Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A rewarding and life-changing experience April 26, 2021

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/15/2020 to 01/15/2021 with

KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to value my friendships and relationships with people more and also the value of introspection and thinking and questioning everything. I would say that I'm more open-minded now and a more understanding person. Definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was great variety in the courses I was able to take which were not available to me at my home university. I enjoyed the classes I took and felt the work was meaningful yet not overbearing (there is greater focus on projects and exercises than on tests which I prefer.)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

What can I say, I felt like I was an ordinary KTH student, so I guess that means the on-site administration of my program was good.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The only complaint is that you don't have much say in where you live, and I ended up living quite far from my host University (about 40 minute commute.) That being said, the living arrangement was very nice and comfortable.

* Food:

I made most of the food I ate and I'm only a halfway decent cook so this is mostly a self-appointed rating.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I interacted mostly with other internationals that were not from the country I was studying in. So, I felt only partially integrated with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Only had a health issue once (sprained wrist), and the health care system resolved the issue in a effective and inexpensive way despite the fact that I was not even a resident.

* Safety:

There are some parts of the city (Stockholm) that can be a bit dodgy. Overall, I felt very safe and comfortable to explore around (sometimes by myself) a majority of the time.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I'm on the fence about this. I would say "No" because Sweden is not nearly as different from America (culturally) as other countries are. To have an experience where I learned more from a cultural aspect, I would want to choose a different country, perhaps Singapore. However, more change would have meant more hardship which would mean a worse time (potentially.) So maybe I would choose the same program after all, lol

Finances

* 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)

Stockholm is a bit expensive, but since the housing was cheaper than what I expect at home in Austin, Texas, living on a student budget was decent.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not including housing and program expenses, I probably spent about $150 to $200 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn how to cook and how to have fun without going out!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The interaction with people from many different countries.
* What could be improved?
  • The weather in Stockholm during the winter is very depressing. But this really can't be helped
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had taken easier classes during the first period of the semester (fall semester) and harder classes during the second period of the semester because the first period had beautiful weather and I would have liked to take advantage of that (more hiking, camping and travelling.)

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!