Sweden: Venice of the North Past Review
By Sharon C (Management Information Systems, Georgia College & State University) for
Linnaeus University: Vaxjo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad experience was the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I've made friends and memories that will last me a lifetime.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Växjö- Linnaeus University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Exam layout was very different from American exams (no multiple choice or true/false) Grades for classes typically consisted of 1 group paper and 1 Exam Re-exams were offered which was nice, about 3 or 4 were offered per semester |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Stallvagen, which were 1 to 2 person apartments. I lived with a roommate and we got along great considering the small space we had to live in. The apartment consisted of a room with a small kitchenette, desk, table, and beds off the main room was the bathroom which we shared. <br /><br /> I chose Stallvagen housing because it was the least expensive of all the options, however if I could go back and choose again I would choose to live in a corridor, which is more like dorms, you share a common room/kitchen with about 10 people and get more social interaction as opposed to living in the apartments |
| * Food: |
Bought grocery's at ICA or Willy's (longer walk) prepared most of my own meals |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I recommend to sign up for any events VIS is hosting. My favorites include Stockholm and Sea Battle. |
| * Safety: |
I didn't have any health issues while abroad |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Everything in Sweden is more expensive than it is here, I withdrew around 1500SEK every 2 weeks, so about $100 every week, but this included going out to student pubs, paying for trips, public transportation, grocery's, and other necessities. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Attend the flea market which is hosted at the beginning of the semester where you can buy a lot of kitchen supplies and even furniture for very very cheap, also be sure to check out the second hand stores down town! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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