By Maura Schiefer

Guest Writer

If you’re thinking “why Sweden?” you’re the not the first.

It isn’t uncommon that I am given a quizzical look followed by, “You’re studying English in Sweden?” I must admit, it seems a bit odd, but as many exchange students will tell you, studying abroad is not just about academics, but also about the experience of living in another country for five months.

This is the exact reason I choose to study at Stockholm University. I wanted to experience something completely different from normal everyday life in the United States, and so far, I have not been disappointed.

I arrived in the snowy land of Sweden two weeks ago. After picking up my key at the University, I made my way to my dorm, which is about a ten minute walk, a subway stop, and another ten minute walk away. Two giant suitcases, a backpack, a purse, and non-plowed sidewalks made the trip more difficult then I would have liked.

Incredibly discouraged, I slowly dragged my luggage down the snowy paths. I feared that, despite all my weight training with Cory, I would never make it to my dorm. Luckily, two other European exchange students saw me struggling and offered to help.

“Exchange students should help each other out,” they told me in surprisingly good English. So far, I have found this statement to be incredibly true and my experience would not be the same without all of the wonderful international students I have met so far.

The living situation for students in Stockholm is unique: students from all local universities live in the same dorms, despite age, gender, or university. My corridor is composed of international and Swedish students, who all share a common living space and kitchen.

My friends come from places all over the world, including Mexico, Syria, Italy, and China. With their help I have slowly begun assimilating to daily Swedish life. I have gone to a Swedish spin class, learned to take the Stockholm Metro, and participated in a completely Swedish run soccer practice. I have gone to the largest IKEA in the world, I’ve been ice-skating on the lake by my dorm, and I’ve learned that “queuing” is a national sport in Sweden.

Despite all of this, I’m still trying to get a handle on Swedish culture, especially the language. Unlike English, Swedish has nine vowels– four of which I cannot pronounce. I have picked up a few phrases, but for the most part, every time I attempt to speak Swedish, I completely butcher the language.

While almost every Swede speaks English, all signs and products are in Swedish. After a few very unsuccessful trips to the grocery store, I have decided that next time I will pick up a Swedish-English dictionary, as not to mistake “yogurt” and “sour cream” again.

Having only been in Stockholm for two weeks, I still have so much to explore, including Gamla Stan (the old town in Stockholm), So-Fo (the up-and-coming arts and fashion center of the city), and all of the local museums. But despite all of the wonderful things Sweden has to offer, I do occasionally feel homesick for our beloved Haverford.

The Daily Show’s segment on “Stockholm Syndrome” might shed some more light on the Swedish experience for you Fords. If you’re looking for a good laugh, I promise you will not be disappointed. Hej då!

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