November 8, 2023
My first impressions of Sweden
Sweden is a beautiful and unique country with a distinct set of impressions, especially for a student like me who comes from a warmer country. Here are some of my first impressions of Sweden:
Cold Climate: Sweden is known for its cold and snowy winters, which can be a stark contrast for students from warm countries. Although it is still November, I can definitely tell the difference because the same month back in my country the temperatures are 20 degrees up. So, I’m getting prepared for sub-zero temperatures, snow, and shorter daylight hours during the winter months which will be a completely new experience for me.
Stunning Natural Beauty: Despite the cold, Sweden offers breathtaking natural landscapes. Picturesque forests, lakes and so much more, there’s a wealth of natural beauty that you get the feeling that you want to explore and enjoy something every day. The connection with nature here is something unique.
Outdoor Activities: Swedes love outdoor activities. There’s a lot activities that you can experience the whole year like ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and winter hiking in the winter and I cannot wait to try the most of it, if not all. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and camping.
Fika Tradition: The Swedes take their coffee breaks seriously. The tradition of “fika” involves taking a break to enjoy coffee or tea with pastries or snacks, providing a great opportunity to socialize and relax. It’s one of my favorite let’s say “activities” because you have the opportunity to get to know better the people of your program and even more people from other countries in the University and discuss everything.
Strong Sense of Sustainability: Sweden is often recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Expect to see recycling and eco-friendly practices in daily life. This, actually is something that I really like because even though in my country we do recycling to some point, here you can recycle everything very easy because there are recycling spots to every house block.
English Proficiency: Swedes, in general, have a high level of English proficiency, which makes it easier for international students to communicate and navigate daily life. Yes, it is important to learn the language if you’re planning to stay but you can do everything only with knowing English.
Overall, Sweden offers a unique and enriching experience for international students and for everyone who wants to move in the country, even if the colder climate is a significant change from what people, like me are used to. So, I’ll embrace the opportunity to explore a new culture, learn about sustainability, and enjoy the stunning natural landscapes that Sweden has to offer.
Until next time,
Janine, International and European Relations
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