrilled to be selected for this fantastic opportunity to contribute to the Linnaeus-Palme project and engage in teaching and laboratory work at this prestigious institution at Lund, Sweden.
After completing all the necessary formalities, I embarked on my journey, starting from the nearest airport in Assam (Guwahati), India, on September 2, 2023. My route took me through Delhi, Istanbul, Copenhagen, and finally to Lund. Lund greeted me with its breathtaking beauty and pleasant weather, and I was fortunate to encounter helpful and welcoming people, leaving me with a lasting positive impression.
Once my teaching and learning activities began, I found myself fully immersed in the Solar-Thermal Laboratory, working closely with students for two days. The students’ passion, curiosity, and dedication to learning were palpable, making my sessions both engaging and highly productive.
During my time at Lund University, I had the privilege of attending a series of seminars hosted by the faculty. These sessions were truly engaging, and I had the opportunity to both facilitate and participate in discussions. Additionally, it was honoured to attend Master Thesis presentations, which followed a unique structure and provided valuable insights.
I was also scheduled to deliver a presentation, where I shared insights about Bhutan, my college/university, and my professional experiences with the faculty and staff. It was enriching to introduce them to Bhutan’s culture, people, and the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). I was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic turnout for my presentation, as they were eager to learn more about Bhutan and its fundamental principles of GNH.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to engage with students at the Helsingborg Campus of Lund University, where a session was conducted on SAM software for Solar-Thermal Systems along with Professor Henrik Davidsson.
As I immersed myself in this enriching experience, two weeks flew by quickly. I had the pleasure of interacting with students, staff, and even received invitations to family gatherings at the homes of Professor Henrik Davidsson, Professor Martin Andersson, and Magnus Hagelsteen. During weekends, I explored the beautiful city of Malmo and the surrounding countryside, making me feel like I had found a home away from home.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the management of Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan, for providing me with this incredible opportunity. I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Professor Henrik Davidsson, Professor Martin Andersson, and Magnus Hagelsteen from Lund University for extending this opportunity to me and their unwavering support and care throughout my stay, making it a truly productive and meaningful experience.
Lastly, I have developed more love and passion for Sweden and would certainly keep looking ahead for my professional engagements with the contacts established.
Hemlal Bhattarai, Dean Research and Industrial Linkages
Hemlal Bhattarai at Turning Torso in Malmö