by Sakhodulla Shomirzaev, Law Enforcement Academy of Uzbekistan
As an employee of the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, I had the unique opportunity to take part in a one-month internship at Lund University in Sweden during April–May 2025. Throughout this program, I explored the lives and experiences of Northern European countries within the framework of my own research, drawing comparisons with the current situation in my homeland.
One of the most striking aspects of the internship was the richness of the university’s libraries. I was genuinely impressed by the abundance of electronic resources and the seamless connection Lund University has with the libraries of other renowned European institutions. In particular, the Department of Sociology of Law and the Faculty of Law libraries played a crucial role in supporting our academic work.
Beyond the university, the city libraries of Lund and Malmö stood out as shining examples of accessibility and modern infrastructure. These public spaces were not only well-stocked with diverse literature but also offered excellent conditions for study and reflection. Truly, they are something to be admired.
At the same time, I had a strong desire to continue developing my research and further improve my English skills. With this goal in mind, I was planning to purchase some books for personal study. To my delight, I discovered a wonderful tradition both at the Sociology of Law Department library and in a nearby bookstore: a special section where discounted books were made available for students and researchers. This thoughtful initiative turned out to be exactly what I needed — a perfect opportunity to expand my personal library without straining my budget.
Right at the beginning of the internship, my colleague and I had the pleasure of attending a truly inspiring event organized by the department — a beautiful gathering that brought together current students and successful alumni who had graduated in this very field. Hearing their stories and learning about their career paths after university was not only beneficial for the students but also deeply motivating for us as visiting researchers. Events like these create an atmosphere of aspiration and encouragement that lingers long after they end.
We also had the opportunity to attend a scholarly seminar led by a doctoral candidate (Heraclitos Muhire) conducting research at the department. The topic of the research itself immediately caught our interest, but what made the event truly remarkable was the lively and thoughtful discussion that followed. The comments, suggestions, and constructive feedback offered by professors and faculty members to the researcher not only deepened our understanding of the subject but also sparked even greater curiosity and academic enthusiasm in us.
In the third week of the internship, we had the opportunity to take part in an academic conference — an experience that proved both meaningful and rewarding. I myself delivered a presentation titled “Combating and Preventing Corruption: International Practice and National Legislation”, based on insights gathered during the previous fifteen days of research, observation, and direct engagement with Northern European — particularly Swedish — society. The conference not only allowed me to share my findings but also became a valuable platform for professional exchange. As a result, I gained important knowledge and insights in three key areas: anti-corruption efforts, migration policy, and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
In addition, I believe the internship proved highly beneficial for me — both academically and practically — thanks to the wealth of resources available in the libraries, the guidance of project supervisors, the support of faculty members, and the diverse perspectives shared by fellow interns from different countries. Equally enriching were the everyday interactions with members of Swedish society, which provided firsthand insights into their way of life. As one of the outcomes of my research, I prepared and presented a scholarly article titled “Interrogation of Individuals Suspected of Committing Corruption Offenses”, further solidifying the academic value of this internship.
I cannot conclude without mentioning Sweden’s clean air and highly efficient public transport system. These are true assets not only for local students but also for international researchers and interns. Breathing fresh, oxygen-rich air provides just the right atmosphere for creative and focused academic work. The ability to travel to and from the university quickly and reliably also leaves room for planning other tasks outside of study hours. In conclusion, I firmly believe that Sweden — and Lund University in particular — offers an ideal environment for conducting research in every possible sense.
