Clare's Exchange to Malmö University | Sweden
When I stepped onto the platform at Copenhagen train station in December, the cold hit my face making me feel alive and ready for my European adventure. From Copenhagen I travelled to Malmö, a 20 minute train ride from Denmark to start a student exchange between Murdoch University and Malmö University. My field of studies was International Relations for the Spring semester.
International student life
The university and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) were very welcoming to the exchange students. During introduction week we participated in activities that helped us to learn more about Swedish culture and make new friends. These included informative lectures, parties, Swedish language classes and a visit to the sauna.
I lived in Rönnen student accommodation, a 15 minute bike ride away from the university. There were five student floors with about 20 people per floor. We shared the living room and kitchen. It was enjoyable living with people and always having someone to have a laugh with.
The people I met in my new Swedish home were amazing, inspirational and interesting. I met many people with different personalities, nationalities and cultures. I’ve met some lovely friends and had some truly memorable times.
Differences Between Australia and Sweden
I found it interesting to note the differences between Sweden and Australia some of which I have covered below.
- When I first arrived the sun would rise at around 8am and set at 3pm. The darkness was interesting at first but then it became tedious. Although it was beautiful when it snowed. Like a magical winter wonderland! I was very happy in summer when the sun would set at 9:30pm.
- Swedes are very health conscious. There are gyms everywhere and fruit is sold at all of the cafes.
- Swedes enjoy their ‘Fika’ alot! Fika is a tradition that involves a warm drink and a pastry. It is a time to rest and spend with friends. It is common to have a couple of Fika breaks in the workplace. A Swedish speciality is the Kannelbulle (cinnamon bun). These are very delicious.
- Swedish people are much more reserved and less open to strangers in contrast to Australians. I had a bit of a culture shock when I tried to make light conversation with my barista in a café I visited regularly and she looked quite bewildered. A Swede once told me that:
‘If a stranger talks to you they are rather drunk, crazy or an American.’
‘Or an Australian’, I replied.
When I returned to Perth, I was walking along the beach and a man on a bike called to me: ‘It’s a wonderful day’.
I appreciated that.
My Travels
It was great living in Europe because it meant I was close to many different countries and cultures. I travelled to 10 countries on my trip. These are some moments I enjoyed.
Swedish saunas
In Malmö they have a great sauna in the sea called Ribersborgs Kallbadhus. The sauna is on a pier over the Baltic sea. The concept is this: you sit in the wooden saunas, looking through picture windows at the sea across to Copenhagen, get really hot and then jump into the freezing sea. All while naked of course. The experience was fun, very Swedish and I went many times. It releases endorphins in your body, making you happy.
Northern lights in Finland
My first trip out of Sweden was with the organisation student exchange organisation ESN. They organised a trip to Levi, Finland, in the snowy wonderland that is Lapland. This was a truly amazing trip. A bus in Helsinki picked us up for a 12 hour ride to our destination. I remember looking out the window and seeing the trees grow larger and the snow thicker. During the trip we went on husky dog rides, had snow ball fights and jumped from the hot sauna into the snow. One night I was very lucky and I saw the famous northern lights, the aurora of the Northern Hemisphere. My friends and I lay on a frozen lake, covered deep in snow and watched green lights dance towards each other. It was magical.
Lithuania
One day a friend of mine spotted that we could go to Lithuania for the weekend for $50, accommodation included! I didn’t know a lot about Lithuania but I thought why not?
Lithuania was a wonderful surprise. Vilnius, the capital, had beautiful little streets and incredible viewpoints. They have funky coffee shops everywhere, delicious traditional food and friendly people. We enjoyed learning about the history of the country and learning about Uzupis, a self-proclaimed republic in the city.
Personal impact
My trip to Europe had a big impact on me. I feel more confident, happy and independent. Before I left I didn’t have a clear picture of the type of career I wanted to pursue with my degree.
At Malmö University I had the opportunity to watch lectures of people in the International Relations field, particularly individuals working in diplomacy. These opportunities helped me to realise I would prefer to work on a micro-level instead of a macro-level.
I had always wanted to learn a language before I left but I couldn’t directly comprehend the benefits. When I was overseas and saw people being able to communicate with more people because of their bilinguality I realised it was something I wanted to begin.
After my semester I had the opportunity to go to Spanish language school in Spain for five weeks, which was amazing. Being fully immersed in the language helped me to learn rapidly and showed me first hand the benefits of speaking another language. Over 400 million people speak Spanish and I am now working to improve my skills so I can connect with as many people as possible.
I would highly recommend going on an overseas student exchange. You will meet amazing people and learn more about the world and yourself.
- Clare studied at Malmö University in Sweden
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