MANY ROOTS, MANY VOICES

The 

Experience of 

International 

Students in 

Sweden








We have previously learned about the phases of and barriers agains culture adaptation, but what is the experience of international students studying in Sweden?


Sweden is a very popular country to visit for exchange. For example, in 2013, Lund University alone hosted 1,900 exchange students (Lund University, 2014).
Students studying in Sweden face the same barriers to culture adaptation, and follow through the same phases of culture adaptation as students in any other country. However, factors that are unique to Sweden, such as a high English fluency rate (90% at Lund University), which reduces the language barrier for many students, a beautiful environment, and many student life opportunities, make the experience of exchange students more favourable. According to Lund’s website, Lund University is the #1 choice of schools for international students (Lund University, 2014).

In an informal poll, taken within our group, the consensus was that the most challenging barrier to adapting to Swedish culture, as an international student, was the division between local Swedish students, and the international students. While there are many opportunities to meet other international students, interacting with local students happened far less frequently. Conversely, it was decided that the easiest factor to adapt to was the language, since English is so widely spoken and Sweden, and the Swedish people are so accommodating.

Every year the International Student Barometer conducts a survey of the experience of international students worldwide. While the results are mostly used as tool for universities to use to improve their international programs, and are not published online in their entirety, the results for Umeå University in Northern Sweden were made available online. A number of variables are tested. Here are some highlights:

-1st in Sweden, and 1st Worldwide in
-English of Support Staff
-Helpfulness of Support Staff
-Campus Environment

-Overall Satisfaction Rate
-1st in Sweden, 9th Worldwide

While the results were not specific, several Swedish universities fell into the top 20 for International Student Experience, out of 178 participating institutions (Umeå University, 2014)

Here is a video of students’ experience at Umeå University: http://www.umu.se/english/education/satisfied-students#prettyPhoto/0/

While this data is on Umeå University, and not Lund University, I can personally relate to the feedback provided. As an international student studying in Sweden myself, I can say that even though there certainly have been cultural differences to adjust to, the services for international students, such as an extensive orientation and mentoring program, and plenty of opportunities to learn Swedish, have made the transition much easier.

Works Cited

Lund University (2014, October 10). Why study at lund university?. Retrieved from 

http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/admissions/why-study-at-lund-university


Umeå University (2014, April 3). Umeå ranked first in international student satisfaction. Retrieved fromhttp://www.umu.se/english/education/satisfied-students#prettyPhoto