Written by Jazmin
18 Nov 2024
I’ve been living in Sweden for about three months now, and let me tell you—it’s been a rollercoaster of discovery! Sure, I expected some cultural differences (hello, fika! ☕️), but nothing could have fully prepared me for the surprises this country had in store. So, grab a cup of coffee and let me share with you 4 ways Sweden has absolutely surprised me!
1. Education
Did you know that in many Latin American countries, students tackle between 6 to 9 courses per semester, often all at the same time? That’s the system I grew up with, so imagine my surprise when I found out that in Sweden, I’d only have two courses in my first semester—and not even at the same time! Instead, Swedish universities often structure courses sequentially, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.
Curious about how my fellow Latin American friends felt, I reached out to compare notes. Spoiler alert: they were just as shocked as I was! But here’s the twist—we all agreed that this system actually makes it easier to focus and learn deeply.
At first, I thought, “Only one course at a time? I’m going to have so much free time!” Oh, how wrong I was. Swedish education emphasizes self-study 📖, and it’s no joke. Pre-reading the assigned literature before class is a must if you want to keep up and actively participate. Back in Peru, I only really cracked open my books when exams were looming, but here, preparation is part of the daily routine.
Cultural shock level: 100%—but I can honestly say it’s helped me grow academically in ways I didn’t expect!
2. Transportation System
Transportation in Latin America? Let’s just say it’s a bit of a wild ride (you know what I mean!). Take Peru, for example: the system isn’t exactly known for its organization, and paying in cash is the norm. So, when I arrived in Lund, I was blown away by how seamless and modern the transportation system is.
With just one app—Skånetrafiken—I can buy tickets for trains, trams, and buses. But that’s not all! The app shows real-time schedules, maps out the nearest stations, and even guides you to the exact platform or stop. It’s like having a personal transportation assistant in my pocket!
The biggest shock? Trains, trams, and buses actually arrive on time 🚉. No more guessing when the bus might show up or squeezing into a crowded combi. And the ticketing system is so efficient—you pay based on zones, which simplifies everything. For someone like me, used to the chaotic hustle of Peruvian streets, this level of organization was both a cultural shock and a huge relief.
Safe, easy, and efficient—honestly, I’m loving Lund’s transportation system.
3. Systembolaget
Here’s a fact about Sweden that always blows my Peruvian friends’ minds: alcohol over 3.5% can only be bought at a state-owned store called Systembolaget. Yes, you read that right—no wine, beer, or spirits in grocery stores, markets, or anywhere else!
Coming from Latin America, where you can grab a bottle of something stronger at almost any store and at any hour, this was a major adjustment for me. In Sweden, you need to plan ahead—Systembolaget is open only from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. Sundays? Forget about it—it’s closed!
And while bars and clubs do serve alcohol, it’s significantly more expensive. So, if you’re someone who enjoys a drink now and then, you’ll definitely want to get organized and stock up ahead of time 🍷.
It’s such a unique system, but it reflects Sweden’s approach to responsible drinking. For me, it was a surprising cultural difference, but it’s also fascinating how these rules shape daily life here!
4. Fika
Fika—oh, the famous Swedish tradition ☕️! I think most of us hear about it before coming to Sweden, but experiencing it firsthand is a whole different story. So, what is fika? Sure, you can describe it as a coffee break with snacks, but honestly, it’s so much more than that!
Fika is a moment to connect with people, whether it’s friends, colleagues, or classmates. In fact, even in workplaces, fika often becomes a space for discussing important decisions or just strengthening team bonds. I was absolutely amazed at how many fikas Swedes fit into a single day. During a one-day workshop, I counted 4 or 5 fikas! It felt like every couple of hours, it was time for another coffee and cinnamon bun.
This was a total cultural shock for me because in Latin America, this kind of practice doesn’t exist—at least not where I’m from. When I was working in Peru, the only real break I had during the day was at lunchtime. The idea of intentionally pausing to recharge multiple times a day felt so foreign, but also incredibly refreshing.
Now, I’m starting to see why fika is such a cherished part of Swedish culture—it’s not just about the coffee; it’s about creating space to breathe, connect, and enjoy the little moments.
What about you? Have you ever experienced a cultural shock like these, or do you think something would surprise you if you came to Sweden? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s compare notes! Drop a comment and let’s chat about those little (or big) surprises that come with exploring a new culture. 🌍☕
