Sweden: The Chance of a Lifetime Past Review
By Alaura B (Public Relations, San Jose State University) for
ISEP: Stockholm - Exchange Program at Södertörn University
I have a greater appreciating for other cultures and countries. I see how in different places 'life' is so different. I wouldn't change a thing and I would love to return to Sweden one day for a long period of time. I miss Sweden everyday and the friends that I made while there. I do talk to them at least once a week even after a year of being home. The friendships I made with the local Swedes keep me connected to my other home. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime. Choose Stockholm, Sweden and you will not be disappointed.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was easy to follow however hard to match up with the grading system here in the US. I like the teaching methods even though we didn't meet with our teachers as often as we do here. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was many strengths. I was always informed about things going on and any questions I had were always answered. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I was given a meal stipend to use where I liked. That was useful so I could use that money in other countries as well if I traveled. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The group cruises we took were a lot of fun. They were super cheap and a great way to have fun with other students. I loved going to other countries and exploring different cultures. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Sweden takes pride in being a safe country to live in. Any incident is taken into consideration with seriousness. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You should be an outgoing person. Swedish people are generally kept to themselves and can be very shy. However, once you have met and befriended a Swedish person they will be your friend forever. Swedes love to help and are honestly intrigued by Americans. If you are American they will love to talk to you and hear about the US as you will with them. Sweden is a beautiful democratic country full of equality and amazing people. You are boat trips away from many other Nordic countries, this making traveling easier. Take weekend cruise trips for as little as 19 Euros. Meet people, talk, socialize and you will have the time of your life. |
