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Study abroad in Sweden
Free tuition, internationally recognized universities, and Abba! The varied cultural and natural landscape of Sweden makes it a popular choice with international students.
Country overview
Sweden has enjoyed its reputation as a cold, cutting-edge country with a hankering for herring. Ikea always comes to mind as well as Sweden’s most successful company (others include Saab and H&M). And of course we can’t forget Abba – leading the pack of Swedish cultural icons.
This Nordic country is blessed with a smorgasbord of natural entities – from a hugely diverse existence of wildlife to thousands of lakes, and a massive forest cover. Mountains are located near the Norwegian border and are a skier’s dream in the winter and fisherman’s in the summer.
Education overview
Sweden is recognized around the world as upholding superb education standards, and four Swedish universities are ranked within the THES – QS World University Rankings 2006 Top 200 Universities. The most respected academic award, the Nobel Prize, was born in Sweden. Higher education institutions in this country are subsidized by the government, and if you choose to study abroad in you can enjoy free tuition. The Swedish education realm prides itself on making multiculturalism a priority, and accordingly, international study abroad is welcomed and encouraged.
Many undergraduate programs require a good proficiency in the Swedish language, so study abroad in Sweden may be problematic should you not possess this. Jönköping International Business School , Malmö University College, Mälardalen University College, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and IT University of Göteborg all offer undergraduate programs in English.
International study abroad programs generally have a very informal approach to teaching, in that students and teachers are as close to being on an equal playing field as possible. It is not unusual for students and teachers to socialize outside classroom hours. With this in mind, students are also expected to undertake a lot of initiative independently and to shape their coursework and research, demanding motivation to study alone.
Pros and cons
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Free tuition
Lack of English-taught undergraduate programmes
International student accommodation
The availability of accommodation in Sweden varies by location; larger cities like Stockholm and Göteborg often lacking vacancies. The Swedish Student Accommodation Association runs a website (www.sokstudentbostad.se) to assist students seeking housing. University housing are typically less expensive than private housing, and are usually located close to universities. Those wishing to cultivate an active social life usually opt for university housing. Approach your student union as soon as you decide to study in Sweden, as they may need time to find the right accommodation for your needs, and don’t forget to get all the assistance possible from the international student department of your chosen university.
Weather/Climate
A typical Nordic climate reigns in Sweden with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The midnight sun can be seen in locations north of the Arctic Circle during summer months, and winter days tend to be short and dark.
Transport
Sweden is known for its civilized and socialized society, and its public transportation system is no exception. Buses, trains, trams, and ferries are clean, reliable, and available to students at a discount. Many students can’t imagine life without their bicycles in Sweden; however, this greener option may be reserved for the bravest winter devotees during the cold months.
Cost*
| Item | Price |
| movie ticket | Sk80.00 |
| can of soft drink | Sk18.00 |
| cup of coffee | Sk25.00 |
| half-litre bottle of beer from pub | Sk52.00 |
| locker storage | Sk60.00 |
| 120-unit telephone | Sk100.00 |
*WorldGuide Index from Lonely Planet
Useful info
Dialing code: 46
Currency: Swedish Krona (Sk)
Time zone: GMT/UTC +1
