My name is Joshua and I'm from Jamaica 🇯🇲. I'm a student at KTH Royal Institute of Technology where I study a master's in Environomical Pathways for Sustainable Energy Systems

Wah gwan is a standard greeting in Jamaica. It means what’s going on or what’s up? Statements like this are commonplace in Jamaica and are part of a language called patois (pronounced pat-wah). Our language is only one of the intriguing characteristics of Jamaicans that have put us on the map. Our vibrant culture and colorful personalities make us some of the most unique people in this world and draw people from near and far to our little island. So, it begs the question, what the heck is a Caribbean boy like me doing turning his entire life upside down to study in Sweden? More importantly, how the heck will he survive? Well, this blog invites you to follow me on this journey of discovery, giving you an eye into the life of a super minority about to take Sweden by storm.

First thing’s first though. Let me introduce myself. Funny enough, being Jamaican isn’t all there is to me (contrary to popular belief). My name is Joshua Anderson. I was born and raised in Kingston, you know the country, and I am commencing my master’s degree studies in sustainable energy at KTH this fall. I studied at a regional University known as the University of the West Indies, at the largest campus in Mona. I graduated with a degree in Electrical Power Engineering and I’m eager to learn more about the concept of sustainable energy, particularly about the potential of waste to energy in micro economies like that of Jamaica. Long story short, I’m passionate about garbage and I want to learn more about turning waste into a resource, not a liability. That’s enough about my background though.

Where will this blog take you? I want to talk about a number of things, like what it’s like preparing to move to Sweden. As much as we’ve heard about that a thousand times, it’s different for everyone, especially for people from unique backgrounds. I’ll also talk about arrival and my reception in Sweden. Further down, I’ll discuss what it’s like settling in as a Caribbean Swede and how I moved from just existing and being settled in Sweden to adding new and exciting experiences to my normal life. There will also be practical posts about doing things like opening a bank account, registering for my personummer, applying for part time jobs, looking for internships and so much more!

MSc in Environomical Pathways for Sustainable Energy Systems at KTH Royal University of Technology