Choosing a study destination isn’t easy. But choosing the Swedish Way might be exactly what you’re looking for. Students thrive in the unique and stunning country of Sweden. And here is what you stand to gain by joining them.
Study in Sweden knows that when searching for a place to study, you will likely hear the same things over and over. That’s why we here at Viva Mundo, in partnership with Study in Sweden, want to show you what makes studying in Sweden different.
Choosing Sweden is choosing something to care about. Are things like climate change, sustainability, gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights important issues for you? If these values match up with yours, then Sweden is surely the study abroad destination for you.
When you choose Sweden you’re buying into a whole new way of thinking and doing things. It’s a whole new perspective. You are choosing to live and learn the Swedish Way. This means making the world a better place.
If you would like to know more about studying in Sweden, please fill in the form below to speak to a Study in Sweden representative.
Education
International
Swedish universities - and Sweden in general - are more international than you might think. 20% of the population is foreign-born or has one or both parents born abroad. And in university you’ll study alongside a good mix of people from all over the world, bringing with them all kinds of perspectives and experiences.
Critical thinking
You’ll be encouraged to question what you learn. To argue and debate it with your peers and lecturers. Through this you’ll develop the confidence, tools and vocabulary you need to interrogate and challenge the status quo. You’ll learn how to work with, influence and inspire others.
Independence
If you’re going to make the most of your experience then you’ll need to take responsibility for your time. Learning this way means you’ll be prepared to figure things out for yourself when you need to - just like in life and work.
English
Swedes speak it really well. As a student you will get by absolutely fine speaking no Swedish at all - over 900 master’s programmes are offered in English and Sweden is ranked number one in the Education First English Proficiency Index (EFEP 2019).
Quality
The Swedish higher education system is ranked as one of the best in the world and several Swedish universities are ranked highly by the Times Higher Education and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Society
Gender equality
Sweden is recognised as the most equal country in the world, including being one of the world’s most progressive countries for LGBTQIA+ rights. This isn’t just a cultural phenomenon, there are all kinds of laws and policies which make sure this is the case
Progressive
The prevalence of recycling, the availability of super green public transport and the introduction of the 6 hour working day are just a few examples. Swedes are really into progress in all of society, from politics to the environment to gender to fairness in the workplace.
Trust & Freedom
In Sweden people are given a huge amount of freedom and trust. The state looks after you really well - healthcare, education, public transport, libraries... You’re trusted not to abuse it and uphold the Swedish system together.
Work-life balance
Swedes work really hard, but never more than 40 hours a week and at 5pm they almost always stop. The Swedish try very, very hard not to let work get in the way of their personal lives - spending time with friends and family, getting outdoors and doing the things that make them happy. This is probably why they’re rated the 7th happiest country in the world (UN World Happiness Index 2019).
Climate
Sweden is known for being cold and dark and snowy. And it is, sometimes. But not half as cold and dark and snowy as most people think. For half the year it’s light and warm and the country is transformed. It’s almost like you get two countries for the price of one. Plus even when it is cold and dark, Swedes know how to do cozy indoors really well.
Safety
Sweden has a really low crime rate and towns and cities are the sort of places you can walk around any time of day and night, without worrying about a thing (apart from maybe the cold).
Creativity
Music, arts and culture are important. From hip-hop festivals to the ballet, Swedish House Mafia to Robyn - there’s no shortage of culture flowing out in and of Sweden. Whatever you’re into you’ll find it here, especially if it’s on the alternative side. The long warm days in the summer are perfect for festivals of all kinds, whilst the cold winters encourage everyone to spend time indoors focusing their energy on creating.
Business & Innovation
Flat culture
The non-hierarchical structure found in almost all Swedish companies - in Sweden and the rest of the world - is built on respect and cooperation. Seniority doesn’t guarantee the last word - all opinions are valid. Diverse perspectives, skills and ideas come together to fire creativity and innovation.
Big names
For a relatively small country, Sweden has made a huge impact on the world thanks to the businesses started here. Ikea, Volvo, H&M, Ericsson to name just a few.
Start-up central
Sweden - and Stockholm in particular - is home to an incredible start-up culture. Stockholm is home to more unicorns (billion dollar businesses) than anywhere else in the world after Silicon Valley. There are all kinds of reasons for that, but talent coming out of universities is a big one as well as openness to new ideas, willingness to fail and a culture of sharing. Many students go on to intern or work for one or even start their own.
Technology
Sweden is globally recognised as one of the most innovative countries in the world. This is due to a number of reasons - high levels of social stability, lots of government investment into education and business, a risk-taking culture and access initiatives like computer lending programmes and fast internet strategy ensuring fast internet for all.
Sustainable industry
Sweden is leading the way in green and sustainable business. There’s abundant renewable energy, the cheapest electricity in Europe as well as lots of government backed incentives and high levels of expertise across all types of industries. This is a great place to gain environmentally progressive business insights, or even to start a sustainable business of your own.
--
Discover more about Sweden by seeing which university or programme might be right for you, or otherwise asking a question via the form below.
