IKEA, fika, ABBA… These are all buzz words you hear when learning about Sweden. And while Scandi furniture design, midday coffee breaks, and Eurovision are all central elements of Swedish culture, there are many reasons beyond these to study abroad in Stockholm!
You may be wondering — why do students pick DIS Stockholm? What makes studying abroad in Sweden unique? Read below to hear what our Student Bloggers have to say, and discover whether Stockholm sounds like the right fit for you.
Exceptional access to nature
Nature is key to Sweden — to its culture, people, and landscape. A sprawling archipelago in the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is made up of fourteen islands and home to nearly thirty parks. And better yet, the nature is not only a stunning sight to behold, but it’s also accessible to those who want to explore it, inside the city proper and beyond it too.
Jack (he/him), Tufts University, details a day spent hiking in Tyresta National Park, where he marveled at its dense boreal forest and many lakes. The getaway was a welcome respite from the city and prompted reflection.
“Since arriving in Sweden, I’ve constantly been reminded of the absolutism of Sweden’s allemansrätten, or ‘the right to roam.’ The idea emphasizes how nature can serve an invaluable purpose for all, and no one has the right to deny this resource from others. Accordingly, in Sweden, the law establishes that nature cannot be privatized nor exclusive; anyone can (and should!) explore whatever untouched land they can find.”
Read about Jack’s trek through Tyresta
Want more inspiration for places to trek? Catherine (she/her), Hamilton College, describes her visits to two wooded areas in Stockholm.
“I’m not a city girl, and I doubt I ever will be, but luckily Stockholm is a special city with lots of nature throughout and great public transportation too.”
Check out Catherine’s recommendations for Stockholm scenery
A cosmopolitan and accessible capital
Stockholm isn’t just home to the beautiful outdoors — it also boasts vibrant city life. Picturesque and historical, while also modern and lively all at once, there are countless landmarks and activities to see and do in the city. Conveniently, it’s all connected by Stockholm’s incredible transportation system of metro lines, buses, trains, and ferries, allowing for impromptu excursions and explorations around the city.
Nora (she/her), University of Richmond, underscores how everything she ever needs or wants is right at her fingertips.
“The Outdoor Living & Learning Community recently went to a cold dip and sauna about a 20-minute commute outside the city. It is crazy to me that you can easily get to an experience like this, a national park, downtown, museums, cafes or anything else just by a simple commute. This is one of the many things that I have grown to love about Stockholm.”
Read Nora’s blog recounting her favorite aspects of Stockholm
Like many others, Diego (he/him), Northwestern University, deems the seamless public transit his favorite aspect of the city.
“The single greatest thing in all of Stockholm for me has been the public transportation system… Having so many different ways to get somewhere makes it easy to have little spontaneous adventures on a new line of transportation.”
Learn about Diego’s love for Stockholm’s transit
Meaningful cultural immersion
Living and learning in Stockholm for a semester inevitably teaches you a lot about Swedish culture. From interactive class Field Studies, to connecting with locals through shared housing, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about Sweden’s cultural values.
Naia (she/her), Whitman College, writes about several aspects of her DIS experience that strengthened her connection to Swedish culture. From living in a Homestay, to connecting with the local community by joining a run club, she gained a special appreciation for Swedish rituals and celebrations.
“There are also a lot of fun traditions in Swedish culture. I love how there are days to celebrate different foods, like kannelbullensdag (cinnamon roll day), and other fun festivities, like crayfish parties.”
Read Naia’s description of the home she’s found abroad
Gabby (she/her), Colby College, also found living in Stockholm to be an experience rich with cultural value. Being abroad taught her to embrace ‘lagom,’ a Swedish concept that encourages balance in all realms of life — having, doing, and being not too little, not too much. This cultural tenet was so impactful that she brought the lagom lifestyle home with her, inspired by the intersection of environmentalism and moderation.
“I look forward to taking this idea back to the States. I am now going to be even more conscious about how I travel long distances, as well as how often I drive to get places where a nice walk or run could be a better replacement instead.”
Read how Gabby encountered new cultural values in Sweden
Place-based academics: A hub for research and technology
Stockholm is home to some of the most advanced tech businesses and research institutes in the world. DIS courses take advantage of the city’s resources, bringing students to industry giants like Spotify and Mojang as well as local universities like the Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Diya (she/her), College of Wooster, testifies that visits to tech organizations in the city, led by faculty who work in the fields themselves, have greatly enriched her academic experience.
“I’ve really enjoyed my classes at DIS primarily because of the Field Studies and Study Tours that accompany classroom learning… Visits like these affirm my interest and rejuvenate my curiosity and passion for the field.”
Head to Diya’s blog for more insight into DIS Stockholm academics
Mikayla (she/her), Cornell University, writes that being part of a small Biomedical Engineering Core Course was rewarding, as it enabled direct and dynamic discussion with presenters during academic visits.
“Our small class size was nice in that we could have deeper conversations with the researchers and professionals we were visiting. Instead of just listening to lectures, we could ask endless questions and go on tangents with people working on very cool things.”
Visit Mikayla’s blog for more Study Tour details
As the Bloggers attest, DIS Stockholm students develop a strong relationship with the city during their time abroad. Its unique mixture of natural scenery, city life, public transit, and Swedish culture make it an exceptional place to live and explore. In and out of the classroom, DIS students encounter new cultural values, delve into experiential academics, and learn about themselves in the process.
Intrigued by a future at DIS Stockholm? Check out the links below.
Learn more about DIS Stockholm:
>> Take a look at DIS Stockholm’s course offerings
>> Hear from our current Student Bloggers
>> Discover how DIS students engage with the local community