How did an internship in Sweden change my life for 13 years?

Migration issue

The unexpected arrival in Sweden turned into a long-term stay. The whole story began in 2009 when I was studying at Saint Petersburg State University in the Faculty of Biology.

I must admit that my geography skills left much to be desired, and while in St. Petersburg, I found it difficult to navigate the city's districts. So, when my mentor offered me an internship in Sweden, I instantly agreed, impressed by what I heard:“Sweden? That sounds interesting, I need to go!”

Internship in Sweden

The internship, which lasted two months, was part of an exchange program between the University and an institution in Umeå. I went on the trip with one girl from the medical field and several students from the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

Our team spent time in Sweden productively, getting to know a new culture and having a great time. There were plans for our Swedish colleagues to visit us in Russia for an exchange of experiences, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the project was closed, and only we had the chance to participate.

Return to Sweden

After completing my internship, I finally finished my master's degree at St. Petersburg State University, choosing a specialization."molecular plant biology". Since I still had contacts with the Swedish laboratory, I decided to take this opportunity to continue my education in graduate school.

I called the laboratory and introduced myself:“Do you remember me? I’m that student with long hair who interned with you?”Their memories of my visit were positive, and they gladly invited me back.

Established relationships

Here, the previously established connections helped me a lot. We stayed in touch, and when I expressed my desire to return, I already had a master's degree, which significantly simplified the process. The trial period lasted only a few months, and soon I began my research work on my dissertation in Sweden.

Life in Sweden

Since 2009, I have been living in Sweden, except for one year that I spent in Russia after completing my postgraduate studies. It's worth discussing the issue of legal status.

Legal status

In the first years of my stay, extending my residence permit caused some difficulties due to bureaucratic nuances. In Sweden it is possible to obtain a residence permit through various grants.

• Initially, I was issued a temporary residence permit based on an employment contract.
• The graduate program is funded and is essentially considered a job; we were even required to pay taxes.
• Every year, I had to gather documents to apply for the extension of my temporary residence permit.

Permanent residence permit

After receiving my degree, I decided to apply for a permanent residence permit. At that time, Swedish law provided for this possibility for graduate students who had lived and worked in the country for at least five out of seven years.

All conditions were met, and I fully met the necessary criteria.

Features of Swedish citizenship

Swedish citizenship has special features that distinguish it from obtaining permanent residency. One of the main differences is the right to vote in elections. Additionally, holders of a Swedish passport do not have to worry about the duration of their stay outside the country. This contrasts with the situation for residency permit holders, who need to return to their home country every two years, otherwise they risk losing their rights. Personally, I don't see much point in obtaining citizenship at the moment.

The relevance of Halmstad Castle

The topic of the Halmstad Castle is more relevant than ever today, as it touches on issues of investment, immigration, and purchasing real estate in other countries.

My professional life

As for my career, I am not working in the field I initially chose. After successfully completing a five-year doctoral program, I faced a cultural shock. It turned out that finding a job in the field of science in Sweden is quite difficult. Despite the high level of scientific research, there is an unwritten rule about "rotation" of staff: when working at a university, you are required to change your workplace from time to time.

Of course, this rule is sometimes ignored, and having connections can help, but my situation made me look for new opportunities. In the end, I returned to St. Petersburg, where I spent about another year.

Problems with scientific personnel

This phenomenon of a shortage of scientific personnel affects not only Sweden but all of Europe. Scientists are constantly forced to seek funding for their research, which creates numerous obstacles. Gradually, after completing my doctorate, I realized that I want to engage in something that will be beneficial.

• I decided to move into the education field.
• Focusing on learning Swedish in order to then take professional development courses.
• To qualify as a teacher.

It took me about a year and a half to learn the language: I started studying it in Sweden by enrolling in classes at Folkuniversitetet, and then continued with self-study while in Russia.

Advanced training courses

When I returned to Sweden again, I enrolled in a further education course that covered both linguistics and teaching methodology. After successfully completing these courses, I was able to get a job as a Swedish language teacher.

Work at Folkuniversitetet

At the moment, I am working at Folkuniversitetet, which can be described as a "people's university." This educational institution offers a wide range of courses, including Swedish language classes for foreigners. We have students who want to learn Swedish from scratch or improve their skills to an advanced level.

Classes are held in a remote format using Zoom, which makes learning more accessible for students from different countries.

Winter days in Umeå

As for winter days in Umeå, this is a separate topic. It is possible to live and work here comfortably even if you have no knowledge of Swedish, as people in Sweden mostly speak and understand English fluently. This greatly simplifies the integration process for foreigners, allowing them to more easily adapt and fit into the local society without language barriers.

The life of elderly people with the English language

In our time, even elderly people with canes can easily engage in discussions in English, as if they were real Shakespearean characters. This is because Swedish television channels often air programs accompanied by English subtitles.

Knowledge of the language for work

To find a job, it's enough to have basic skills in the Swedish language, and the locals are friendly towards foreigners. Employers also contribute by offering free Swedish language courses for their employees. However, in certain professional fields, such as healthcare and education, a lack of language knowledge can become a significant obstacle.

Personal experience of learning Swedish

From my experience learning Swedish, I can say that it is quite accessible to understand. However, the level of mastery depends on personal abilities. I managed to learn this language in a year because I dedicated a lot of time to studying, spending several hours a day for a year and a half.

• My training included reading, translations, and listening to podcasts.
• and also persistent practice of speech, including conversations with oneself.

However, I also know people who have been living here for ten years and still can't put together more than two words in Swedish. This confirms that success in language learning depends on the individual efforts of each person.

Leisure: impressions from Sweden

As for leisure, life in Sweden may seem eventless for people from Moscow and St. Petersburg. At first, I lived in Umeå, which is located in Västerbotten, not far from the Arctic Circle.

The days here are very short: there are only two hours of light, and the rest of the time is ruled by darkness, snow, and moose. I liked this city because I love nature and solitude. We didn't live in Umeå itself, but on a small island with a population of just two thousand people, which meant we saw our neighbors on average no more than once a year, and that was enjoyable.

However, from a leisure perspective, it was quite boring: there was only one school and a small cultural center where elderly music lovers gathered.

Moving to Halmstad

At some point, my wife suggested a change of scenery and moving to a more active neighborhood. We decided to choose Halmstad in southwestern Sweden, a town of about 65,000 people. Although to us, who are used to big cities, all Swedish towns may seem like "villages", Halmstad offers a more diverse cultural life.

However, residents of large cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow may feel that there aren't many events happening here.

• There is a library in the city.
• several theaters and museums,
• There are also sometimes small festivals and concerts.

However, these events are often locally specific and may not satisfy the usual preferences of a diverse audience. All of this creates a contrast and emphasizes the particularities of Swedish life, which, despite its quiet rhythms, has its own special charm.

If a person is used to spending their weekends actively outdoors, they might get bored in Halmstad.

The housing problem in Sweden

In Sweden, the housing problem is very acute and is often discussed in the media. The local population is concerned about the lack of affordable housing. Despite the efforts of Swedish authorities to address this issue, the results are clearly disappointing. One of the main reasons for this crisis is ineffective migration policy. Most migrants prefer to settle in the three largest cities in the country: Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. This leads to overcrowding in the cities and, consequently, a shortage of living space.

The housing support system in Sweden

The housing system in Sweden is complex and multileveled. It includes several basic forms of housing.

1. Rental housing (hyresrätt)

Citizens have the opportunity to rent housing from municipalities, which provide registration in the area and cover a broader range than just one city district. This model has its advantages:

• If there is a malfunction in a rented apartment, it is enough to contact a representative of the municipality.
• The problem is resolved without any additional costs for the tenant, as all responsibility lies with the local authorities.

However, renting also has some drawbacks.

• You don't have the right to make repairs to your own tastes.
• If you want to wallpaper in a different color, you will be offered several options, but you will have to pay extra for it.
• If the wallpaper gets damaged, it's important to know that the municipality will be responsible for its replacement.

2. Right to housing (cooperative housing)

Unlike renting, here you do not own the property; you only receive the right to use it from the housing cooperative. Owners of rights become part of this cooperative, having the opportunity to choose their representatives and participate in management. This form of ownership allows for changes to the apartment's interior, but all changes must be agreed upon with the other members of the cooperative.

• For example, you can't just complete a balcony without getting approval from your fellow co-op members.

The main advantage of this format is the opportunity for collective discussion and planning of projects aimed at improving the overall area.

3. Full ownership rights (äganderätt)

This means that the owner becomes the full-fledged master of their house or apartment, giving them complete freedom to manage their property. The opportunities for the owner are much broader here, but the financial burden also significantly increases.

Choosing the right type of housing

It is important to take into account that each of the above-mentioned housing models has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on the personal preferences and specific circumstances of each person. This topic remains topical and needs constant attention from government agencies, as well as society as a whole.

When you decide to purchase a property, you take on full management and responsibility for its maintenance.

Traditions of the Swedish real estate market

Let's consider the experience of our acquaintance Dmitry and his wife Iri, which shows that Swedes have traditionally preferred renting property. This is explained by the fact that renting is generally more convenient. If there's a need to change the environment, it's enough to just move. However, significant changes have occurred in this regard over the past few decades. American culture and migration processes have had a noticeable impact on Swedish views on property, leading to an increasing number of young people striving to become homeowners.

Life in a rented apartment

My wife and I currently live in a rented apartment. Our apartment in Halmstad is in a modern building, where every corner is delightfully new and freshly decorated. This is quite different from the typical idea of real estate in Russia. Although there are also apartments in old buildings in Sweden, new buildings are also becoming more and more popular.

Waiting in line for housing

It's interesting to note that in order to have the opportunity to rent an apartment, you need to join a live queue. The process starts with registering on the website of the local developer or administration. The waiting time can vary significantly depending on the city. For example, we waited two years before we could move into our new apartment in Halmstad. This is generally considered a relatively quick timeframe, but on average, the wait lasts about five years, while in Stockholm, it can take up to 15 years.

Informal rental market

If circumstances arise that require quick access to housing, people often find themselves forced to look for offers in the "informal rental market." In such situations, they may come across apartments of lower or average quality, even though official subletting of housing is strictly prohibited.

Swedes' stories about housing

I have heard many stories about how Swedes can move from one rental to another for years while waiting for their turn to get permanent housing. Swedes also have an interesting tradition: they immediately register their newborn child in the housing queue, filling out applications not only in one city but in several cities at the same time. This allows parents to ensure that their child has housing by the time they reach adulthood.

Auctions in the real estate market

In the Swedish real estate market, auctions are also actively held for properties such as bostadsrätt and äganderätt. There are situations where even houses located far from civilization, sometimes three hundred kilometers from the nearest store, are put up for auction. The winner of the auction is the one who offers the highest price based on the starting amount. This activity has become popular among Swedes, as in a small country with limited entertainment, such events become real happenings.

Rental prices in Sweden

Rental prices in Sweden can vary significantly depending on the region.

Housing rental in Stockholm

The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm can be around 10,000 kronor per month, which is approximately 970 euros. Personally, I do not plan to buy property in Sweden, as I value the freedom of movement. I like the feeling that at any moment I can pack my things, take my bass guitar and a few pairs of socks, and move anywhere. I also find it quite comfortable that all the issues that arise with housing or its repairs are handled by the municipal service.

Dating Swedes

I have an acquaintance named Irina who keeps in touch with Per Gessle, the frontman of the famous band Roxette, living in Halmstad. Speaking of Swedes, it can be noted that they prefer to maintain a certain distance and have a high level of professionalism. A characteristic feature of their nature is the ability to respect other people's personal space. In this society, there is no excessive familiarity, and no one will share details of their life without a specific reason.

Communication and personal space

For example, in Russia, the question "How are you?" is often perceived by interlocutors as an opportunity to talk about themselves, their loved ones, and acquaintances. However, Swedes generally respond to this question more reservedly, simply saying, "Everything is fine." Discussing personal topics such as salary or intimate aspects of life is considered inappropriate in their culture, except in cases where you are truly close friends.

Expression of emotions

When it comes to emotional expression, Swedes tend to be reserved. Upon first meeting, they will shake hands, and in subsequent greetings, they will maintain their distance. During the pandemic, when social distancing measures were implemented, Swedes had no trouble adapting, as they were already accustomed to this style of communication.

Keyword of Swedish culture

The key word that perfectly illustrates Swedish culture is“lagom”This term translates to "in moderation" or "enough." Swedes strive to maintain balance in everything, whether it be joy, sadness, wealth, or poverty. This is seen as the foundation of their cultural traditions and way of life.

Funny incidents from student life

Sometimes my students share funny stories about their interactions with Swedes. For example, there's a word“nja”which foreigners usually understand as "maybe." One of my students faced a difficult situation when his car broke down. He turned to an acquaintance from Sweden for help with the repair: "Can you help me?"

• The Swede replied“nja”considering a polite refusal.
• However, my student interpreted this as consent and continued to remind me of his request in the days that followed.
• The Swede was clearly surprised when the situation repeated itself until he explained that he couldn't help.

This demonstrates the nuances of communication between cultures.

Professionalism in business relationships

Unlike personal relationships, Swedes demonstrate a high level of professionalism in business. Their approach to work is characterized by determination and clear boundaries between personal and professional life, which allows them to interact effectively and achieve their goals. Swedes know how to maintain a balance between work and personal life, which contributes to their success in various endeavors.

The Fika tradition in Sweden

Sweden is known for its rich cultural diversity and unique traditions, one of which is fika - a special break for coffee and sweets. This habit is strongly rooted in the daily life of Swedes and is important for their social life. Usually, the first fika break takes place around 10 a.m., followed by another one in the afternoon, and a third one at 3 p.m. before employees leave their desks.

Foreigners' opinions on fika

Many foreigners may perceive fika as an unreasonable use of work time, thinking that just 15 minutes of chatting with colleagues is a waste of time. One Spaniard, who had been in Sweden for only a few weeks, shared an interesting situation with me. He was just starting to settle into the new country and was unaware of the local customs. One day, his colleague invited him to join a fika, to which he replied, "Sorry, I have a lot of urgent tasks." The Swedish person's reaction was one of confusion—how could one skip such an important ritual?

The sacred meaning of Fika

For Swedes, fika is not just an everyday practice, but a true sacred tradition that is hard to give up, even when things get hectic. It can be compared to the importance and significance of the Spanish siesta. Embracing this custom is tied to the foundations of the Swedish mentality, which emphasizes teamwork and mutual understanding rather than just personal achievements.

• Fika promotes a sense of unity and cohesion in the team.
• This ritual leads to a more successful exchange of experiences among colleagues.

The healthcare system in Sweden

Nevertheless, there are certain challenges within the healthcare system in Sweden. Local residents are rarely advised to seek medical help, largely due to doubts about the quality of care. Swedes tend to take care of their health on their own by exercising, eating well, and choosing an active lifestyle.

Problems with medical services

Recently, I encountered a situation that is resolved much faster and easier in Russia. For example, to make an appointment with a dentist in Russia, you just need to call and schedule a visit for the nearest time. In Sweden, things are different. I called the clinic and was surprised to learn that the earliest appointment was available only in a month. When the day of my visit arrived, I was offered a time that was inconvenient, overlapping with my working hours. Nevertheless, I decided not to cancel and waited for my turn.

I was truly shocked when the teeth cleaning procedure took only 10 minutes! I couldn't contain my surprise and asked, "Is that it?" To which they replied, "Yes, we only cleaned the upper jaw." To have the lower jaw cleaned, I would need to make another appointment and wait another month. I decided that I would no longer seek dental help.

Health insurance in Sweden

Every Swede has health insurance that is funded by taxes withheld from their salary and paid by their employer. It's important to remember that dental services are not covered by this insurance. Therefore, despite having universal health insurance, certain aspects of health, such as dentistry, can pose a real challenge for citizens.

Sweden, despite its positive aspects, also has its unique challenges in the healthcare sector, particularly regarding dental services.

Dental services in Sweden

Dental services in Sweden are quite expensive, but most medical expenses are covered by insurance. A testament to the quality of medicine in this country can be seen in the story of my friend from Spain.

He started experiencing breathing problems and decided to visit a doctor. In the Swedish healthcare system, you can't just walk in and see a doctor — you need to make an appointment in advance. In the end, a nurse met him, listened to his complaints, and asked him an unexpected question: "What do you think is the cause of your difficulties?" He was a bit taken aback, as he expected to see a doctor who would give his recommendations. Instead, the nurse suggested he look for information online: "Have you tried Googling your problem?" Ultimately, she scheduled him for an appointment with a doctor.

Doctor's appointment

A couple of weeks later, he was already at the doctor's appointment, who, without conducting any examination, quickly determined from a distance that he indeed had breathing difficulties, and ultimately prescribed... paracetamol and rest. No additional tests or X-rays, just the usual remedy from childhood. In fact,paracetamol— this is one of the most commonly prescribed medications by Swedish doctors for a variety of ailments. It's truly amazing.

Home and Traditions

As for spring in Halmstad, for me, my native Russia is a true home, while Sweden comes in second. Russia is the country where I was born, raised, and received my primary education, and it will always remain a priority place for me. Meanwhile, Sweden has become a sort of "second home" for me, although that might sound a bit strange.

If we look at it more broadly, our common home is the entire planet Earth, even despite Elon Musk's space ambitions for colonizing Mars.

Russian-speaking communities in Sweden

In Sweden, there are quite a few Russian speakers, and there are various communities for Russian-speaking people. However, I personally haven't been able to attend their events. There are several reasons for this:

• Firstly, the pandemic restrictions did not allow for large events to be held.
• Secondly, my professional commitments require a lot of time and effort, and in my free time, I prefer to be alone with myself.

I need to get outside and enjoy the silence. I communicate a lot and lead classes, and when Friday comes, I really need to recharge.

Training and free time

Every week, I teach Swedish at a community college for five days, and on the weekends, I hold additional Skype classes for Russian-speaking students. This leaves Sunday as the only day for rest. On this day, I try to completely disconnect from work and recharge my energy. I go for walks in nature, do sports, and even play the bass guitar.

Working on the book

In the last two years, I've had even less free time. I've been working on a book about Swedish traditions and language, which is set to be published in February. It will first be released in Swedish, and later, possibly, in Russia.

Surströmming is a unique Swedish delicacy.

Fermented fish known as surströmming is truly a unique Swedish delicacy, and it's worth discussing in more detail. Sweden, despite its merits, is not an ideal place to live, just like any other country that has its own specific traits and nuances. Let's take a closer look at five positive aspects, as well as five drawbacks that one might encounter.

Positive aspects of life in Sweden

• Personal spaceIn Sweden, there is a high degree of respect for each person's privacy. Locals generally do not interfere in others' affairs, which creates an atmosphere of peace and comfort.
• Measured rhythm of lifeSwedes are known for their love of a measured pace of life. Any attempts to speed up the process or rush things into the schedule are often met with confusion.
• BenevolenceIf you talk to the locals, you'll notice that friendliness and openness are quite common. For example, when you visit stores, you will definitely be greeted with a friendly smile, which will surely lift your spirits.
• EducationIn Sweden, higher education is provided completely free of charge and is of high quality, which opens up wide opportunities for continuous learning and broadening one's horizons in various fields.
• PunctualityIf the meeting is scheduled for three o'clock, all participants will arrive exactly at that time. Being late is not customary here, and if you are invited to someone's home for four o'clock, you can be sure that everyone will be there on time.

Disadvantages of living in Sweden

• BureaucracyOne of the most pressing issues is bureaucracy. The process of paperwork for visa extensions or obtaining various permits often turns out to be quite complicated and lengthy. The red tape can cause a lot of trouble, and resolving these matters can take a significant amount of time.
• Difficulties in business communicationIn business circles, there is sometimes a noticeable difficulty in conducting a constructive dialogue. At meetings, a lack of decisiveness can sometimes hinder the quick resolution of the tasks at hand.
• Education systemWhile working at a school, I witnessed many specific aspects that contribute to the problem — children often do not grasp basic knowledge at the required level.
• Immigration policyImmigration policy is also a sticking point. The country lacks proper control over migrants, which negatively affects the overall security situation.
• Medical issuesAs for medicine, there are also questions here that still raise doubts. Like any other country, Sweden has its shortcomings.

Conclusions for future emigrants

Ultimately, for those planning to move to Sweden, it is important to consciously approach the study of all these factors. One should not make a decision based solely on a short-term visit to the country — it is better to spend a few months here to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of life and the culture of Swedish society. I hope this information will be useful for future migrants, and I recommend checking out other articles dedicated to life in Northern Europe.

Introduction

Concluding my story about how a sudden internship "held" me in Sweden for a whole 13 years, I realize how much I have gained during this time. At first, I never thought that a simple two-month trip to another country could turn into a true life path. My university years in St. Petersburg laid the foundation for my professional development, but it was in Sweden that I found the opportunity to realize myself in completely new areas.

Problems and challenges

Over the years, I have faced various challenges, ranging from bureaucratic hurdles related to extending my residence permit to finding my place in the academic environment. I was surprised by how difficult life as a scholar can be in a country where, seemingly, science is thriving. Dealing with constant turnover and competition for grants has not been easy, and it is precisely this that has led me to what I am doing now — teaching people the Swedish language.

New career

Working at Folkuniversitetet, where I teach, has become not just an opportunity for me to return to my passion—education—but also the best way to integrate into society. I see how people from different corners of the world strive to learn the Swedish language and how it helps them better understand the culture and nuances of life in this country. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to share with others what I once learned myself and to see how they grow and develop.

Lessons for the future

Although I still don't speak Swedish fluently and often face challenges in adapting, one thing I know for sure: I made the right choice when I agreed to that internship. Every step in this country has enriched my personal and professional experience, opened doors to new opportunities, and allowed me to learn a lot. Each new course and every new acquaintance confirms that even in the most unexpected situations, you can find your way, and I look forward to what the future holds for me in this amazing country.