When Priya Mann arrived in Lund as an exchange student from the University of Toronto Rotman Commerce, she was looking for more than just a semester abroad. Through her studies within the LUSEM International Entrepreneurship Highway, she found an opportunity to combine academic learning with hands-on experience. The exchange programme is a collaboration between LUSEM and the University of Toronto’s Rotman Commerce programme. The exchange programme is for one semester, consists of two courses and a 10-week internship. LUSEM Startup Hub connects the students with internships in startups, innovation projects or a startup support organisation.
Bridging academia and industry
As part of her exchange semester, Priya is completing an internship at Medicon Village Innovation, a leading life science cluster that brings together research, start-ups, and industry partners.
“This internship stood out to me for its ability to connect research, start-ups, and industry within a highly integrated life science cluster,” she explains. “What I find particularly interesting is how Medicon Village goes beyond infrastructure to create an environment where collaboration, credibility, and access to networks actively shape company outcomes.”
Her role is divided into two main areas. On one hand, she contributes to research exploring how proximity to a science park influences start-up survival. On the other, she supports the execution of events, gaining insight into the operational side of innovation ecosystems.
Being here has given me a new perspective on how ecosystems are built and how organisations position themselves and create value within them.
“In Canada, I have mostly been exposed to innovation hubs that are structured differently. Being here has given me a new perspective on how ecosystems are built and how organisations position themselves and create value within them.”
Priya’s time at LUSEM has also offered a contrast in academic culture. At Rotman Commerce, courses are largely case-based, with students typically taking between three and six courses simultaneously. In Lund, the structure is different.
“At LUSEM, I took two courses during the first part of the semester, and they were more theoretical and textbook-based,” she says. “It’s a different pace and approach, but it complements the practical experience of the internship really well.”
Adjusting to life in Lund
Moving from major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto to Lund required some adjustment.
“It’s a big contrast to move from large cities to a smaller town like Lund,” she says. "Even things like using an app for public transportation or navigating grocery stores in a new language were new at first."
Despite the initial challenges, Priya has embraced the experience and highlights the welcoming nature of the community as a key factor in settling in. Through her internship, Priya has strengthened a range of professional skills, including analytical thinking, research capabilities, and communication. She also points to adaptability and social skills as essential takeaways.
“I’ve learned a lot about how science parks operate and how innovation ecosystems function,” she says. “At the same time, working in a new environment has helped me grow both professionally and personally.”
Advice for future exchange students
Reflecting on her experience, Priya strongly encourages other students to consider a similar path.
This programme gives you real-world experience while also allowing you to study in a new country and meet people from all over the world.
Priya highlights that the programme offers a valuable combination of practical, real-world experience and the opportunity to study abroad in an international environment. According to her, it also provides students with the chance to connect with people from different parts of the world and broaden their perspectives.
Her advice to future exchange students is clear: “Prepare by learning about the culture before you arrive, keep an open mind, and take every opportunity to meet new people. The work culture may be different, but people are very welcoming and helpful, so make the most of it.”
