Blog: Studying abroad in Sweden

Law and business student Warda explains why she chose to spend time studying abroad in Sweden.

Studying abroad has always been something I wanted to do, but picking the right country wasn’t easy. After a lot of research, I ended up choosing Sweden, specifically Linköping University. Why Sweden? It seemed like the perfect mix of beautiful landscapes, modern cities, and a culture that values education and sustainability. Plus, I’d heard great things about Linköping University’s hands-on learning approach, and I wanted to experience that for myself.

Why Sweden?

Sweden felt like a natural choice. It’s known for being innovative and open-minded, which really appealed to me. I wanted to study in a place where I could meet people from different backgrounds and learn in a more collaborative environment. Linköping University, with its strong sense of community and focus on problem-solving, was the ideal fit for me. And let’s be honest, the idea of exploring a country known for its stunning nature and clean cities didn’t hurt either!

From fika to new friends, my Swedish highlights:

The best part of studying in Sweden was the chance to meet so many people from all over the world. At Linköping, I’ve made friends from countries I’d never even thought I’d get to know—France, Pakistan, Dubai, and beyond. Whether it's working together on class projects or just hanging out over fika (the Swedish tradition of coffee and pastries), it’s been a real eye-opener to hear different perspectives and share experiences.

Exploring Sweden has also been a highlight. Linköping is well-connected, so I’ve had the chance to travel to Stockholm a few times, which has been incredible. Stockholm is a city that perfectly balances modern life with history—there are trendy cafes, museums, beautiful old streets like in Gamla Stan, and even boat trips to nearby islands. Every trip feels like a mini adventure, whether it’s finding a hidden restaurant or just wandering around.

One of the coolest parts of living in Sweden has been discovering the everyday joys, like finding cozy cafes to study in or exploring local restaurants. Swedish food can be simple but delicious, and I’ve had a lot of fun trying new dishes (and yes, there’s more than just meatballs!).

There’s also the nature side of things. Sweden is incredibly green, and it’s not unusual to take a weekend trip to a nearby forest or lake. One weekend, a group of us from the university took a spontaneous trip to Stockholm’s archipelago. We rented kayaks, explored the islands, and ended the day with a picnic. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it’s one of those experiences I’ll always remember.

What life in Sweden has taught me

Living in Sweden has taught me a lot, both inside and outside the classroom. Here are some of the key things I’ve picked up:

• Independence: Moving to a new country meant figuring things out on my own—like how to use public transport, manage my finances, and cook for myself. It’s made me much more independent and confident in handling daily life.
• Cross-cultural skills: Working with students from different countries has shown me how to communicate better and be more open-minded. It’s been really rewarding to learn how to collaborate with people who bring different ideas and perspectives to the table.
• Time management: Sweden has a strong focus on work-life balance, which has helped me manage my time better. I’ve learned how to balance studying with enjoying life, whether that means taking a bike ride around the city or grabbing a fika with friends.
• Sustainability awareness: Sweden is super eco-friendly, and it’s hard not to get inspired by that. I’ve started biking everywhere, cutting down on waste, and being more mindful of how I impact the environment.

Skills for the future

The skills I’ve developed are going to help me in the future, especially when it comes to my studies and career. Being in such a diverse, international environment has made me more adaptable and prepared for working in teams or with people from different cultures. The hands-on learning approach at Linköping has also made me more confident in problem-solving, which is something I’ll carry with me into my future academic work.

My time in Sweden has been amazing, but not in a dramatic, life-changing way. It’s more like a series of small moments and new experiences that have helped me grow, meet great people, and learn a lot—both academically and personally. Sweden is a wonderful place to study, and Linköping University has given me the perfect balance of serious learning and fun exploration.

For anyone thinking about studying abroad, I’d say go for it. You never know what kind of people you’ll meet or what new skills you’ll pick up along the way.

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