Hej allihopa or hello everyone! Greeting from beautiful Norrköping, Sweden, where the leaves are already turning all sorts of colors and Autumn is in full speed. I am Gvantsa, a second-year student here at the Linköping University. I moved here last August and, just like almost all international students, I did not speak a word of Swedish. Although, at a one-year mark, I can navigate basic conversation in everyday life and can order coffee for fika. If you are also curious or anxious to get started on your Swedish learning journey, this blog post is for you. Come along with me, as I share my top 5 tips for learning Swedish.

1. Start with Basics

Before you sign up for a course or a class, it is helpful to know basics of the language, such as alphabet, small phrases, numbers, etc. Online platforms, such as hejsvenska or the Duolingo app is an excellent place to start. Most of you are probably familiar with Duolingo and might already be using it. It tests you before you start on a language, so you begin at your comfort level and buildup at your own speed. Hejsvenska is a state platform and an application, which helps you study one topic at a time. You can start with something as simple as “greeting” or “letters and numbers” and move up the difficulty levels.

2. Look for Free Options

If you decide to sign up for a Swedish class, look for cost-free options around you. Two most common ones that I and students around me have gotten involved with are a class at the local ABF and SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) course. ABF is a non-governmental educational association, that offers different study circles, including different languages and, of course, Swedish. You can find the closest ABF location on their website. Signing up is as simple as you going there and checking if they have an on-going Swedish class.

SFI or Swedish for Immigrants is a state funded language learning program. It is mandatory for some migrants, such as asylum seekers, but they also take students. On the link above, you can find your city and the location that’s responsible for the SFI courses. They will test your Swedish knowledge and will assign the respective class.

3. Sign up for the University Class

Did you know that Linköping University offers Swedish classes as regular lectures? Now you know! If you prefer to study the language in more formal, lecture-like setting, this could be the best option for you. LiU offers a variety of levels, so if you build up your language skills, you might even be able to skip a level at the placement. Check out the information above and make sure you sign up for the Spring semester classes as soon as possible. One detail to consider is, while these classes are free for non-fee-paying students, fee-paying students will need to pay tuition fees for it.

4. Be Consistent

No matter how motivated you are to study a new language, your academic studies might sometimes get in the way. Moving to a new country, making new friends, studying new topics, it all can get overwhelming and learning Swedish might not be at the top
of your priority list at times. And I am here to tell you that it is perfectly okay. Although, after a year of working on my Swedish, I found that doing at least 10 minutes of language exercises each day makes a huge difference and truly builds up your knowledge bank. If you try to incorporate Swedish in your everyday life, such as listening to some Swedish music in the background, listening to Swedish radio and news, watching movies in Swedish, after a while it won’t even feel like a task, but it will still continue to help your efforts.

5. Use Language Everywhere and with Everyone

I know first-hand that trying to speak words or phrases in a new language is extremely uncomfortable and often feels embarrassing. You can mispronounce something or not understand the answers in return.

In my case, I had to push myself day after day to use what basic words I knew. I tried everywhere, whether it was a café, store check-out, with my friends, even trying to translate simple phrases that I would usually say in English. Slowly but steadily, I saw an impact and, I promise, so will you. Highlight of my last week was when I managed to sign up for a membership at a local pharmacy solely in Swedish AND the pharmacist didn’t switch to English even once. So, just keep practicing, speak with your Swedish friends or flat mates, get in the habit of speaking Swedish at the store or café, and just before you know it, you will make it!

I hope you find these tips helpful as you embark on this fun and exciting journey. It is still important to note that in Sweden you can get by with English almost everywhere. Our student ambassador Elena recently posted about moving here without speaking the language. Check her post out if you need a little self-assurance!

 

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