My first week in Stockholm has been like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It’s felt simultaneously like it’s only been a few days and like three separate weeks have gone by. Learning the ins and outs of a new country is pretty hectic–here’s the breakdown of how it’s gone for me.
Arrival
It’s happening. This is really happening. That was the only thought that was going through my head for my entire eight-hour connecting flight from Chicago to Stockholm. I was excited (I can’t wait to get there and meet people and see the city!!) and nervous (what if everyone thinks I’m stupid or weird?) but either way, I couldn’t sleep the whole night. I at least got to ease into using the language–which I had studied just enough to figure everything out–and get all my emotions sorted out over that time.
When I landed early in the morning, DIS staff and other students were waiting for me as soon as I entered the terminal. I was worried that I would have a hard time making friends, but I quickly met people and had no trouble bonding over jet lag and excitement. When I got to my studentboende, which is like a dorm for students in the area regardless of school, I got to know everyone even better and meet some local students. I love forming new friendships but sometimes have a hard time starting them, so my housing seems to be a perfect fit! Apparently this is something I have in common with many of the locals, so hopefully it’ll be good for all of us. So far it definitely seems that way.
Orientation
Once we had gotten settled into our housing, it was time to do the same at DIS itself. We figured out how to take the train to Kungliga Musikhögskolan (KMH), or the Royal College of Music, where we kicked off the day with some information sessions and sing-alongs (perks of sharing a campus with a music school?). Then, in the spirit of DIS, we were sent off to experience getting around Stockholm for ourselves by taking a scavenger hunt around Gamla stan, the old city. My group took to the cobblestone streets and found all the landmarks we could, including the royal palace, Viking runes, and beautiful cathedrals. The objective was to learn how to use public transport and navigate the city, which I think we learned even better when the train line closest to KMH was down and we had to find a way back home without it. I’m glad that the one time we got lost, we at least had a good reason!
Orientation finished up the next day without a problem, and we celebrated with a nice fika–the Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break with a pastry–at an amazing place just a short walk from DIS. (If you find yourself in Stockholm, definitely give Karla Café in Östermalm a try!) We also explored the possibilities in the city a little more and decided to go to a Hozier concert on a whim that evening. He was incredible live, and I left amazed at not only the concert but at the sheer amount of things to do here.
Class in session
Wednesday is Field Study day, when we go out and do something in the city as part of a class, and my first one did not disappoint! For my core course, European Security Dilemmas, we met a member of the Swedish Parliament and discussed potential defense plans for Sweden’s future. It was really interesting to see the logic behind some of the plans that keep the country running, and though I didn’t agree with all of the representative’s ideas, the meeting definitely presented an interesting challenge.
Another highlight of my classes was my Swedish Language and Culture class. I tested into the intermediate level, and though I just started, I can already tell I’m going to get so much better! Though it’s nice in some ways that most people can speak English here if needed, it can also be frustrating trying to improve, so I’m glad I have the chance to do that.
I get the sense that the beginning of the year isn’t quite over yet, so there will be more updates on my classes to come. But first, the week in pictures:
Olivia’s Adventure in Stockholm 