Time for some honesty. I have been struggling with what to write. The reason I started this blog was not to brag about my experiences; instead, it is for me to document everything that is happening to remember my adventures in the future. I have been very grateful to avoid a lot of misfortune, besides being pickpocket on the first day here (I cried, and then my mom reminded me it's just money and as long as I am safe, that is all that matters).
Today, I was sitting in the library working on my homework, when the sun came out (this is a rare commodity in the darkest city in Sweden). I took the time away from my studies to just sit and watch the sunset. It was then, I realized that I need to share the truth, not just my sunsets and sunrises. I have had a mild case of homesickness. There were two days this past week where all I was doing was questioning whether this was the right path for me, whether I was doing the right thing, and if this will actually help my future. One night, I turned my shower off and tears started to fall down my face. I was overwhelmed with my new surroundings and schedule that I broke. In that moment I had no clue what was happening, it is not normal for me to start crying randomly. I had my phone on YouTube (because Pandora only works in America) and it was just playing random songs, mostly Ed Sheeran, but on came the song "Rooftops" by Jesus Culture. I was reminded there, standing in my shower, that I was placed here, in Växjö, Sweden for a reason that remains unknown to all besides the Lord. In that moment, I knew that I was doing the right thing. It is time to be in the present. For the past 3 weeks, I have been without a phone plan, and it has been the best thing to happen to me. When I am out in the city I'm not distracted by my phone. I have had the ability to look up, see my surroundings, and take in every moment. This has led me to the decision to delete social media from my phone. I am going to keep my Snapchat only to keep my streaks, but Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all being deleted. I will still have access to Facebook on my laptop to post periodically. I have thought about this extensively and believe it is the only option to fully enjoy my adventures. There are many more adventures and learning experiences to come, but instead of anticipating, I am deciding to live in the moment. Not many have the opportunity to move to another country for six months, and I need to make the most of it. Sunrise to sunset, and everything in between ~Adventure Set Brunette
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I can't believe that I have been here for two weeks already. I've loved exploring my new surroundings and fully immersing myself in the culture. I have had more Fika's than I can count, and each comes with a conversation that allows me to dive deeper into another culture. I have learned not only in my classes but everywhere I have gone.
Many people both here in Sweden, and back home have asked me what my favorite part of this journey has been so far, and if you want the honest truth, that is hard to answer. I know that there are many amazing opportunities to come on this journey, but so far, I love dinner time. That sounds super weird, but in my corridor, we only have one area for eight of us to eat. My floor represents FIVE different countries. Every dinner we talk about our home countries. I am given the opportunity to learn in depth about their cultures, from their point of view. It is also very interesting to hear what they think American culture is. I am very excited for this weekend. Friends and I are going to visit the first IKEA store and the museum. It is about 40 minutes away from Växjö by train. Public transportation has become more second nature, and it is so convenient. There have been many conversations asking why Americans do not use public transportation, and I have honestly struggled to explain why we all have cars and families have more than one car for their family. Classes have been going well so far. I am taking a Global Migrations class, and it is eye-opening to hear about all the different types of migration and it is changing my views on what migration is. My Swedish Language course is interesting. I have been finding myself translate simple phrases into Spanish, and then into English. Super weird, I know. Soon, I will be able to keep a basic conversation in Swedish. Diving into cultures all over, ~Adventure Set Brunette Today was our first day of classes in Sweden. Over the past weekend, we have had orientation, met other students from all over the globe, and explored Växjö.
The first thing I learned was how to properly pronounce where I am staying. Before I came I was saying Vax-oh. I soon learned, mainly because people looked at me crazy, that it is pronounced veh-quah. But, as we were told, people pronounce it different everywhere. This is also because in this part of Sweden their Swedish is more slurred compared to other parts of the country. The next thing I learned, which I slightly knew before, is their education system is very different. Instead of taking five classes at a time, they take one class for fives weeks and then take an exam at the end of the weeks. With this, they do not meet every day, or even once a week. It is strictly based on the class and the teacher. Teachers are much more relaxed here. They go by first name basis, and they give breaks in the middle of class. I was taken by surprise when my two-hour class got a five-minute bathroom break. Finally, they use programs for every semester, and you continue with these programs until you graduate. They allow you to take freestanding courses, but it is very nice to have everything laid out. They switch languages effortlessly. All of my courses are taught in English; but before, after, and side chatter is all in Swedish. If you are on the bus, checking out at a grocery store, or just walking around. Swedish is their national language, but most students start to learn English in elementary school. I have learned that everyone here, besides the American foreign exchange students, can speak at least two languages. That has amazed me. Sweden has one of the lowest crime rates, but some of the weirdest laws. Did you know, in Sweden you can walk anywhere by foot? There is no such thing as trespassing. There are also (invisibly marked but findable on the web) areas where you can not drink. You can hold the alcohol, but you can not take a drink. We learned these at orientation when a local officer came and talked to us. He was very funny but gave us very valuable information. He explained to us that in Sweden the officers are seen as friends. They do not have a monthly quota of tickets to write, therefore people are not afraid of the police. He also left us by saying "There are two laws that are the same in all countries: the law of common sense and the law of decency. Follow them." Swedes are very environmentally friendly. You have to buy grocery bags if you want something to bring your groceries home in or use the old ones you have. They recycle EVERYTHING. In our kitchen, we have a divider bin that has space for glass, plastic, cardboard, food waste, and everything else. If the housing company sees that you throw a recyclable out, you will first get a warning and then you will get a fine. No wonder their pollution is one of the lowest in the world. As I take time to look back and realize the differences in our cultures, I realize the difference this is making for myself and will continue to make over the next six months. I know it is incredibly cliché to say I will never be the same after this, but I am seeing why people say that. Immersing yourself in a different culture for an extended amount of time is life changing. One of our speakers on Saturday said: "There's a place here for you, a place for you to claim." Here is to me claiming my space ~ Adventure Set Brunette Well, I am in Sweden. My flight from Chicago to Iceland was long, but I slept most of the way. When I wasn't sleeping I was talking to the girls in the row in front of me. They studied at Harlaxton last fall and were going on a reunion trip. We were delayed leaving Chicago so I had around 15 minutes to get through Iceland's version of customs; where they asked me to provide my Student Visa (which was in the middle of my carry on). Finally, I boarded my flight to Copenhagen and took off. Once I arrived in Copenhagen I had the adventure of figuring out public transportation for the first time... Boy was that interesting. I met some US college students that were also trying to get to Malmö (which is where I am staying tonight). We tackled the train together and discussed all of our travels. I am now in the comfort of my amazing Air BNB.
Tomorrow I head to Växjö, where I will be spending the next six months. I am very excited to learn the history and start living like a local in my home away from home. For now, I am going to find a local place to get some food in Malmö and go to bed a little earlier than normal. Talk to you soon ~Adventure Set Brunette The new year has started and my departure date is quickly approaching. My excitement is growing, but also are my nerves. When I first signed up to study abroad, over a year ago, it seemed so far away. This has quickly crept up on me and still seems a little surreal that I am actually studying abroad. I am going to be living away from my friends and family for over six months. This is a chance of a lifetime, but it will also allow for me to truly find myself as an individual.
One thing that people keep asking me is if I am scared. I would be lying to you if I said I wasn't terrified, but instead of focusing on my fears, I have focused on what new memories/experiences will come from these fears. First, yeah, I am afraid of missing my friends and family; but I know that we will still be able to communicate because of social media. I also know that I will make many new friends that will become my support system while I am there, and when I come back. I am also nervous about the language barrier. In Sweden, they speak English, but it is also very common for people to speak Swedish. I believe that this will help me develop as a person. Immersion is the number one way to learn a language and that is exactly what I am doing. I am excited to learn a language other than English. I know I will not be completely fluent by the time I leave but I plan to learn enough to keep a simple conversation. Yes, the different culture does seem slightly nerve-wracking but aren't we all different. Even in the US, I feel the culture is different from state to state. I am excited to see the norms of other societies, and even see what things Americans do that are unique to us. It also interests me on how my ways of living may change after this adventure. Overall, I am very excited for these next six months and for the experiences that are coming, but I have to get back to packing. If you have any tips let me know. Until next time, ~Adventure Set Brunette |
AuthorMy name is Emma and I am a student at the University of Southern Indiana. I am starting this blog as documentation through my study abroad journey and future travels. Archives
April 2018
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