Why the Swedish Program was a life changing experience January 12, 2025

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were intellectually stimulating. Easier than what I experience typically at Middlebury College, and also held slightly less interest at times, so trade-offs. Resources were solid, some professors better than other, Andrea in person was a strong resource, along with Cate.

On-site administration of your program

Host Country Administration was excellent. The star for me was Andrea Gibo, the Program Coordinator. She really coordinated most of the activities and essentials for living in Sweden, along with housing. She stepped up, along with everyone else both in America and Sweden, before during and after. Some were better than others, however I think about as good as I could've asked for.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was coordinated well and basic services, kitchen, bed, laundry machine and drying rack, toilets and showers all were for the modern day. Gym and laundry room present on site but didn't use either of them. I think the units used to be larger in prior semesters, TV sets may have even been provided or at least room to bring in. Inspection was annoying and tedious at times but reasonable. Regardless, the housing was still strong.

Access to food was excellent, both in terms of what the program coordinated, and suggestions given and guidance. We were also given Edenred cards that gave us 5100 SEK/month, roughly 500 USD at the beginning but decreasing still. Coverage was excellent and recommendations cited this. Andrea Gibo coordinated most of this on the ground in Sweden.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is largely my fault. I spent a lot of time traveling around. We were given two weeks to do this but I used other weekends, including a program organized in Gotland early on and orientation in Sandhamn. Gotland was the highlight of the trip, coordinated largely by Andrea, and so was Sandhamn, timing and activities were excellent.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never needed healthcare really. I had illnesses and issues certainly, but never felt a need to use it. It was all there but I didn't get usage. Vaccinations were available but I didn't pay, there was a larger out of pocket fee in Sweden than at home.

Incredibly safe in Sweden. One of the safest places out there. Basic safety rules still apply, and they are notably stricter on substance use, particularly alcohol at clubs, bars and on the street so be wary. However, I never really felt unsafe late at night, even in Ubers or public transit in early morning hours.

Sure there are other great programs out there, but I was glad to be separate from people at my home institution. Almost nobody really knew more than a couple of people, and it was small enough that it all worked out. I have friends I made I will keep in touch with over the summer and later.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I also have more money to work with and more covered by parents so this aspect better for me than others. I spent more on alcohol expenses and food than others, as well as travel, but those would be the main costs

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

They really encourage it. Everyone, especially in Stockholm, understands English, but clubs/bars will 100% discriminate based on language usage or documentation from America, so be wary.

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• People
• Nightlife
• Food

• At home resources
• Language integration (my fault)
• Travel resources

The Academic or Linguist