The Newbie Guide to Sweden

We explain Sweden

education

Why Studying in Sweden is Beyond My Expectations

By Leave a Comment

Written by Hamzah Dzikri Fadliansyah

In the middle of uncertainty, fate decided that I would study in Sweden, a country that was not my top priority. I could tell you my rollercoaster story of applying for a master’s degree program, but this could be a very long story to tell. Fret not! I will tell you some fundamental reasons why I ended up choosing and living in Sweden for study.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Initially, I struggled to find a master’s program in Media and Communication Studies, which accepts graduates with a bachelor’s diploma in English Language and Literature. Luckily, I found out that many Swedish universities offer interdisciplinary programs in my areas of interest, meaning that I am potentially eligible. In fact, they also provide certain programs relevant to my academic background.

From the interdisciplinary programs, many Swedish universities allow people from various academic backgrounds to choose an area they want to learn. Personally, it gave me a chance to use my skills as transferable knowledge in an area that is new to me. I am learning to use background knowledge so that I can contribute to the discussion in classes.

Moreover, this interdisciplinary system also enables the students to critically examine specific problems that can only be solved using different ways of understanding. It allows the students to integrate different approaches to find innovative solutions. From my experience studying in Sweden, I can confirm that this is true. My classmates and I have learned and shared each other’s experiences and expertise. The discussion in classes is always lively. I can always feel the thoughtful learning environment in my courses.

Team Building

During my study here, I realized something fundamental and similar from my program of study and my friends studying at different programs and universities. Many teaching and learning activities rely mostly on team working or group projects. I could be placed into two to three different group assignments in each course with different people in each group. This is very unusual in my country, where we mostly did the assignment individually.

This is how the education system in Sweden works. They require the students to work collaboratively to solve the problems, manage the diversity, and develop decision-making and time management. This learning style also simulates the real dynamics of an international workplace. It helps students to enhance their skills working in a global environment. Besides, this also helps me get to know my classmates better, improving my interpersonal skills.

Lund University Library
Lund University Library

Academic Flexibility

Moreover, I am also really impressed by the education system in Sweden that allows the students to retake the exam several times until they pass the exam. I still remember when one of my friends told me that his teacher said to the students in the class, “We do not teach you to fail; we teach you to success.” This is something I could not find in the Indonesian education system. Even my friend who is studying elsewhere in a university in Europe also told me that there is no such thing as retaking the exam; once you fail, you have to retake the whole course. It is incredibly inspiring.

In addition, most master’s programs in Sweden are in two-year duration, although some other programs are also for a year. I initially thought it was a terrible idea since I could save time and money if I studied in a one-year program. However, I realized that a two-year program offers many more things to explore. Mostly, during the third semester, many master’s programs in Swedish universities provide their students the experiences to take on internships, exchange studies at other universities outside Sweden, or take courses inside or outside their department or university. This freedom provides flexibility to the student to foster their needs, empowering them to take their study independently.

Unconventional Education Culture and System

Most importantly, the student-teacher relationship in Sweden is also flat, meaning that students are as equal as teachers. Students can speak to and are treated by lectures as equals. I was shocked by the fact that students do not mention their professors with a title here. Everyone calls the teachers by their first name. In Indonesia, it is disrespectful, but it is a sign of equality and a nonhierarchical education system in Sweden.

One other unconventional thing about studying in Sweden is scheduling courses arrangement. In most programs, you only study one class for one term. So, you do not take two or more courses at the same time. It allows you to focus on what you are studying right now, rather than splitting your mind to focus on two different subjects at the same time. This way is also good for managing time and reducing stress for students. After one course finished, you then continued with the next course.

Lagom: Study Life Balance

It is noteworthy that the Swedish work-life balance value also extends in its education culture. In Sweden, studying life balance is a fundamental thing. From preserving this Lagom lifestyle, Swedish universities encourage the students to explore life and develop their interests besides their academic obligations. In fact, a normal study per week usually covers up 40 hours of studying. Therefore, you have plenty of time to discover many things surrounding you or simply have a Fika with your friends.

You can definitely do many things with a lot of time outside of studying. For me, I enjoy traveling around the Skåne area in Sweden. Sweden has beautiful natures where I love to explore. Some of my friends also work part-time in restaurants or other organizations. Some others also do an internship at the same time. Sometimes, studying also gets very demanding, depending on the current rolling terms. Therefore, you need to manage your priorities.

Well, those are the reasons why I ended up choosing to stay and study in Sweden. Life has decided to drive me somewhere that is beyond my expectation through rejections. I felt like this is a blessing in disguise. I really enjoy studying in Sweden, and I never regret my decision to study in Sweden. More importantly, I do not experience significant problems living here, including the language barrier.

In fact, many Swedes are fluent in speaking English, so you can communicate easily with the locals. Yes, most of the master’s programs in Sweden are also in English. However, if you want to get to know them and their culture better, I suggest you learn Swedish as well. In that case, you may be interested in understanding what are Swedish Learning Options available to you.

Are you now interested in coming to study in Sweden as well? What are your reasons for choosing Sweden as your study destination? Let me know by leaving some comments below! And, let’s share some insights with others!

About the Author

Hejsan! My name is Hamzah, an Indonesian student studying in a Master of Science program in Media and Communication Studies at Lund University. While I enjoy binge-watching movies and TV series, talking with friends, and everything involving food, now I have found traveling as a new hobby. Before going back to my home country in the middle of 2022, I want to share my stories about my life as an international student in Sweden with you.

Swedish Taxes: Where, Why and How?

By Leave a Comment

Written by Georgia Lane

A guide to where our tax money goes and the pros and cons of a high tax society.

Sweden has a progressive income tax and income thresholds are regulated each year. On each earning over this figure you will also pay national income taxes, with the money going to the state.

Tax on an income between 18,900kr- 440,000kr is 30%. An income between 440,000kr- 640,000kr will be taxed an additional 20% and another 5% on incomes above 640,000kr. These taxes are for employment income only.

Where does all our money go?

Swedish Public Spending can be broken down into 6 categories. With the highest percentage (42%) of tax money going to Social Protection. Education and General public services are both at 13%, 8% goes to Economic affairs, 3% to Public Order & Safety, 2% to Defence and the remaining 4% to other needs addressed by the nation. From police and fire services, law courts and prisons all the way to sick leave, disability care, housing, social protection and unemployment benefits – Sweden provides us with just about everything.

Reaping the family benefits

Sweden is one of the few countries in the world who provide financial support to every parent, no matter your income.

As a parent, you are entitled to an allowance of 1250kr/ per month/ per child until they have reached 16 years of age. Student allowance and loans are available after the age of 16. Among all the benefits of being a parent in Sweden, is the 480 days of parental leave that everyone is eligible to take.

Whether you split the time with your partner or are a single parent, you will receive 80% of your income for 380 days of your parental leave. The remaining 90 days you will receive 180kr/day.

Healthcare, is it as good as we think?

Sweden is built up of 21 different regions (also known as Landsting) Each region is responsible for providing healthcare. As of 2019, county councils now cover dental care costs for all residents up to the age of 23. After 23, dental care is subsidised by the state. In some regions dental care is covered until the age of 26. On top of dental care – elderly care, disabled care, school healthcare and mental illness support are also provided through Swedens healthcare system.

To learn more about Swedens first mental health ambulance follow this link

Did you know? The average life span of a women in Sweden is 84 years old, and for a man 81. Sweden strives to promote good health for the entire population and due to this, Sweden has one of the highest amounts of elderly people in all of Europe – you can definitely say it pays to promote a healthy lifestyle!

Cons of the healthcare system

With every affordable healthcare system, there are always flaws. Before my move from Canada to Sweden, I was under the impression that Sweden offered free healthcare. I was in fact wrong! Every doctor appointment/ hospital visit costs on average between 200kr to 500kr (€19-€30) But with that being said, Sweden has capped an individuals healthcare fees at 1150kr/per year.

For all you newcomers to Sweden, booking an appointment 3-6 weeks in advance may seem absurd but in order to secure a doctors appointment in Sweden, it is usually encouraged to do so far in advance.

My personal experience with the Swedish healthcare system has been somewhat neutral. I have not been overwhelmingly happy about my healthcare guidance nor disappointed. One thing I will say is that Sweden does not have the “free” healthcare system that is so commonly portrayed.

Education in Sweden

Among the many brilliant ideas Swedes have come up with ie Seat belts, Spotify, IKEA – the list is endless! – the one thing that really struck my eye was the subsidised pre-schooling.

With low-income families paying little to nothing and higher-income families paying a maximum of 1425kr/ per month (around €135/month) it gives every parent the chance to send their child to preschool!

In 1992 the Independent School Reform made it possible for families to send their child to any school, state-run or independent. The law states that children have an equal right to education regardless of gender, ethnic or political background and economic status of their families. By providing free education from age 6 to 19, children are introduced to an educational environment where everyone is welcome.

Alongside free schooling, books, bus passes and meals are provided for each and every student until they are in their last year of high school. If a student chooses to continue their education, free post-secondary is also provided to any EU national.

No matter your age, as a resident of the European Union, you are entitled to as many bachelor degrees, masters programs and PhD’s as you would like – without paying a dime (for all you North Americans who know what a dime is!)

Sweden is very unique in the sense that it is one of the few countries where all education is state-financed through taxes, but there are also both public and private-owned schools in which compete for future prospect students.

Other tax money benefits…

Moving to Sweden is in my opinion, a step in the right direction, no matter where you come from! When you first arrive you will be given a personal identification number in which deems you a resident of Sweden, for as long as you live and work here.

Svenska för invandrare, or commonly known as “Swedish for Immigrants” is a federally sponsored program in which offers free Swedish courses for all who are interested in learning the language. Although the classes have mixed reviews, I think it is a great way to start integrating yourself into Swedish culture and life. After all, Swedish is the national language of Sweden!

The 3 levels of tax: State, Regional and Municipal

In Sweden, there are three (3) separate government bodies, State, Regional and municipal. The state taxes we all pay in Sweden go towards social security, higher education, national infrastructure, military defences, Swedens legal system, migration and a small fraction of the healthcare system. Regional taxes pay for all other aspects of health care and Swedens regional infrastructure. Municipality taxes pay for city schools and other localised facilities.

For generations, majority of Swedes have accepted the high tax society they call home.

“What is perhaps more surprising to most people than Sweden’s high tax rates, is the average Swede’s tolerance and respect for the taxation system and the government agency that handles it.”

Although the tax percentage is high, Swedes have, in my opinion, one of the best qualities of life. No matter the circumstance, Sweden continues to look after its people and provide them with the best possible care.

For links to more information regarding Swedens tax system or frequently asked questions please refer to the links below.

Sweden tax burden welfare

Forsakringskassan.se

Skatteverket.se

Hi all! I moved to Stockholm almost 2 years ago from Canada & I’ve been loving every minute of it! I know first hand how hard it can be to navigate your new life in Sweden as an expat – so I’m here to help and share my insight on different problems/situations you may run into as an international who doesn’t yet speak Swedish. Enjoy!

What’s different about Sweden?

By Leave a Comment

Written by Abhimanyu Tvagi

23rd of August 2018 marks one full year since I packed my bags, leaving behind the comfort of being in my home country and coming to Sweden. With 2 bags, some apprehension, some old memories and lots of excitement to embark on this new journey. I was going to study in Sweden, in SWEDEN!

When I look back at the time I have been here, I realize how much I have changed. This came about because of the things that I found different to India (my home country). Also, I thought it might be a good starting point for a blog. So here is a list of things that I noticed had a bold difference between these two countries.

1. Where are the people?

The first time I set foot in Stockholm, I realized how spacious everything felt. It was for a good reason. The population of Stockholm is around 2.2 million while the population of Mumbai city (where I come from) is 20.7 million.  It did take me some time getting used to the deserted T-bana stations and freedom to pick a free seat on the bus. The rush-hour, especially in the morning, made me feel more like home though.

2. Wow! It’s green here!

Sweden is green

One of my friends told me that two-thirds of Sweden is covered in forest. Now that’s a lot of green. Back home, we have a national park right in the middle of a city. However, here, apart from a national park, there are a lot more gardens and open spaces. People really enjoy these places and is common to see people jogging, relaxing or just soaking up the Sun in them.

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen. 

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner. 

 

Sign up to your course here

 

3. The weather changes pretty quickly

Within a few weeks of my arrival last year, we experienced 3 seasons in a day. It changes pretty quickly from warm and sunny to wet and cold here. I was also not at all used to the extremely short days in winter. Even though I had heard a lot about it before but well, seeing is believing.

4. This place is a photographer’s paradise

Beauty everywhere

My sister came this summer to visit and she perfectly described the city. She said it is so beautiful and picturesque that you can stand almost anywhere and take a great picture. Now, I am no photographer but I agree with her. The city offers such great views that you start thinking of yourself as one.

5. Freedom in education is no joke

Sweden is known for many things and quality education is one of them. The students are paid a specific amount to study so that everybody is guaranteed access to education. I KNOW! There is also so much freedom that one is spoilt for choice and might end up confused. I for instance almost took up courses out of my master’s program but had to drop them due to a severe clash of lectures. Also, a course co-ordinator canceled a course for the successive batches of a program based on the feedback from the students, since they did not feel benefitted by it.

6. People have a relaxed and informal attitude

In the numerous emails that I have written to professionals, course co-ordinators, program directors, head of departments etc. I had initially used a “respected sir/madam” in the salutation. That however quickly changed to their first names after I observed how informal the attitude of everyone around here was. The interviews are relaxed, after-work events cordial and welcoming and lecturers friendly. I could not even imagine calling my professors back in India by their first names. Sometimes still an “excuse me sir/ma’am” does falter out in a lecture.

7. You have to do everything on your own

In only one year, I have gotten pretty good at multi-tasking. This is because not only you have to study, but also cook food, do laundry, wash the utensils,  clean the room, and quite importantly plan for that next trip of yours. Generally, we have a separate person taking care of each of the above things in India.

8. The transport system is excellent

A lot of my friends live almost outside the city but arrive well ahead of time for the morning lecture (I guess motivation plays an important role here). Along with motivation, the excellent transport system makes their commute a lot easier. Strategic points are well connected and the waiting times are short. As a matter of fact, I have always seen at least two alternative routes to my destination every time. 

9. Things are expensive

You might have heard it before and sorry for repeating it, but Sweden or at least Stockholm is expensive. The amount for which I get a cup of coffee here, I can almost have a pretty wholesome meal in India. With measures, however, you can stay on budget. I, for example, spend around 1500-2000 SEK per month apart from rent. Maybe I’ll list down some steps in subsequent posts on that.

10. The sun and Sweden: It’s Complicated

Nothing makes the Swedes happier than the Sun. However, when the sun is out, there is a sense of losing it pretty soon and well, don’t get me started about the winters. Everyone is sulking about how dark it is! The winters were talked about in such a bad taste that I had to reassure myself that I am not going to freeze to death here. On the contrary, I really enjoyed it. It was not the first time I saw snow and was still pretty happy during the 5 odd months of the ‘deficit of Sun’. Back home in Mumbai, generally, the feeling is: the colder the better. Nobody wants to go out in high humidity with 35 degrees after all.

I am sure there must be loads of other things that you have found different in Sweden. Do let me know what I have missed. 

For more interesting things that make Sweden special as a student, check here.

About the author

Hej allihopa!! I am Abhimanyu from Mumbai, India. Currently doing my master’s at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. I have spent close to a year here and will be presenting my insights on my experience. It’s my first time trying something like this, hence I am really looking forward to it. I like to read novels, cook, travel, play football and sometimes just stay at home watch some movies or TV series.

Schools Out for Sommar! Celebrating the skolavslutning in Sweden.

By Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again when schools begin to wind down towards the summer break, and students of all ages begin to dream of the long holidays ahead.

Waffles served at a preschool avslutning

In Sweden, there is one important tradition to take part in before children and teens can bid their classes farewell and head for the beach: the skolavslutning.

The skolavslutning is the end of term ceremony which takes place in schools all over Sweden both at Christmas (julavslutning) and in the summer (sommaravslutning). Pupils and staff gather together for speeches, songs and fika (maybe even a bbq or a picnic), dressed in their smartest clothes and accompanied by their parents.

Well known for their love of seasonal songs, the Swedes have several much-loved tunes which are often heard at sommaravslutningar. Den blomstertid nu kommer is an old psalm heralding the arrival of the sun and summer flowers, it remains popular to this day. Amongst younger children, Astrid Lindgren’s summer songs are popular – either Idas sommarvisa or Pippi Longstocking’s Sommaren är min (see text below), which revels in all that summer brings with it, from freckled cheeks to sweet smelling hay.

 Och nu så vill jag sjunga
att sommaren är skön
och träden är så fina
och marken är så grön.
Och blommorna är vackra
och höet luktar gott
och solen är så solig
och vattnet är så vått.
Och lilla fågeln flyger
i boet ut och in
och därför vill jag sjunga
att sommaren är min.

Och jag vill också sjunga
att fjärilar är bra
och alla söta myggor
dom vill jag också ha
och jag är brun om bena
precis som det ska va
och därför vill jag sjunga
att bruna ben är bra.
Och jag har nya fräknar
och prickigt sommarskin
och därför vill jag sjunga
att sommaren är min.

Härligt, vad? But don’t be fooled into thinking that the end of school in Sweden is a serene celebration.

 

Watch out in early June for the students celebrating their graduation from high school (gymnasiet) – once the avslutning is over, the party starts. Students are unmissable in their suits and white dresses, accompanied by the student cap, and decorated with medals, trinkets and Swedish flags.

In many places students hire and decorate flatbed trucks and are driven around the town, music blaring and champagne corks popping, whilst their adoring parents look on and wave giant commemorative posters with the student’s graduation date and a cute baby picture.

Make no mistake, the Swedes sure know how to mark the end of school, and they certainly know how to make the most of the beautiful summers. Glad sommar!

 

Featured Image:

Mats Fallqvist, Länsmuseet Gävleborg

Written by Sarah Campbell

Hej! I’m Sarah. I’m from the UK and I live in Uppsala with my husband and our two children. I am a language teacher and freelance writer, and my husband is a researcher. It was his work with moss (yes, moss!) which brought us to this beautiful country, and we absolutely love it here! Highlights of our life here so far include experiencing the midnight sun in Abisko during an epic Arctic Circle roadtrip, blissful summers in Dalarna, and meeting Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria (along with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge!) in Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan.

Sex education for unaccompanied refugees

By 2 Comments

The events in Cologne in Germany on New Years Eve and the festival “We are Stockholm” has sparked an discussion about sex education for unaccompanied refugees. Now, the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education, RFSU wants to provide sex education to unaccompanied refugees coming to Sweden.

RFSU argues that the majority of unaccompanied refugee boys, who come to Sweden, come from societies with norms concerning gender and sexuality that in many ways differ from the Swedish mainstream.

– There is a urgent need for knowledge about everything from sexually transmitted diseases and condoms, to abortion rights, equality and LGBT rights, says Kristina Ljungros and Maria Andersson, from RFSU in a debate article in the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.

Sex education has been part of the Swedish school education since 1955 and covers most matters concerning sexuality, equality and relationships. The sex education in schools also informs about the rights and obligations that apply in Sweden – such as the abortion right.

However, this suggestion from the RFSU has also stumbled upon critic. Omid Mahmoudi from Ensamkommandes förbund welcomes more information about rights and obligations but argues against obligatory sex educations.

– Sex education is not required. It is completely wrong to lump all unaccompanied together. They come from different countries and different cultures. Some are highly educated while others have grown up on the street and have never been to school.

What is your opinion?

Should sex education be obligatory for all unaccompanied boys and girls who come to Sweden?

Want to learn more about sexual and reproductive health in Sweden?