Written by Joshua
06 Jun 2025
Yan-Lin has been one of my pillars of support since I started in Sweden. I could always count on her for a warm smile or positive energy. When I first met her, she seemed so friendly and open but also focused on what she wanted.
Now, if it’s one thing I’ve learnt about Yvonne, it’s that she has this amazing ability to attract people. It felt like every time we talked, she alluded to a new friend. “You know, this German guy I met…” or “I have a friend from France who…” I was just so struck about the way that people gravitated towards her. But, thinking back. I know exactly why. It’s because she’s just an amazing person 🥹.
A lot has changed since we met, and when I thought about a reflection on a year in Sweden that I’d like to hear, Yan-Lin’s was the first one that came to mind 😊. In today’s blog, I sit down with Yan-Lin, who I affectionally call Yvonne, and talk to her about what Sweden has meant to her. So, let’s hear it!
1. Who are you? Where are you from and what is home to you?
Yan-Lin is a Chinese student from Beijing, studying with me in the EIT InnoEnergy Sustainable Energy master’s program. She says that a change in her personal life moved her to come to Sweden, her definition of home changing a lot lately. Ultimately, she says “Validation, belonging and a support system when I feel lost, helpless, and in need, are the things that define home for me.” For her, moving to Stockholm has not only given her that sense of community, but helped her to appreciate the value of those things even more.
2. Why did you choose Sweden?
“I wanted to do Sustainable Energy, and Sweden does quite well in that. I wanted to live here to observe and experience the renewable energy landscape.” More than that, Yan-Lin wanted to learn about how, art, technology and sustainability come together. You see, she’s no ordinary Joe Schmo 🙍♀️. Yan-Lin used to work in a contemporary art museum in Beijing, organizing and managing exhibitions and cooperating with international artists and studios to create interactive art exhibitions. “Contemporary art is very person-centred, and new artists are expressing their philosophies through technology. That inspired me 🥹. I used to separate art and technology, but I’ve figured out that there is common space between the two disciplines.” Now, Yan-Lin says she wants to learn how to blend art and technology, within the context of sustainability.
3. What has your experience been like in Stockholm?
She didn’t realize it, but she likes Stockholm more than she thought. “When I realized it was our last few months in Sweden, I began to like it more. Emotionally, I almost rely on it.” At first, Yan-Lin says that when she decided to come to Sweden, she had wilfully resigned herself to an isolated life, thinking that was what she wanted, and that Sweden was the best place for it. She says that discovering the friendliness of Swedish people changed that for her. Yan-Lin said that although people see them as cold and isolated, they’re actually very nice people. She spoke about how her Swedish friends told her that sometimes they just don’t know how to make friends ☹️, but as long as you approach them actively, they’re very willing to open up. Yan-Lin has found that they just express happiness differently, a happiness she says she’s come to love 🥰.
4. What has your school life been like?
“Honestly, I don’t know 🤔. I don’t feel much connection between me and KTH.” Yan-Lin says she wasn’t sure how she felt about that at first, but that now she’s beginning to appreciate the sense of independence she gets from being a student here. “If I want any resource, I can find almost anything on the website or from the teacher, and there are a lot of resources to utilize.” So, although studying here was a bit unsettling at first, Yan-Lin says she’s grown to appreciate how she learns at KTH.
5. What has been your favourite part of Sweden?
Strangely enough, tap water 💧. Yan-Lin says that it’s a funny conversation that she and her friends have a lot 😂. She reminded me of how, in some countries, tap water is either unsafe or unpleasant to drink, but that here in Sweden, it’s great 😄. Other than that, though, Yan-Lin says she enjoys the chill feeling. “I feel less pressured when I’m doing something by myself…No one will look and judge me for it.” She says that in other places, there are social pressures that take a toll on you. “I used to feel a lot of pressure from the people around me. It’s not that common that people feel encouraged, and people express their love by making judgement ☹️” but in Sweden, she says, it’s different 🥰.
6. What is your fondest memory of Sweden?
Now, this question is a bit nostalgic, given that we’re finishing up the school year now. Yan-Lin said Valborg in Uppsala was her fondest memory, saying “It’s one of my best memories in Sweden, and I didn’t expect that. I met a lot of people there. People are laying on the grass, drinking beer and talking, and the atmosphere is really nice.” She enjoyed the bonfire, and taking a nap in the field. It’s “super-Swedish” she said 😅. What made the event really special to her is the way it reminded her of how laidback the culture in Sweden is. She said that things weren’t like that where she’s coming from, saying “No one here is in a hurry or under pressure.”
7. What would you tell your former self, and what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt?
“Focus on yourself, and live in the present. I’ve started to cherish the natural things like the breeze and the sunshine and the free time that I have.” Yan-Lin says Sweden has taught her to appreciate the little things in life. She says that she’s learnt to live in the present and really focus on the things that are close and meaningful to her, like her friends.
8. What’s next for you?
I want to do something that benefits people. Renewable energy is something that’s good for both people and the planet, and she wants to stay in Europe to learn more about that. Yan-Lin says a PhD may be her next step, and Sweden is definitely a great place for her to take it.
9. What would you tell someone who’s coming from Beijing to Sweden?
“Get to know what you really want or like before you choose to come, and be open minded after you arrive. Try to observe the difference first, and then decide if you like Sweden or not.”
I feel something special about Yan-Lin 🥹. Call me superstitious, but somehow I just know that she’s destined to find what she’s looking for. Yan-Lin reminded me of how much we’ve learnt from Sweden about life, and the things that are important. Her spirit and effervescence continue to amaze me, and I can’t wait to spend more time with her. I hope you guys learnt something from what she had to say. I can tell you that her final thoughts about Sweden are actually very similar to mine, and I can’t wait to share those with you in my final posts!
