Living in Sweden/my rebirth - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**ChasinJason1313** · 12-17-2007, 02:08 PM

Howdy ho to all those who remember me and to those of you I haven't met yet. I'm in a re-boot time in my life at the moment and am thinking about doing something I wanted to do 3 years ago and that is to do a masters program on education at the University of Stockholm in International and Comparative Education.

I would welcome all ideas whether they have to do with going to school in Europe, what Stockholm is like, actually living abroad as opposed to just visting, etc, etc.....

You guys were once the only people who ever really understood me and then I cheated on you with real life and I'm ready to come back if you'll take me.

Cheers to all,
Jason

**expatben** · 12-17-2007, 02:22 PM

First off good to see you man.
As far as Stockholm goes I have absolutly no idea what its like as I have never been to Sweden.
As far as living abroad in a country where you don't know the language? Been there my brother. I'm not going to lie it can be challenging. Its like moving to any other country with its own culture rules and traditions and you will have to make new friends; with the added barrier of language.
I remember even doing things like shopping was hard at first.
That said once you get through that you will have an opportunity to learn more about a country then you otherwise ever would. It can totally be worth it.

**pinknic38** · 12-17-2007, 02:35 PM

Hey Jason,

I have zero to contribute but just wanted to say "hey" and that's awesome about the program you're looking at. The college I went to had a huge Swedish exchange program, and offered Swedish as a language option - my roommate took it for a whole year and said it wasn't too difficult to learn. If you want to learn the language, I'm sure they have something in Sweden, or you can take it as perhaps an elective during your graduate studies. There's always Rosetta Stone too, I'm doing RS German and learning a LOT.

I have friends who have studied abroad in Europe before (not in Sweden, but I have good friends who have studied in France, Denmark, and Estonia), and they said it is much different from school in the US, much more relaxed, which they said was good in a way, but bad in a way because you certianly have to be motivated to stay on top of your studies. So not Sweden, but perhaps on the same lines anyway.

But anyway, even though we've never met, welcome back and good luck with your planning!

-Nicole

**BigE** · 12-17-2007, 03:08 PM

I was in Stockholm for a few days last summer. It is a very beautiful and progressive city. I found the people a little too serious for my taste and I was a little disapointed because I have heard that Swedes were very good to the Deaf and I found that it wasn't the case, at least to me. I met a Swedish woman who is an interpreter for the Deaf and she told me stories about mistreatment of the Deaf and I was heartbroken. Nonetheless, the Swedish government have a very good educational program for Deaf children.

Stockholm is a young city and, like every place else, there are many kind and generous people who will make good friends and reach out to you. Their univeristies have very good reputations.

**TheJake** · 12-17-2007, 07:59 PM

You're a cheating bastard and I hate you for it.

That being said, I'm glad you're back.
Stick around this time punkass!

Are you still in Utah?

**LiveFreeorDie** · 12-17-2007, 08:05 PM

Hey dude - welcome back!! I can't give you much advice about Sweden, other than to say you should definitely go for it. I don't think you will regret it, even if it turns out you do not like too much. You will likely regret it more if you don't do it! I hope you stick around!

**omisan** · 12-18-2007, 07:44 AM

Awesome, dude!

Good to see you back. Stockholm, eh? Dunno anything about it other than the eponymous Syndrome. That and I like Absolut vodka.

Mmm... vodka...

**lauren313** · 12-18-2007, 07:53 AM

Welcome back! Wish I could tell you about Stockholm, but alas, I have never been!

I love how you put that: "cheated on you with real life"... made me smile!

**space virgin** · 12-18-2007, 04:18 PM

Hello, love. Good to see you back around!! The only thing I know about Stockholm is that it's expensive, people are nice and I have a few relatives there somewhere.

Did you get married yet?

**MeTurk** · 12-18-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasinJason1313

Howdy ho to all those who remember me and to those of you I haven't met yet. I'm in a re-boot time in my life at the moment and am thinking about doing something I wanted to do 3 years ago

Why, whats stopping you? What would you lose by giving it a go?

**expatben** · 12-19-2007, 02:57 AM

That is perhaps the best reason to go for it!

**BigE** · 12-19-2007, 05:37 AM

Sweden is a good place to go. Go for it!

**blinkchick2134** · 12-19-2007, 09:37 AM

Welcome home! Don't worry about cheating on us, we understand!

I say go to Sweden and have a great time. Living abroad is a totally different experience than just visiting for a few days or weeks. Do it!

**worldwidemike** · 12-20-2007, 08:20 PM

Agreed...and welcome back. I have a friend that has traveled there a number of times for business. If you like, PM me, and I can give you his e-mail address, if you have any questions.

worldwidemike