Background
Come from:
Scotland
Now live in:
Stockholm Region
With:
Husband and three children

First came to Sweden in: Nov 2001
At the age of: 30
Because:
I moved to work in Stockholm at an international school.
Have been here all up: Now been here nearly 8 years.
Stayed because:
What kept me here?  Love!
Return home every:
I try to go home at least every two years
Longest time at home:
Not very long since having a family. Usually a week long visit.

Language
How’s your Swedish?
My Swedish husband says I am fluent! I now am at the point where I don't notice which language I am speaking, reading or writing anymore.
How did you learn?
I basically did it myself, listened to radio, read books, made myself speak.  I found that if I made the effort, it went really well.  Sometimes it was frustrating, not having the vocabulary, but my family here were always really supportive. Unlike most Swedes, my husband has always encouraged my language development by correcting me!  As he calls it "finslippa din svenska!
How long did it take?
I was pretty good at Swedish after 6 months.
What advice would you give to newcomers with regards to learning the language?
Go for it.  Don't be afraid to try.  Listen to people talk on the underground, the radio.  Read newspapers, children's books, read books in Swedish which you have already read in English.
And don't give up!

A Daily Living
How do you make a living in Sweden?
I am a teacher.

Describe some of the differences in the work culture compared to what you would expect in your own country.
I think the main difference is the dress code.  It is perhaps more casual than in the UK.

How did you get your very first job?
Through an advert in the UK.

What language/s do you use at work?
English

What advice would you give to newcomers looking for work?
I think it is important to make the effort to learn Swedish and to try to embrace the Swedish lifestyle.  It is different to home, but it isn't worse!  I have noticed that a lot of people fall into the trap of comparing Sweden with home.  If you want to  really settle in here and feel at home, enjoy the differences and new experiences!

Socially Speaking
Describe your social network – is it mostly Swedish, mostly foreigners, a 50/50 mix? How do you know the people you socialise with?
It is a real mix.  I have met people through work, through family, through Mums in Sweden, playgroup.  Just like when you move to a new place anywhere really.

What do you find different with the Swedes and your social life compared to what you would expect if you had stayed at home.
Swedes are perhaps a little less impulsive, and prefer to have prearranged meetings.  I think Swedes are generally much more punctual than in the UK, and I have to say I have really gone in for fika in a big way!

How do you spend your spare time? What sort of recreation activities do you have?
We have just moved to a house, so there is a lot to do in the garden right now.  We travel a lot, often to the family's summer cottage, or to Finland.  I crochet – toys – mostly for my children.  And read, whenever I get 5 minutes to myself, which isn't often.

The Future
Do you have a plan for the future in terms of where you will live? Long/Short term.
I am really happy living in Sweden.  I don't see myself ever moving back to the UK.

The Impact Of Living In Sweden
What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Sweden?
The quality of life is very good here.  The social benefits are great – chlldcare, parental leave etc.  I like the countryside and the fact that you can go wherever you like, without being met by barbed wire fences and No Trespassing signs!
The negative – being further away from family and friends at home.

What opportunities do you feel you have gained and/or lost from living here.
I have learned a new language.  Met my husband, had children!  I wouldn't have done this if I hadn't moved here.

Do you feel that living in Sweden has changed you?
I don't feel so “British” anymore, and to be honest don't feel at home there now.  Of course I miss the closeness of my family and friends there, but my life is here.  I think maybe my family in Scotland finds that hard to understand at times.

Do you have any other tips for our readers about living in Sweden?
Enjoy it!  Its a fantastic country to move to.  Everybody speaks English to some extent, so to begin with its easy to communicate.  Learn the language.  Try the funny looking foods. I really do think that the key to living here is to embrace the culture and differences, not compare them.  I know some people who never really have made the effort to learn Swedish or move outside of their expat circle.  To me that is really sad, because they miss out on so much.

More Info:
Mrs MacOlsson