A Magical Semester Past Review
By Olivia F (Environmental Studies., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/26/2012 to 12/15/2012 with
The Swedish Program: Stockholm, Sweden
I fell in love with Sweden and learned a lot about Europe in general, but also gained a new appreciation for home sweet home (the USA)! My time abroad was totally worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I felt like I learned a lot while abroad. My classes were challenging and interesting, but the workload was light enough that I had time to explore Stockholm and Europe. My only complaint was the strict grading. A's are hard to come by in Sweden, which was disappointing. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was smooth and efficient, my only complaint being that more activities could have been planned during orientation. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in my apartment! It was comfortable, clean, and bigger than I expected. Definitely a step up from dorm living! It was easy to commute downtown and to the university on the subway. |
| * Food: |
Like everything in Stockholm, food was very expensive. However, we received a monthly food stipend, which helped make eating more affordable. If you want to eat out at cafes rather than cook every meal yourself (which I highly recommend), your food stiped may run out early. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because I was not fluent in Swedish, I never felt completely integrated with local culture. However, I never felt out of place or uncomfortable either. I felt very welcomed and at home while in the city. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program was very responsive when students needed medical attention (which was rare). |
| * Safety: |
Stockholm is SO safe! As a young female, I never felt threatened or worried to walk alone in the city, day or night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
It was expensive to live in Stockholm, and I came home owing my parents over $1,000. I chose to spend my money on traveling and cool cafes, which added up. However, Stockholm was worth every penny--such a beautiful, unique city with so much to offer! I would pick the Swedish Program again in a heartbeat, despite the expense. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent about $100 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | To save money, limit the amount you eat out at cafes and restaurants and if you travel, book your flights in advance! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The program encouraged us to use our Swedish out and about the city, but we never had to use it because everyone in Stockholm speaks wonderful English. Except for Swedish Language and Culture, our classes were taught in English. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I did not take a language course in college |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | If you want to practice your Swedish, choose to use it when you order food and buy things at the grocery store. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That grading in Sweden is less forgiving than grading at American universities. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Public Policy: The E.U. versus the U.S. |
| Course Department: | Political Science, Sociology, Economics |
| Instructor: | Stephen Turner |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This class offered a great comparison of the U.S. and Sweden, and for that reason, was perhaps my most valuable class abroad. I learned so much about Swedish politics, social systems, stereotypes, and social dynamics. I also gained a new perspective on American politics and social norms. We read a lot of current events articles, which helped me feel up-to-date on American issues and debates, even while abroad. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I did not have issues transferring credit. |
