This is the first of this year’s dispatches from our outgoing Study Abroad students. We hope it inspires you to go on your own Study Abraod adventures. Scroll down for further information on how to apply.
Hej! It’s the first word out of everyone’s mouth here and it has made Sweden feel like a little piece of home with that one word. Travelling the world and immersing myself into its different cultures has always been a passion of mine. I leapt at the opportunity of Study Abroad, and through all the help and support I gained from my academic advisers, emailing lecturers, and the Study Abroad team, I made it through to the other side! I arrived in Sweden to study at Stockholm Universitet as an exchange student, and from the airport to my first Uber (yes they have it here -cheaper than a taxi by far) I was welcomed as an exchange student and new contributor the vibrant city of Stockholm. The transport, forward-thinking approach to economic, 
environmental and gender inequality issues makes Sweden safe and progressive to move to as a foreigner. The language is not the easiest to decipher but ask anyone, with a handy phrase like ‘talar du engelska snälla?’ and they’ll gladly try their best to help you out. The most rewarding experience I’ve had while here in Sweden is the experience of my subject, English Literature, from the perspective of a whole other culture! The mixing of multiple different students from all over the world, studying different degrees, all discussing and debating literature has made me enjoy and perceive my subject in a whole new light. Although I miss some occasional ‘y’alreeyt m’luv y’look like ye been drag’d through’t a ‘edge backward’ I’ve made some wonderful friends with people from all over the world, and some Brits along the way too. It’s normal to be apprehensive and worried, it’s a long way from 
Yorkshire, but remember everyone else is in the same boat and all you can do is embrace every moment you have to make new memories! Since coming to this country I’ve travelled to Russia (I’m not saying just go for the architecture in St Petersburg but there is that and €2 vodka), Estonia, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Germany, so keep in mind that studying is important but so is being able to see the world and especially with new friends. Embrace people different to you (they don’t drink as much as brits, but they love the outdoors and they have many national parks) and ask questions, be polite, and you can’t go wrong. Also one last thing, the North Vs South divide has been brought to Sweden, and take it from a room of Germans, Swedes, Canadians, Maltese, Belgians and Australians at a very English Halloween party (they don’t really do it over here): the North has the more preferred English accent! #YorkshireWins #YSJFamily
Tack så mycket & hej då!
P.S. You’ll learn you’re pronouncing Ikea wrong!
Study abroad opportunities
YSJ has links to universities across Europe, North America and beyond where you can spend time as part of an English Literature Single Honours or Joint Honours Degree. There are fee discounts and grants available. If you’d like to find out more about the amazing opportunities on offer, and hear from students who have just returned from studying abroad, please come along to an info session in TU101 on 15 November at 11.30am with tutors and members of the study abroad team. Please click here to reserve a place for free coffee and Danish pastries.
If you’re unable to make the session, you can also email the Study Abroad tutor, Adam Stock (a.stock@yorksj.ac.uk), or the Study Abroad team (studyabroad@yorksj.ac.uk) for further information. Hope to see you there!
Living and studying in Amsterdam has been one of the most formative experiences of my life. I love the place. It’s unlike anywhere else, you can be whoever you want to be here and there’s always something going on. Compared to cities like London or New York, Amsterdam feels more provincial—less intimidating. Nowhere is more than 30 minutes way by bike, everyone is friendly and there are several inner-city parks and forests. But at the same time, it also feels like one of the cultural capitals of the World, housing the largest collection of Van Gogh’s artwork, a thriving counter-culture and countless museums. Continue reading “Study Abroad: Amsterdam! by Oscar Williams”
