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Hi! My name is Boyan. I am made in China, currently studying a MSc in Applied Data Science at University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg.
I am a typical nerd with a software engineering background. Spending the spare time doing sports and housework is usually my routine. Interior design is my biggest hobby. 
I am very looking forward to sharing how Sweden looks like in my eyes with you~
If you have any questions, just shoot me an email or find me on our Weibo and WeChat 留学瑞典.

My name is Boyan and I'm from China 🇨🇳. I'm a student at the University of Gothenburg, where I'm studying a Master's in Applied Data Science.

Boyan

Hi there!
My name is Brooke and I am honored to be one of the digital ambassadors for Study in Sweden getting to show you what it is like to live and study in Sweden. While I was applying to university in Sweden, I myself used the Study in Sweden blog and Instgram as a resource to get to know more about Sweden, how to write my application, apply for a residence permit and more! I hope that you will find my content helpful and engaging whether you are thinking about coming to Sweden or already live here.
I am very lucky and thankful to be here in Sweden as I have dreamt of living here for some time. Everyday feels like a &#8220;pinch me&#8221; moment whether I am doing simple tasks such as laundry, grocery shopping or simply walking down the street. I am currently living in Norrköping where I am studying Ethnic and Migration studies at Linköping University.
When I am not studying in the library or producing content for Study in Sweden, I like to drink coffee, second hand shop, go running, and watch documentaries. I am passionate about talking about mental health and allyship and you can look forward to seeing this kind of content from me.
Do not hesitate to get in contact with me via email if you have any questions about life and studying in Sweden! We are in this together!

My name is Brooke and I'm from the United States 🇺🇸. I'm a student at Linköping University, where I study a Master's in Ethnic and Migration Studies.

Brooke

Hey, Hola, Hi !
My name is Camilo but I like people to call me Milo. I am studying a 2 years Master programme in Global Studies in one of the best universities for recycling and sustainability in the World – University of Gothenburg. I am a Swedish Institute Scholarship Holder. I love my programme because the students came from all around the globe and we all have different backgrounds. Together we share knowledge, problematics and experiences about the entire world.
I come from La Paz &#8211; Bolivia, the heart of South America. I like reading, cooking, and of course writing. I&#8217;ll be sharing all about my student life in Sweden on blogposts. I hope to help everyone with my experiences.
Don&#8217;t hesitate in ask me everything about my life in Sweden. Let&#8217;s start this journey together.

My name is Camilo and I'm from Bolivia 🇧🇴. I'm a student at the University of Gothenburg, where I'm studying a Master's in Global Studies.

Camilo

Oh hello you beautiful person!
It is great to meet you! I am Jordan, a second year Master&#8217;s student studying Peace and Conflict Studies at Uppsala University from the United States.
I came to Sweden excited to not only to study but to learn more about this beautiful country. I actually found the Study in Sweden instagram account while I was preparing to move to this country and found the content so helpful. I was especially interested in the personal accounts of personal day-to-day living. Where would I shop? What was student housing like? How would the winter be? You can find answers to all of those questions on our Instagram and Blog.
I am currently deep in my thesis, but when I need to unwind I enjoy taking sun baths while I enjoy an afternoon fika (like the Swedes do), eating all the food and binge watching trash tv. I am also deeply devout to astrology. I am a Sagittarius if you did not already know haha
I enjoy writing about fun, cultural things like being queer in Sweden or dating in Sweden, among many other things. I hope you find my content useful, and if you have any questions or want to connect you can email me or reach out during my Instagram takeovers.
xoxo,
jordan

My name is Jordan and I'm from the United States 🇺🇸. I'm studying a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies at Uppsala University.

Jordan

Hej there! My name is Lara. I am a Lebanese architect, currently studying a MSc in sustainable urban planning and design at KTH (The Royal Institute of Technology) in Stockholm.
I’m very passionate about buildings and Stockholm is my perfect playground! I also can’t stop having fika (coffee and cinnamon rolls), and I’m always on the search for the best coffee in town.
I am extremely happy to be in Sweden and look forward to sharing with you my new lifestyle.
Don’t hesitate to write to me!

My name is Lara and I'm from Lebanon 🇱🇧. I'm a student at the KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, where I study a Master's in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design.

Lara

Hello! Hej! Sawubona!
I am very excited to be in Sweden and to be part of the Study in Sweden team! It&#8217;s been a couple of years since I started telling my friends at home in South Africa about my crazy idea to study in this beautiful country so it&#8217;s honestly a dream come true to be here!
I am passionate about many forms of creative expression, including drawing, dancing and singing but to summarize &#8211; fashion is my discipline, music is my love, and cooking is my therapy. I&#8217;m very eclectic and love contrasting flavours, styles, sights and sounds so I&#8217;m always open to new experiences, and they&#8217;re even better when I get to share them with my friends and of course, with YOU! All of these elements and the breathtaking nature, quality of education and opportunity to engage with sustainability and innovative solutions is what attracted me to Sweden. I&#8217;m eternally grateful to the Swedish Institute &#8211; they awarded me the scholarship that helped to make this once in a lifetime adventure come to life! I&#8217;m currently studying a masters in Fashion Marketing and Management at The University of Borås, with an emphasis on sustainability &#8211; so my fashion tips will come with a much needed twist with what is better for the planet, the people who make it and of course YOU!
It&#8217;s my first time travelling outside of Africa so I&#8217;ll be learning a lot and I&#8217;m happy to answer any questions through the blog or our instagram page to the best of my knowledge. Stay tuned and let&#8217;s learn together!

My name is Lusanda and I'm from South Africa 🇿🇦. I'm a student at the University of Borås, where I'm studying a Master's in Fashion Marketing and Management.

Lusanda

Hej Hej/ Hi/ Xin chào!
My name is Nguyen. I come from Da Nang &#8211; a lovely and sunny coastal city in the centre of Vietnam.
I&#8217;m currently doing master&#8217;s International Development and Management (LUMID) in Lund University. I&#8217;m a sustainable development enthusiast. That&#8217;s why I have come all the way, crossed the continent to be in Sweden &#8211; one of the most sustainable countries in the world. And that&#8217;s one of the best decisions in my life. At LUMID, I have met different people from all around the world (20 nationalities to be exact). We share food, fika, trips, and of course knowledge and work together.
I love traveling, singing and photography. I am also a foodie and I have a sweet tooth. I cannot resist kanelbulla whenever I see one! When I have free time, I would like to cook while listening to music and singing along. I also love to immerse in nature, so I usually bike around Lund when I have time. If you spot a classic blue bike with white saddle and tyres at a random natural place in Lund, that is probably my bike &#8211; Hav.
I&#8217;m also a Swedish Institute Scholarship holder. Thus during my time as part of Study in Sweden team, I am excited to share with you all my application tips and of course my student life in a Swedish university town through blog posts and Instagram Study in Sweden. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line.
Let&#8217;s start this journey together in the Swedish way! Nu går vi!

My name is Nguyen and I'm from Vietnam 🇻🇳. I'm studying a Master's in International Development and Management at Lund University.

Nguyen

Hallå! Kamusta!
Reuben here! Born and raised in Baguio- the summer capital city of the Philippines. Now, I am doing my Master&#8217;s in Biomedical Surface Science in the vibrant and young city of Malmö.
So far living the best time of my life in this beautiful country. 
I love everything creative, making badass content and learning new stuff along the way!
Can&#8217;t wait to share my journey with you guys! 
Catch me on our Youtube channel!

My name is Reuben and I'm from the Philippines 🇵🇭. I'm a student at Malmö University, where I'm studying a Master's in Biomedical Surface Science.

Reuben

Hej Hej Hej,
My name is Sara Roza, and I am from Hungary. I am a cheerful MA student, at the University of Gothenburg, where I study Global Studies.
I like to hike, read thrillers, and I love to sing.
I am also left-handed, a passionate and true dog lover, a plant-based eater, and a huge mango fan.
And of course! I can not wait to share my journey as a DA with you. Get ready for adventures and feel free to ask, if you have any questions 🙂

My name is Sara and I'm from Hungary 🇭🇺. I am doing my M.Sc at the University of Gothenburg, and I study Global Studies.

Sara Roza

Hej!
I’m Tina, 21 years old and from Germany.
Having moved around the world quite a bit during my childhood, it was just the next logical step to also spend my time at university in a new country.
I moved to Sweden due to my fascination with the “Scandinavian way of life”, the beautiful landscape, the great education at university and the diverse and vibrant community in my city. 
I love to read, listen to all sorts of music, hang out with friends and I enjoy makeup/fashion and art in general. 
Other interests I spend my time on include astronomy, marine biology, interior design, and psychology, as well as being a Netflix and YouTube addict.
My talents include making a delicious Pad Thai, talking in extensive lengths about the importance of knowing your Patronus, missing the bus (they are REALLY on time in Sweden) and getting angry stares in the library because I&#8217;m watching Brooklyn99 instead of studying.
It is my pleasure to share my adventures in Sverige with you, create content for StudyInSweden and give you an insight into what life is like in one of the happiest countries in the world.
Please feel welcome to mail me, or leave me a comment if you have any questions regarding life as a bachelor student in Sweden, I can’t wait to get in touch with you! And remember to check out our YouTube. We do cool stuff on there too. 
&nbsp;

My name is Tina and I'm from Germany 🇩🇪. I'm a student at Malmö University, where I'm studying a Bachelor's in European Studies.

Tina

Hej!
My name is Xinyi. I&#8217;m from China and currently doing MSc Interactive Media Technology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.
Studying in Sweden is like a dream come true. I love every second of time here in Sweden because I get to experience new things.
I am a software developer, music lover, and fika addict. I&#8217;m also a former college basketball player. Wanna play a match?
It&#8217;s my pleasure to share my adventure with you! Feel free to ask and follow us on our Weibo and WeChat 留学瑞典.

My name is Xinyi and I'm from China 🇨🇳. I'm a student at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where I'm studying a Master's in Interactive Media Technology.

Xinyi

Hej!
My name is Yu and I&#8217;m from China. I&#8217;m studying a Master&#8217;s in Child Culture Design at the University of Gothenburg.
I love that Sweden takes children&#8217;s rights seriously, where I learned and observed a lot while staying here.
Winter is long here but that&#8217;s what makes Sweden beautiful in its own way!
I write blog and share my journey mostly for Chinese speaking audience, please find me on our Weibo and WeChat account 留学瑞典!

My name is Yu and I'm from China 🇨🇳. I'm a student at the University of Gothenburg, where I'm studying a Master's in Child Culture Design.

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Swedish Street Art: No Limit &#038; Artscape Festival Borås

Bake pepparkakor like a pro &#8211; Swedish gingerbread cookie recipe(s)

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Anti-Black Friday: Hållbar Student&#8217;s Make &#038; Mend sustainability tips

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Second-hand student savings part 2: Borås shopping tour

First year studying in Sweden: Swedish Institute Scholarship holders testimonials

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Before moving here the biggest question I had in my mind was " how Swedes really are"? But really honestly can someone please tell me?&nbsp;And all I got as an answer was pure stereotypes and misconceptions....



Well, here I am. Telling you, what I (and this is important to highlight) think about Swedish people, and how they're like.&nbsp; Plus,&nbsp; I am going to give you some tips on how to become one (in case you're wondering about the procedure). Trust me there's no surgical change, there's no secret ingredient to Swedes... Maybe a little bit of a different approach to a world and different traditions. But isn't it just like with any other culture which differs from yours? How is so so special about Swedes that attracts you?



If you want to read a very interesting article about 11 weird things Swedes do: <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2017/01/23/11-things-swedes-do/">check this out!</a>



<h2>1. Being humble</h2>



One of the first things I have realized that Swedish people are very humble. They don't brag, they don't necessarily like to accept your compliments, whether it's simply just an "oh I like your shirt" or, more of an "academic compliment" like "I really liked your paper about the mating habits of white sharks".&nbsp; It's not about being unaware of your qualities. It is very simply about the idea that "no human is different from the other" and we're all equal.



Tip: Be proud of who you are and where you came from, but don't brag about your wealth, or externalities. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29121"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_5527-768x1024.jpg" alt="A group of Study in Sweden digital ambassadors." class="wp-image-29121"/><figcaption>This is (some) of Us, Digital Ambassadors, with our extremely humble laugh, almost giggles Photo: Lusanda</figcaption></figure>



<h2>2.&nbsp; Finding the humor</h2>



Where I come from (Central Europe, Hungary) people are very VERY very pessimistic. We don't believe that life can be good, we tend to complain, and complain, and complain. Sometimes I feel like that is what holds us together.



Swedes, on the other hand, are exactly the opposite.&nbsp;Yes it's dark, yes it rains, yes it's cold. BUT WHO CARES? Life goes on, and NO ONE, not even the sun itself can stop you from having fun. Do you remember the Sun from the Teletubbies?&nbsp; I feel like in Sweden it's the clouds that set the exact same vibe on your day. It does nothing else but giggles, and nothing matters.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29122"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7740-768x1024.jpg" alt="A person standing beside a blue tram." class="wp-image-29122"/><figcaption>When I posted this picture on Instagram, someone commented: "You put house doors on trams"? Well, if you look closely..... / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



Tip: Be positive, and take life easy. Very cliche 'advice', but try to see the glass full. (This is DEFINITELY something I am trying to follow every day)



<h2>3. Appreciating 'the little things'</h2>



Okay, nature is not something that can be labeled as a 'little thing' but we all forget to care about it sometimes. We just simply forget our surroundings. Swedish people are taking walks, they jog, they genuinely enjoy to be outside.



Hiking, swimming, wandering around, while touching, listening, and starring at the same time. I love how they just appreciate the clear air, the fresh and delicious water, and spend every time possible outside.



It makes me laugh every time how Swedes are smiling when a little sunbeam just catches their face. They just freeze and stay there breathing in its every molecule. Even in the city center. No matter how cold is it, if the sun is out, winter coats are hanged on their shoulder, and they just turning towards the sun like some kind of dazed sunflowers.



Tip: As soon as the sun is out, run outside and enjoy it! Our sweet Nguyen wrote an amazing and very decorative blog post about her latest adventure. <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2020/02/02/sun-sea-sand-and-friends-a-perfect-day-out-to-maklappen/">Give it a look</a>, and prepare to be amazed. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29126"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7896-768x1024.jpg" alt="Tropical plants inside a large greenhouse." class="wp-image-29126"/><figcaption>Nature in a glass box. But still. Walking around in the Palm House feels liberating. / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



<h2>&nbsp;4. Fika culture</h2>



Northern and Western people are often labeled as workaholics and robots. Hmm.... every time when someone mentions this with a mocking tone, I tend to get very annoyed. Swedes do work, they work hard, but they know EXACTLY where and when to stop. If you're working hours are over, during weekend, and holidays, you won't be seeing a policeman in his uniform, nor your administrator answering your thousandth email. (Except some of our teachers... they even answer you at 4 am in the morning. But I am sure they are made of kryptonite or something.)



Nothing else proves this than the amazing, the one and only FIKA.&nbsp; At any time of the day, you have ti remind yourself to stop, have a good conversation with someone or with yourself (yep!) and just enjoy the delicious bryggkaffe and something sweet to eat.



Tip: I will not even try to further explain, check <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/07/19/50-shades-of-fika/">this blog post about fika culture out</a> and you will get the general image. 



<h2>5. Wearing 'whatever'</h2>



What Swedes wear? Yet again, there's no golden rule, but in general, Swedes are very fashionable. And the most fashionable thing about them is that they do not care about fashion (seemingly). Their way is gender-neutral, retro, <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/11/19/dare-to-care-sustainability-for-dummies/">SUSTAINABLE</a>, recycled, clean, minimalistic, <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/02/03/sustainability-challenge-second-hand-shopping/">THRIFTED</a>, free, extravagant. There's no such thing that you can't wear here. This is something I absolutely love and admire.&nbsp; You can wear whatever, with whatever, wherever. Isn't it great?



TIP: Thrifting and recycling is not  something that only Swedes can do 😉



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29124"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/2F1F2B66-556C-46B1-B97D-68B110F0F8A7-616x1024.jpg" alt="A child standing at a bus stop." class="wp-image-29124"/><figcaption>A very fashionable tiny human / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



<h2>6. Hating hierarchy</h2>



Everyone always calls everyone on first name bases. There's no Mr., Miss, or Mrs., at the university there's no Professor XY. But it can also a bit confusing when you don't know who is the professor in the classroom!



Tip: When you introduce yourself in Sweden, the 'who are you' often means 'what are you' as well. Mentioning your profession, and interest can come handy later on :)



<h2>7. They're just being Swedes</h2>



They say 'Oj!' all the time. It means 'wow', 'really', it means 'excuse me', it can mean a lot of things.



Swedish people also like to repeat words in a very cute way. Hej, hej! Tack, tack! Puss puss! Mors, Mors!, etc. It is adorable, and at least you can easily learn them :)



Tip: You don't have to be Swede. Absolutely not. These are just small things that I personally noticed, but everything that is written above can be something absolutely opposite of what YOU have seen. 



Generalizing, and creating stereotypes is unfortunately in our nature. But don't let anyone (including me ) else influence your impressions. And don't let your first impressions (especially quickly made ones) fool you. Just like everyone else in the world Swedes are unique, colorful, and beautiful. How do you see Swedes?

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Hi! 👋 In this blog you can read about our experiences as international students in Sweden! &#8211; Study in Sweden

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