Written by Annamaria
23 Oct 2024
When I first arrived in Sweden, I had no idea how much this country would shape me as a person. Living abroad taught me to look at life in new ways. It started as a study abroad experience but turned into a journey of self-discovery. Over the past three years, I learned a lot and this is a reflection on some of the lessons I learned and how Sweden changed me, hopefully for the better. 😜
I learned the value of time
Sweden is all about work-life balance. The Swedish academic system is different from the rigid one I knew before. There is time for work and time dedicated to other activities. Only when I realised I have all this free time, I started to think about its value. Spending free time doing nothing once in a while can be fun but, eventually, you’ll want to invest the hours into something meaningful.
So after couple weeks of binge-watching Netflix, I started looking for volunteering opportunities and part-time jobs to fill my time with. It’s also when I got to hang out with some of the nicest people. Free time in Sweden, if spent well, can add a lot of colour to your study abroad experience. It is not about doing nothing – it’s about finding things that bring you joy!
I became a nature freak
This symptom began right from the start. 🤒 I spent my first weeks in Sweden exploring Skövde and Västra Götaland region. That’s when I realised how much there is to see. From the forest trails to the lakes and sea. I also started to understand that spending time in nature is a great way to destress, get inspired, and energised, especially in the Swedish winter months. Swedes have a saying: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” and I am starting to agree.
Sweden is really expensive
This blog wouldn’t be complete without talking about money. 💸 Budgeting for a student is usually hard, no matter where you live but when you move to one of the more expensive countries in the world, it’s an ultimate challenge!
It took some time but I really got more into budgeting. I figured out how to use the student status as a way to save money. There are so many student discounts available as long as you have the Mecenat card. Cheaper public transport, free entrance to museums, discounts in restaurants, clothing store, and so much more. That’s when I also found out how much second-hands have to offer, which brings me to my next point…
Save the Earth – #1 priority
Okay, maybe not #1 but living more sustainably became one of my interests coming to Sweden. Sustainability is a ‘big thing’ in the Swedish culture. From recycling, through second-hand shopping to biking 🚲 as much as possible, there are always ways to become more sustainable. Sweden seems as if it was made for it. There are recycling stations on almost every corner, bike lanes throughout the cities, and many sustainable shops. If you are someone who cares about environment, Sweden is the perfect place to come.
Meeting friends from around the world
One of the things you notice when you first come to Sweden is how international the student community is. Over the past 3 years, I have met people from all the corners of the world. Shared experience of studying abroad can connect people, no matter where you come from.
I drank tea with dates during an evening with my Iranian friend, went for a regular coffee with my French friend, had a traditional (extremely spicy) dinner with my Indian friends, went for a Christmas dinner with my Swedish friends, had a movie night with a friend from Italy and a friend from Chile, and had deep discussions with my friends from China and Moldova. The world suddenly became much smaller and more interconnected than it seemed before. 🌍
Unlimited opportunities
Sweden opened up so many doors for me. I am very grateful for the opportunities I got. I was able to live in two wonderful Swedish cities, Skövde and Gothenburg. In Gothenburg, I found a part-time job and an internship that turned out better than I could have imagined. One of the best parts of my experience was working as a Study in Sweden digital ambassador. I was able to document all my experiences while meeting many wonderful individuals.
So, yes, 3 years in Sweden changed me. I discovered a new version of myself. It wasn’t just the experiences themselves but it was a lot about how I used my time. I learned to budget time as carefully as money, filling it with meaningful activities, connections, and personal growth. My life in Sweden is all about learning and discovery—and the diagnosis is clear: Sweden shaped me into who I am today.
