I often sense frustrations in my clients, not due to the language, but to the practical issues in their daily lives. There was always something troubling them, some issues to do with the authorities, banks, schools, health care and social codes. They had problems figuring out the work routines, colleagues and why their neighbours behaved in one way or another.

Thorough preparation can help you deal with social and cultural challenges living and working abroad. It is not only the hardware like bureaucracy, the school- and health systems etc. but also very subtle cultural differences which easily cause confusion and miscommunication.

This course is for you who are:

  • thinking of moving to Sweden
  • on your way to Sweden
  • already settled in Sweden but can´t figure this place out

There is 1 module a week for 7 weeks and each module consists of 3 to 7 video lessons with smaller assignments to help you get on the right track.

Module 1

“The art of becoming someone who matters”

In this first module, you will learn about the most important Swedish authorities. I will teach you in what order to do things, what you must consider, what you can and cannot expect and give you small tips on how to approach the administrators. Knowing all of this beforehand will take the edge off your frustration once facing the situations.

If you are to work within the Swedish health care system, I will explain why Swedish C1 is required and the “coup” Socialstyrelsen has made on their website.

Module 2

“The art of finding a place to call home”

The housing market in Sweden is different from many other countries. I will show you the options you have and how to go about renting a flat. This information so you won’t be shocked when you find out the bathrooms have vinyl flooring, you have to recycle everything, your car has turned into an igloo overnight and the neighbour is telling you, he will call the police if you keep leaving your dog alone all day long.

I will also inform you what you need to acknowledge when you want to buy a flat/house and what exactly “owning” an apartment in Sweden really means.

Module 3

“The art of finding a job”

If you don´t have a job arriving in Sweden, you might be in for a struggle. This module will teach you how to write a “Swedish” CV, cover letter and dos and don´ts when you are in an interview situation.  

Swedish cover letters and job interviews are very different from what you find elsewhere in Europe and the world. After this module, your chances to find a job will increase.

Module 4

“The art of learning in Sweden”

If you have children or want to come to Sweden to study at a university, this module will help you understand the educational system. You will have the tools to find the best preschool for your toddler, know what to expect from your child´s elementary school and how a university in Sweden works.

Module 5

“The art of being given proper healthcare”

In this module you will learn what to expect from the Swedish health care, how to register at a public or private healthcare centre, how much you will have to pay for specialist care and why it is a good idea to let your children have braces in Sweden, but maybe better for you to go back to your home country for a dental check-up.

Module 6

“The art of understanding the Swedish equality rights”

You probably heard Sweden is the one country in the world where equality is most developed. That is not totally true. There are still issues to be addressed.

After this module though, you will understand why Sweden has developed to what it is today. You will learn why we are a diplomatic group of people and how we treasure our children´s opinions. Moreover, I will tell you why you have to think twice before you make a sexist comment.

Module 7

The art of making the most of one´s life in Sweden

This last module describes life in Sweden. How we live our lives, why we don´t go to church but the forest on Sundays, why we dance silly dances at Midsummer and who the woman with candles in her hair really is.

After this final module, some of your myths about Swedes have been confirmed but others not. By now, you will know for sure, if you want to settle down in this Nordic nation or if you are better off where you are at.

If you ask me; Go for it!