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Sweden is a beautiful country with wilderness, lakes, beautiful coasts and lots of attractions. This is the land of the famous Smorgasbord and where both Astrid Lindgren and ABBA were born. If you are lucky you will meet the King of Sweden, or at least meet the king of the woods here, the famous moose.
» Area: 450 295 square kilometers
» Population: 9, 2 million
» Capital: Stockholm
» Language: Swedish (Svenska)
» National holiday: June 6
» Average lifetime: 81 years
Sweden, one of the Scandinavian countries is located in the far north of Europe. The country is pretty big to its area but not to its population of 9 million. 80 % of the population lives in the south of Sweden and the three biggest cities are the capital Stockholm, Gothenburg (Göteborg) on the west coast and Malmoe( Malmö) in the very south of Sweden. Many people think that the country consists of snow, ice bears and minus degrees year round, but that is not the case. Sweden has a temperate climate, and even though it is at such high latitude it is much warmer than other places with a similar one. The northern part is colder than the rest of Sweden, and during the winters they get much snow which is perfect for those who loves skiing. Summers in Sweden are rather warm and the temperatures are at an average between 20-25°C in the middle of the country.
Carl von Linné, father of the botany was born in Sweden and what country could be more interesting to explore than Sweden with its beautiful fauna. It has the ideal landscape for trekking and hiking and since the country is so long and narrow it has a lot of different scenery throughout the land. The northern part of Sweden is called Lappland and has an incredible attractive wilderness with forests and alpine peaks, and the world famous ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, while Skåne in the far south offers you lakes, stunning countryside and beaches. The "allemansrätt" makes Sweden a country to feel welcome in, since this offers you the freedom to be out in the nature almost anywhere without having to ask for permission from a land owner. You can go out in the woods and pick berries and mushrooms or just sit down at a lake side and relax.
The country has an extraordinary long history and it starts just after the last glacial period, which means people have been living in Sweden for more than 10,000 years. Vikings are a typical Scandinavian figure and there have been a lot of wars in our history. They made Skåne once belong to Denmark, and Sweden and Finland once belong to the same realm during 600 years. The country is nowadays neutral and hasn't been to war since 1814.
Sweden is a monarchy with King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. They have three children, Victoria and Madeleine, the princesses and Carl Filip, our prince. Sweden is currently led by the Moderate Party but the Social Democrats have always been influencing the country, especially by Olof Palme and Anna Lindh. The equality between men and women has made Sweden well known.
Sweden is influenced by many countries since people from all over the world have migrated here. This makes our country multicultural, this is noteable especially in the cities. Most swedes have a good all-round education about the world. Many inventions come from Sweden such as the dynamite, the bearing and Tetra Pak. VOLVO, SAAB, Ericson and SKF are all companies that originate from Sweden. Swedes are healthy and do a lot of different exercise. Soccer is probably the most popular sport but you can choose from a range of different sports. Björn Borg, Carolina Klüft and Annika Sörenstam are some of the brilliant sportsmen that have inspired young swedes to practices ports. Music is also very popular here and many famous artists started off in Sweden that are now famous all over the world (ABBA, Robyn, the Cardigans and Roxette e.g).
Sweden's education in public schools is free for all pupils, and it consists of 9 years compulsory school with children aged 7-16. After that it is voluntary to continue at the upper secondary school /high school but most students choose to continue here since most workplaces demand a higher education such as a university degree.
Swedish students go to school Monday - Friday every week and the schedule are very different from school to school. Normally you start the day at eight and finish around three o'clock. Many schools have a fleible schedule where the students work in study groups or work on projects. The school year is divided into two semesters, the fall semester starts in August and ends in December. Spring term starts in January and ends in June. The school holidays are one week in November, about ten days over Christmas and New Year's, a week of spring break in February, one week on Easter in March/April, and the long ten weeks summer holiday between June-August.
The exchange students usually get placed in the first or the second grade in the Gymnasium and they can choose from a range of different school profiles. Examples of these are Nature science, Social Science, Economics and Esthetics etc. The compulsory subjects that exist in all profiles are Math, English, Swedish and Physical Education. There is also heaps of others subject to choose from depending of what profile you choose, and of course what school you attend at. Some schools offer Music, Drama, Computer Science, Marketing, and extra Swedish lessons. If the school has the extra Swedish lessons we recommend the students to take them, because the school will be tough in the beginning, since you don't know the language. At some schools these courses are free of charge. Most students have learned French, Spanish or German since they were 12 years old.
The grade system in Sweden is based by 4 different levels. IG= Not Achieved, G= Achieved, VG= Achieved with merit, MVG= Achieved with excellence. We can not guarantee the students to get grades after their year abroad, but this can always be discussed with the principal if needed.
Transportation to school differs very much depending on where you live, but school buses will take you from most places. If you live in the city there is public buses or subways which the school sometimes will pay for you if you don't live too close. There is of course the alternative to walk or bicycle if you live nearby.
Lunch at school is free for the swedish students, and mostly even for the exchange students and there is often a canteen where there are snacks, sandwiches and drinks to buy.
Swedish teenagers can be a bit shy to speak English since it's not their mother tongue, and it is always good to prepare that you might be the one that has to take the first step towards a conversation. Ask them what they do in their spare time, on the weekends etc and ask if you can join.
If you compare to other countries in Europe or the USA, host families in Sweden are not that religious. Most families only go to church for weddings, funerals and other christenings and national holidays like Christmas. The student doesn't have to attend with the family, but it is good manners to do so, and it is an opportunity to experience something new.
Most Swedish host families live in the countryside but some also live in the bigger cities. Swedish families are friendly, although they are a bit shy at the beginning. Once you get to know a Swede you will have a wonderful friend for life. Most families consist of a mother, father and on average two children, but this is slowly changing and families are beginning to have more children (eased by a maternity leave of about a year). It is not common in Sweden for grandparents to live with their children. Sweden is an equal society where both women and men work full time. The younger children are put in daycare from age one and begin school at age five or six. Most families have a tight schedule, but are always keen on having a loving relationship with their children, partners and good friends. Swedish host families are very keen on taking good care of the exchange students and treat the student like their own son or daughter.
Swedish teenagers are used to taking care of themselves and do get a lot of freedom, but it is very important for the parents to know where they are. Exchange students will have to always let them know where they are, who they are with, and when they will get home. It is a good idea to buy a cheap mobile phone to keep contact with host parents and friends.
Your host parents will try their best to make you feel comfortable in their family but you have to contribute, too. Cook a meal from your country and show them how you live and do things at home, but do remember that everything in Sweden will not be as it is back home, Nothing is wrong, just Different!
Communication between the host family and the student is of great importance and discussing feelings and thoughts essential. You need to trust each other and the rules the family has given you need to be followed for a good relationship. Host families are chosen with great consideration to making the best match with the student; remember that with trust and communication, working any "bumps" out will be ensured.
Language will of course be difficult, but try to speak Swedish as much as possible. Your family will love hearing you try and it is very appreciated both at home and in your school.
Swedes don't eat much fried food, but enjoy fish, meat, potatoes or pasta with a mixed salad. Meatballs are a typical Swedish dish and the "kanelbullar" (cinnamon rolls) are one of the most famous sweets. The Swedish people love to celebrate our festivities, especially Santa Lucia, on December 13, Christmas, and Midsummer's Eve in June. These occasions give you a great opportunity to try both the Smorgosbord and the "pepparkaka" (ginger bread) and have a hot drink.
Make sure you take every possibility to make your year as Swedish as possible, think positive and you will have the experience of a lifetime!
You will get the chance to meet all other students around Sweden at two occasions during your year here, one during autumn in Gothenburg, and one in spring time in Stockholm. At the meeting in Gothenburg exchange students will be together with Swedish returnees that were on an exchange abroad the previous year.
In Gothenburg at the Orientation meeting, you get the chance to visit the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia, Liseberg, and to go to the big science centre Universeum where you can walk through a rainforest with monkeys and snakes. You can also go to the experiment department and find out all about space or find out how it looks inside a real police car. This tour also includes a guided tour of Gothenburg and fun activities with students from all around the world. The accommodation is usually a hostel where you sleep in rooms together with your new found friends.
The Stockholm Tour is a chance for you to see our beautiful Capital, visit the old city and meet friends to share your experiences with. The cost normally runs around 500 Swedish Kroner ($75-) and includes accommodation, half board, sightseeing, most entrances and activities.
In the end of June, our foreign partner offers a three-week bus tour around Europe. You will get to visit 10 countries with students from all over the world. The price includes accommodation, half board, sightseeing, most entrances and activities, Disneyland in Paris, etc.
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