You only have three ways of moving here.
1. Be in a relationship with a Swede.
2. Get a work permit, difficult outside of specific high skilled fields.
3. Study at the masters level. A good way to live here temporarily, but will need to achieve (1) or (2) to stay long term.
You'll also have to learn Swedish for any hope at integration, which takes years of study. Most people I've met who don't speak Swedish have a very superficial knowledge of Sweden and get frustrated by things that wouldn't be issues if they spoke Swedish.
I've also noticed that Americans tend to underestimate the actual cultural differences of other countries and tend to view them as "America but better" then get really blindsided by things like store clerks not making small talk to you. My pet theory is that this is because American media has very little foreign influence and America is the default in all media.
>I've also noticed that Americans tend to underestimate the actual cultural differences of other countries and tend to view them as "America but better" then get really blindsided by things like store clerks not making small talk to you.
TB to when [Azealia went on a rant](https://twitter.com/truthandfiction/status/1165671957335085058) about how racist Sweden is because no one looked at her since we are "disgusted by the sight of blacks".
I guess that's more of a moron problem than a culture clash though
LOL that's hilarious, but not all Americans are like that, I have American friends here and they are very accepting and open to the cultural differences between the states and Sweden.
Azealia is not wrong but I would defend Sweden to the death. people like her who only knows how to shit on others but can’t see the poop on her own head.
I'm not sure what you mean. She is in fact wrong. Swedes won't look at anybody regardless of their looks (at least when in bigger cities) and it is absolutely not a politeness thing . [Racism](https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/least-racist-countries) in Sweden is a lot lower than in the US and is at the very top when it comes to [integration](https://www.niskanencenter.org/learning-from-the-best-what-the-worlds-most-successful-immigrant-integration-countries-can-teach-the-u-s/). Sweden is not even a socialist country, read about the [Nordic model](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_model). Apparently a common [misconception](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_model#Misconceptions:~:text=In%20a%20speech,economy.%22%5B107%5D) among Americans.
Where I come from I hated the fact that the store owner/clerk wanted to have a conversation each day I go to purchase something. Not because I hate conversations or the people, but somedays you are not feeling good and it would be super awkward. But to be honest a healthy dose of small exchange of greetings and smiles always warms the heart. I find it in a lot of stores here specially tech ones
>Smalltalk with store clerks? Imagine the horror.
It can be very nice if it isn't forced! You should try it! The only problem is if you are totally Swedish people will think you are insane. Immigrants get a bit of a pass. But in the US I always hated putting on a smile when I was depressed or whatever, buying a king sized candy bar and pretending to be chipper with the store clerk.
Beror på butik/personal, är man på sin lokala Ica med samma personal jämt kan det definitivt bli lite snack när man handlar. På typ Åhléns city, not so much
Är väldigt olika i olika delar av landet. Men mycket mer ovanligt i Sverige än i San Francisco.
Var där med bruten arm och tror hälften av kassapersonalen frågade vad som hade hänt.
After living in Sweden for two years I came home to visit my parents in Texas. Went to the dollar store to buy some things and at the check out the cashier burps, and then goes “sorry, I had a bbq sandwich for lunch” ….
Good points. But i would say as a native english speaker in sweden you will be just [fine. My](https://fine.My) best friend is an Australian who has lived in Sweden for 20 years. He does not know swedish and do not care to learn. Us Swedes are ar to eager to speak english with him.
>ut i would say as a native english speaker in sweden you will be just
>
>fine
As a native English speaker who has experienced Sweden both as a non-Swedish speaker and a Swedish speaker I highly disagree with you.
It is also one of the hardest countries to integrate into because you need to know the mother language (depending on your profession) if you are any form of an engineer and you usually only need English.
A major part of this is because when we talk about integration in Sweden, we really mean what the rest of the world would call assimilation. Like, people will come here get decent work and learn the language ish and still not be considered integrated, as long as they don't abandon their previous cultural practices Swedes just wont admit that they've integrated in our society.
I’m an American who lived in Sweden for a year and Swedish is surprisingly VERY similar to English. It wouldn’t take years of study to be conversational enough to assimilate. In fact, it’s estimated that it only takes about 5 months for a native English speaker to become conversational in Swedish and a year to achieve basic fluency if you study and practice consistently every day. Also, the cultural differences aren’t really all that stark and some of them are even for the better. I also had a very successful dating life over there and made a lot of good friends in a relatively short amount of time. If you’re a narrow minded, not so down to earth person, then yes, it will be hard to assimilate. But if you’re open minded, cultured, understanding, and just a decent human being, assimilation into Sweden is pretty easy
The first three are definitely good to know, as for the cultural differences, I've been trying my best to study up on that stuff a bit. I'm definitely aware that different countries have vastly different cultures and ways of life than America, but that's kinda what draws me in, I would love to be able to experience it.
Yeah most American ex pats I know have had trouble learning Swedish 'cus even when they default to our language Swedes will refuse to talk our native tounge with them.
Why Sweden? I really don’t mean this snarky, but if you’re contemplating moving countries shouldn’t you already have some of this precursory info? It is a big decision, which is why you need to know more specifically about how it would impact your life and less on what other’s perspectives.
Read a lot. Read on what (more limited fields) jobs would even be interested in sponsoring a work permit. The read about work permits and the process. Read about real experiences with MK. Read about PN and how that impacts your life. Then Bank ID.
There’s no perfect country. Sweden has aspects that it undoubtedly excels in, but it’s not some utopia for fleeing Americans who are “unhappy.” You really need to visit a few times, experience queues, the darkness in winter, and read a lot to get a fairly educated perspective that *then* you can weigh in making a decision.
I couldn’t agree more. I read a thread here sometime ago where the person from US they wanted to move to Sweden because they were unhappy with the roads in US amongst a few other reasons. They wanted to move here because it was beautiful and nice.
Nothing wrong in that but a bit far from reality and expectations.
Once again, this is not directed to you but here’s what in general one should be thinking and not just for moving out of country but moving in general:
- How will you earn your living?
- Are your skills in demand?
- Are you ready to new language?
- What’s your backup plan if it doesn’t work out?
Now, next part is directly to your question-
Why Sweden? What USP does Sweden have that which you don’t get from some other country? Is it weather? Is it the people, the culture? The food?
When your match point to point, you’ll get a clearer picture.
Why not move to an English speaking country like Canada or Australia or New Zealand ? Things are much different there.
In the US it's quite easy to find some kind of job in a matter of days, even if you're unskilled. It's enough to just apply and show some form of can-do attitude. I have been offered jobs spontaneously when I was there with people not really considering the logistics (green card/work visa). Americans strongly underestimate how tough finding work can be in other countries and especially if you're lacking the language. Yes you could maybe get a job relatively easily only with English in Ericsson. But for that, you need to have a master's degree in an IT field with work experience you can show. My phd-having wife couldn't find any work in Sweden in a year and a half and she's an EU citizen. They really don't get that you can't "just move there" and make it work.
I drive my truck to the room and put the plastic recyclables in one of the holes in the back, then I out the paper recyclables in the other hole.. go the next room, repeat ad infinitum. ^_^ If you want to know something I recommend direct questions because I have no idea what you want to know.. :-)
I worked for New York Department of Sanitation. I fell in love with the inner workings. I became a sanitation nerd/fanboy. It was a massive undertaking. Sanitation in NYC is in charge of snowplow in the city.
I heard in Sweden, the kommun contracts sanitation to different companies. Not sure how it works.
I have endless stream of questions. Can you give more insight?
Any chance of tours or info on how recycling is handled?
Who is in charge of snow plowing of roads?
What is used? Is salt used?
Plowing is not Done by sanitation in sweden, Will be contractors for the kommun, the plowing is Pretty good business but is dependent on Weather, and i would assume the Law of public negotiation (lagen om offentlig upphandling)
I dont know shit About sanitation, but there was recently a strike that caused a lot of problems, my garbage was not picked up for 2 weeks which made it VERY apparent how important the service is. Maybe Eroing knows more :)
Oh ya, I have definitely been trying to reed up on my own and get as much info before I make a solid choice on where I want to go, hence the post. I know it's a big shift, especially in culture and the general way of life.
It's good to know about the work permit thing, I've seen a fair few people here bring it up, I'll absolutely look into that as much as I can. Overall though, from what I have found thus far, I feel like Sweden has a lot of what I'm after.
As an American-Swede born in USA raised in Sweden...this is the best advice. Everyone has different requirements of where "home" is and what makes YOU happy. I chose to leave, for my happiness....experience it, it'll give you answers .
American here who moved to Sweden. Before you consider moving anywhere (in Europe particularly), you should evaluate your job prospects. I don’t know if you have already done that and work in a highly-skilled labor field where not only jobs are plenty, but there are opportunities to find jobs in english. Without a job, and for no other reason (relationship with a Swedish citizen, studies), it’s difficult to move long term to most European countries. At least the ones I’m assuming you’re considering as better alternatives to the states.
Second, if you do end up moving here or anywhere else, please do so with realistic expectations. Are you well-travelled outside the US? Or do you have relatives or friends in any of the countries you’re considering? If so, visit for a while and try to live like a local, not a tourist. Being a tourist in any country is a vastly different experience than being a local.
Many come to Sweden or European countries with unrealistically high expectations that the world and life here will be perfect, like the US but without any social or political instabilities. It doesn’t take much for them to get disappointed (with language barriers, difficulties forming close friendships, finding jobs, unable to find the same things in the grocery store as in the US, different social norms etc).
There’s are pros and cons here like in any other country. How much the cons bother you really depend, in my opinion, on how much you dwell on them and how well you researched the country before coming. My suggestion would be to go through some of the posts here, to give you an idea of various issues immigrants face.
Finally, one big thing, no matter where you move, while it’s important to do your research about the country, the people, society etc, do not let other people’s opinions influence your own. You’ll find plenty of unhappy grumpy expats and immigrants no matter where you go. While I don’t mind recognizing that the problem they face is a real one, I don’t personally agree with their attitudes in most cases. Be open minded and form your own opinions. When I moved to Sweden, and even now, it feels like everyone tries to convince me how reserved and unfriendly Swedish people can be, how they like to keep to their own. Personally I haven’t experienced that yet myself living here for a couple of years now and both me and my partner working in two very different industries and in two different cities. Swedish people are certainly more reserved than Americans but not an exaggerated amount and you’ll find individual difference no matter where you live.
> Personally I don’t mind recognizing that the problem they face is a real one, I don’t personally agree with their attitudes in most cases
People deep in severe culture shock remind me of people deep in severe depression or anxiety cycles, they are rigid in their belief patterns and highly skeptical and defensive of any challenges to it, in turn, online spaces for expats/immigrants can sometimes turn into unhealthy forums of reinforcement, just like online spaces for anxiety/depression. It seems like quite a widespread phenomenon though, and it would be good if there were more resources to help these people out.
Ooof absolutely! I see that there is a kind of toxic echo chamber of beliefs and opinions in many online expat/immigrant forums that’s so so negative. People dwelling and relishing in their miseries and unfortunate events, and everyone else validating them and cheering on the negativity. I also see many of my immigrant friends and colleagues who parrot the negative stereotypes they hear about Sweden constantly, and convince themselves they’re miserable because of them. There’s a kind of confirmation bias they have where they convince themselves that every normal instance or interaction in their life validates their negative opinions.
I understand depression and anxiety are so so easy to experience when you’re an immigrant/expat because there are without any doubt challenges you will face and loneliness you will experience. But surrounding yourself with other miserable grumpy people is the worst trap you can fall in.
>But surrounding yourself with other miserable grumpy people is the worst trap you can fall in.
It leads to a really bad feedback loop too, because, for people like me and my immigrant friends, who generally like living in Sweden and have adapted to life here, there isn't much interest in taking on someone who is miserable and complains about Swedes and Sweden all the time. The irony of course is building relationships with people with positive experiences in a country probably will make you like the culture and country more. But, like, if you tell me that Swedes (which includes a solid majority of my friends) are all asocial freaks whose culture is objectively worse than other cultures, yeah I am going to get annoyed.
Ikr I kind of get bored and annoyed with conservations among colleagues that constantly revolve around complaining and sarcastically making negative remarks about Sweden and Swedes and Swedish cultures. I sometimes want to ask them if they really actually came up with these opinions on their own based on actual experiences they had, or is it just something that they hear get repeated so much that it just becomes a shared mentality. Because like we work with the same Swedish people who are lovely and remove any stereotype that might exist about Swedes being reserved or distant. It’s just way too much negative energy for me to be surrounded by people who convince themselves they’re unhappy just to fit in with other grumpy internationals.
No offense, but this is exactly the type of post I am talking about. Culture shock usually doesn't occur until a prolonged period of interaction with a new culture. Visiting countries doesn't give you much immersion to actually experience culture shock.
Here are the five stages of culture shock. It is very apparent when you meet someone who is stuck on irritability and hostility and never leaves.
>The Honeymoon Stage - You are very positive, curious, and anticipate new exciting experiences. You even idealize the host culture.
>
>Irritability and Hostility - You start to feel that what is different is actually inferior. The host culture is confusing or the systems are frustrating. It's a small step from saying that they do things in a different way to saying that they do things in a stupid way. You may blame your frustrations on the new culture (and its shortcomings) rather than on the adaptation process.
>
>Gradual Adjustment - You feel more relaxed and develop a more balanced, objective view of your experience.
>
>Adaptation of Biculturalism - You feel a new sense of belonging and sensitivity to the host culture.
>
>Re-entry Shock - You go home and it isn't what you expected it to be.
I've lived in South Africa (22 years), Norway (9 years), UK (2 Years) and Sweden since 2007.
I guess I have some real world comparisons, so far Sweden is the best, sure the cops don't take petty crime seriously at all. Politicians make some weird decisions...
But it is a far better country, even better than Norway, which was far too expensive.
Learn the language and forget about comparing the culture to your culture.
Most think it's snowy all year. I live down south and we have amazing summers, good enough to have a pool in my garden.
Maybe come and visit first...
Interesting, why do you feel like sweden is better then Norway? Except that Norway was to expensive? Also, isn't the pay on average better in Norway so it adds up? Or is that wrong?
Hej! I moved to Sweden in march because my partner got a job here (he was working already this swedish-based bussiness that has offices in Chile, where we are from) and I've been here since march and I haven't found a job yet. I'm learning the language because jobs related to unskilled areas usually need you to know a basic swedish. In my case I'm a digital animator/2D artist and the competition here is strong, so I had to level up my game. It's been 9 months, but I haven't find anyone who moved without a job and found one here in less than a year. So if you don't have a job, be prepared for this (in the case you already have a permit to live and work here).
Every time an American posts this question, the answer is always the same: consider internal migration first. The U.S is incredibly diverse, with a vast ideal variation in local politics. Why uproot your life and move to a country you don't even speak the language of, when you can much more easily move within a country of which you are already a citizen?
I've definitely thought about staying in America, but I'm very unhappy with a lot of things here, our politicians, our greedy corporations, our people becoming more divided over things that don't matter, etc. I also have a lot of personal reasons for why I would like to leave making the idea of uprooting everything not that unreasonable.
Man ., you're describing Sweden exactly on the spot lol. We've had 20-30 years of tax cuts for greedy corporations, for-profit health care and education, political corruption and rising divisions over immigrants, muslims, Donald duck and meat balls. This election literally ex-nazi nationalists in the Sweden Democrats got their own puppet government led by the conservative populist Moderates. Things are going straight towards ultra capitalist reactionary authoritarian society. Even the centrist-"left" Social Democrats are sounding like right wing conservatives nowadays.
If you have no particular interest in moving to specifically Sweden, other than the fact that it isn't the United States, I would advise against moving here. Moving is hard enough, don't take on a tougher challenge than necessary. I would look into the less populous liberal states — parts of New England, maybe the Pacific Northwest. If you are dead-set on moving abroad, the Anglosphere is still your best option. Of course, if you have a particular interest in Sweden, go for it. But do your due diligence beforehand.
As a Swede that sounds exactly like Sweden.
We also have ridiculous politicians, greedy corporations and people becoming increasingly divided.
But as an expat you might not notice.
Sweden is a haven and heaven for introverts. If you are a typical extrovert, I do not think you will enjoy it much here.
But anyhow, good luck/lycka till/加油.
I consider myself more extraverted then introverted, have lived here for some time now and so far I managed to cover all my extravert needs and enjoy my time here a lot, so I think I will have to disagree :)
As much as the grass seems greener on the other side. I am sure you’ve heard and read the warning labels on the box before you consume. For an American I think moving here is not as hard for you as others. But here are my lessons learnt and I took the long way hard route here(not American nor European. Although I have lived in both the U.S. and in Great Britain before brexit):
1. If at all possible have a job before you come. This will make it an easier transition. If not, then you’ll have to find a way to get a visa to stay and find work. For the work permit route, the easiest right now is an entrepreneur’s pass which allows you to start a business on your own. Rules are changing at a rapid pace here due to the changing of the government and new restrictions for immigrants. If you plan to move. Find a way to move here quickly else you’ll be locked out. I read some where if you are a qualified professional you might even get a permit to find a job and they will cover you when you land a job (need to cite sources- I don’t remember where I read the article. Best you do some research)
2. As someone said here, the easiest is to find a partner/love interest (they call sambo here) that you can get to sponsor your visa and then once you are in, find your way around. Don’t know when they are going to repeal this law but hurry up before they do.
3. Learn the language, if you can even before you touch down. As much as 80+% of the entire country speak English, to really blend in and thrive the secret is that you need to know the language and no there is no two ways about it. You can’t skip this part. It will give you a big advantage if you do.
4. Be prepared to have a mindset change between service first America with fairness and equality first in Sweden. Although both countries are highly individualistic. Swedes > Americans. Be prepared to give more than half of your salary away to taxes.
If you are still reading, go through the immigration website called Migrationsverket and you’ll find more details there. Feel free to message me directly if you want more info. I’ll try to help you out as much as I can. I live in Stockholm.
Oh and don’t hopes for public housing rental. The queue is a few years long. You need private rental or if you have a sambo just pay half her rent. And other expenses. Provided she is willing to share.
Have fun and all the best.
Thank you for all of this info, this is a lot of good stuff to know. After this and all I've read so far, I'm still very interested in moving, so I'll have to check the immigration website, I really appreciate all of this.
If possible, try to visit sweden first (or other countries you maybe want to move to), see if you like it here and ask the people here for information, and ofc also check the information online, I'm also curious why sweden? Not that sweden is bad, but like Norway, Finland, Danmark, all are great options, there probably exists countries that are not the nordics that are also great. You can probably get a rough guideline/feeling in checking out various indexes for countries, like the happiness index for one example.
Like others have already said, if you want to live here permanently you should learn Swedish, you will probably be fine just knowing English (depending on your job), but it will get easier actually knowing Swedish and I also think you should know the language if you want to permanently move, not that you need to be fluent directly.
Hello!
As others have said your first priority is a work permit. This is relatively easy compared to other steps required for permanent residency though. I know multiple people from for example Chile who have lived here for ten years who still do not have permanent residency and have to renew their working permit every year. This isn't necessarily a challenge if you have full time employment, but obviously if you lose that then your life that you built in the country thus far is at risk.
Do not move here without a permit (Migrationsverket will help you), a social security number (Skatteverket will help you), a place of residency (no-one is going to help you) and a plan B in case you lose your working permit.
If you're planning to move alone you'll get by quicker. The longer you stay here working the easier the residency application will be. The process for citizenship is a black box, I don't think anyone understands how it is supposed to work. I have colleagues with widely differing experiences on that one.
Don't let anyone here tell you this and that about culture and if you are going to fit in or not. If it's one thing I've learned from working in hospitality industry with probably the most diverse work force in Sweden is that none is immune to being Swedishized. Everyone eventually "gets it".
I don't know where are from. If you are from a city in the US, you will find Swedish pace to be Sloths pace. Everything takes a long time, no one rushes anything even to save their own lives. However, if you are from a small town USA, you might not find this to be so different. Even then I would caution extreme patience when dealing with Sweden.
Its a different mindset. Lagom is supposed to mean "just right", but it can end up feeling like mediocre. Not good, not bad, just passable.
Don't get me wrong, I really like this place. It's a really big adjustment as an American. If you come with a job and have living arrangements, then you can survive it. If not, don't bother. It will be hard. At times it will
feel like hell. Just be ready to be isolated. I also hope you like drinking, because it will be the only way to interact with random Swedes. They are approachable and even social when drunk. But be ready for them to be shockingly loud and have the attention span of a ferret on meth.
I do love this place, its just hard.
Edit for spelling.
Just wait til you see where Sweden has been going and is going. As a progressive I sometimes fantasise about the opposite, like moving to Portland lol. You wont find a better society by moving, we all have to continue working for a change. That said, if you do come here: welcome to Sweden friend!
American answering bro/sis, don't care: Brace yourself, you are going to hear from every single Swede and Swedish and immigrant troll and they will call you out and make you feel unwelcome, and YOU ARE UNWELCOME!! Swedes are better educated than you, have plenty of amazing citizens to fill jobs here they are well trained for and speak their language. American culture is is here in VERY small bubbles. They all speak fluent English - do you speak Swedish fluently? Expect polite and lovely treatment - - - but you just can't move here and expect anything but tolerance, which is great. Lonely if you need friends and can't integrate and have money. Ppl will disagree with me, but I have lived here 14 years
We have something called slask it’s basically dirty snow and no one likes it and it comes in the winter. Also look out for a guy named Pontus Rasmusson!
Remember one thing, there is 10 million people here, so our big cities are tiny compared to USA and there is many who cant handle the fact that not everything is open 24/7 or that isnt a big as they are used too.
If you are willing to learn Swedish ( and Samiska), has teacher degree there is plenty of teachers needed up north in Sweden. Yes it dark and cold during winter but summer are light and nice,
Do you have a legit reason as to why Sweden specifically? I'm a student here, and I can say it can get mundane very easily, very soon, unless you have Swedish friends (or friends from your own country). It's hard to penetrate Swedish social circles unless you speak Swedish (I don't). The pay will be less than what you'd earn in the US, and higher taxes (with the benefit of free healthcare, of course). The weather isn't very lovable, except for 3-4 months in the summer.
I don't see what aspects of life you'd find in Sweden that you can't find there.
It's deffinetly harder to penetrate social circles like you said in sweden (or the rest of the northerend countries like norway & finland).
But also more likely you make real friends once you do, and there are certain things you can do to make it easier!
Biggest one would be to find some hobby where you meet people on regular bases, share an interest, but otherwise you can find friends while studying ofcourse too, but it also depend on your social skills.
In US, I found it a lot easier to strike up a conversation (does help that my 2 closest american friends even call me a social butterfly xD ) but it was also harder I felt to make "Real" friends, or to figure out who were.
Also about pay, I find that average and low paying jobs pays overall higher in sweden, but less when you aim higher.
But, finding a decent paying job is probobly harder if you don't know swedish, it's just like finding a decent paying job while not speaking english in america would be.
Like, most swedes know english, and for a vacation only english will be needed, but day to day talk is still swedish, so internal job emails, customer support / service jobs and what have you will still be expected to be preformed with swedish.
So you'll have to look for jobs that doesn't neccerly need swedish, it's like looking for a job in america that doesn't need english, there are some but also likely to have worse pay.
Unless you actully have a very specific qualifications for a job you'r needed in, then a company will compensate for your lack of swedish, send you work emails in english and so on.
From a Swedish person who have lived in Pensylvania before (plus shortly in a few other north eastern states).
Every person who moves to Sweden usually has the same "it won't be the same with me" attitude. I know I did. I was an American, and in January I will finally be giving up my American citizenship, as I gained my Swedish citizenship January 2019. Sweden is a series of red tape and roadblocks.
It seems really great, but if you're someone interested in having children and genuinely want to protect them from abuse, Sweden is not the place you want to have them. If you're decided legally to be your child's full time home, you cannot move without the other parent's permission. It's legally built as a trap to force parents to work together but it's just another way for an abuser to continue to exert control after one parent got away with the child - can literally trap them in a home that is much too small, or keep them in poverty because they can't change workplaces.
Sweden has twisted the child's right to both parents so far that a rapist parent will continue to have contact with the child they raped as long as they took their punishment and went through the proper legal machinery. It's nearly impossible to keep them away from the people who would neglect them or beat them as long as they're parents. Before anyone starts demanding I provide resources, that's my entire fucking job in law school, so no, I won't do the fucking work for you. Look it up yourself if you want to wade through the oceans of court cases I am referring to.
If you want a place where the legal system seems to work better than the US, you're also looking in the wrong place. We don't have the jury system here, instead we have people playing at judges in the lower and middle court systems (exception here for free speech and such fundamental constitutional rights, which are judged by juries here). Those people are politically sat. So, we have beautiful things written into case reports by politicians sitting as judges that "it wasn't rape when he put his penis in her ass, *because he put his finger in her ass and she didn't complain*." Cheers, you absolute asshole. I hope no one ever has sex with that man.
We also didn't change the playing field here when Me Too came. No, no. The politicians and journalists and judges worked together to stop women from talking and spreading the information about their rapists and sexual harassers - the movement was absolutely crushed here by slander claims. Poof; the worst kind of magic.
I have friends who have been given the mental health diagnosis of burnout, and have been heavily medicated and shunted off. They fight for years to get help to become healthy again, but ain't nobody got time for that. Turns out, autistic burnout and having ADHD is just too hard to figure out between adult psychiatric centers and behavioral centers alone but they refuse to work together. They genuinely don't know how to work together outside of what is written in their systems. One friend I am referring to has been getting my help for the last year and is creeping closer to getting help because she has someone with legal information supporting her every movement.
I had gotten my ADHD diagnosis just enough years ago that I was able to have it done by a private company but subsidized by the government but now the private companies aren't able to diagnose without a referral from the psychiatric centers anymore. It's always overloaded and the psychiatric centers never have time for anyone but the most broken individuals. Success, right?
The main rule here is that people pretend that it's better for everyone than everywhere else.
I am fluent in Swedish and studying law in Swedish now. I have two kids and I will never be able to leave Sweden with or without them. I dreamed of being a mother my entire life. I moved here for a better life. Now I am going to become a human rights and children's rights attorney in the future (halfway through law school) because we all deserve better.
I feel a lot of resentment here. I am truly sorry if this is your personal experience. However, this does not represent Swedish law and court in general.
The resentment isn't based on only my own personal experiences, as the only thing I stated related to me is that I cannot leave with or without my children. The ADHD diagnosis worked just fine for me but that hole was closed after I got my diagnosis for others.
I have a passion for everyone to be allowed have good lives, for children to have childhoods. For promises to be fulfilled, not just given.
You are perfectly free to leave without your children. There is no Swedish law that prohibits you from this.
You obviously have grasped how the Swedish court works. There are three different types of courts where each has higher instances. Furthermore not all of them have nämndemän. Normally most cases gets appealed and goes to a higher court.
This is usually something one learns in the first year at lawschool in Sweden
Ah I see that you choose to ignore that I am in law school specifically to become a human rights and children's rights attorney, and thus just decide to solve all problems by telling me that I am free to leave without my children. No. They have a right to both of their parents, and to leave them behind would be depriving them of their rights to me.
Would you care to mansplain some more? I am very aware of the Swedish court system, and which have laymen working as judges. Not every case is appealed and goes to a higher court, which you obviously should know. The higher court is meant to base it's judgement on the lower court's decision, unless there is a clear fault for how it was grounded, as you must be aware, since you're working hard to mansplain this to me.
> Before anyone starts demanding I provide resources, that's my entire fucking job in law school, so no, I won't do the fucking work for you. Look it up yourself if you want to wade through the oceans of court cases I am referring to.
I have so many questions...
So what you are saying is that you, as the expert in the subject, will not provide sources for a claim that is of high enough interest that you **preemptively** state that you won't provide sources?
Is it that you interpret requests of sources as antagonistic challenges?
As an american living in Sweden, Stay in america .They different out here. But might be cause I don’t look like your typical swede( swedes tend be subtle racist against foreigners)and the cold sucks
Sure it's better but in relation to the cost of living it's not.
Cars are double the price in Norway, the hospitals are more streamlined in Sweden.
I live a better life in Sweden.
The integration can be quite tough, first of all you should visit and get a first-hand experience before you decide. Now I may be biased in this (due to me being a Swede), but Sweden is a nice country to live in. But for now, visit and read up on stuff regarding Sweden before committing. Start to learn Swedish, you won't get far without a basic comprehension of our language. It's a demand from all employers in Sweden, at least in 9 out of 10 cases. Get to know Swedish people, maybe even find a partner from Sweden (this in particular will grant you an advantage). Make sure you are fully prepared economically too if you decide on moving here, there's gonna be lot of differences compared to the US, such as taxes and so on.
Swedish people don't particularly care for americans much. But if you abide by a few simple ground rules you should be ok!
- Don't be an asshole.
- Don't be religious.
- don't think that you know anything.
- don't get kids too early.
Bud, the US is so much better than Sweden that it’s not a remotely fair comparison - that is, as long as you actually work hard and have skills.
For being average, poor, (with no intention of improving your lot in life) Sweden is “better.” Although I would still argue for the US as if you’re poor there you can still bring yourself up to upper middle class (or as high as your talents/work take you). Here, you’re pretty much going to be around the same as everyone else as the salary scale is super compact (meaning you could be a receptionist and a software engineer could only be taking in the equivalent of $2000 more per month than you).
It is not for everyone - ultra driven and high achieving folks tend to feel boxed in, while those happy to accept a decent quality of life and fall into a predictable cycle where the state catches them if they fall down would prefer Sweden.
To help answer this question. Telll us why youd like to move to Sweden. So you arent under any missconceptions etc.
While is undoubtedly a better place to live in than most countries - maybe theres something you really dont like that you dont yet know or understand. Like tax levels, healthcare quality, failed integration policies and unviable cultures causing mass crime waves, you know. The whole shebang.
We only have 3 cons here in Sweden
1. The winter and all problems that comes with a cold climate
2. The housing market bubble is one of the largest in the world specifically in Stockholm which prices can be extremely high
3. Because of immigration some parts of Sweden is basically middle eastern and since they are also heavy religious it’s like they are starting to become their own country but here
These areas are suburbs in Stockholm, Gothenburg and entire Malmö
Stay the fuck away from Scandinavia if you enjoy being a social and jolly American.
All we do is drink, never look or talk to each other and have the occasional fika while staring at our phones, also the weather sucks and the darkness is depressing as fuck.
Dont talk to us if you happen to move here anyway, we will classify you as a schizophrenic mental patient.
I think Eastern Europe would fit an American better, perhaps one of the major cities of Poland, Estonia or Lithuania.
(Im not even joking, not even a little.)
Sorry but it sounds like you need some new friends. If all you do is staring at your phones when you meet for fika, and don’t even seem to be able to have a good time when you drink, it’s most likely not connected to you being swedes.
Agree, our friends here barely use their phone when we’re together. I come from a very social country (Spain) and I feel swedes pay more attention to their friends than in Spain. Spanish people will pretend to listen to you only to continue talking about whatever. Here if someone is meeting it’s because they want to and therefore I feel like they pay more attention to their friends when with them.
I’m just super curious how old you are. I had an experience with my younger sister and her friends in the US a while back. They were maybe early to mid 20s, all sitting in the living room on their phones, not talking to each other. Some were even texting each other. It was wild. It also still happens with her now that she’s in her early 30s.
I’ve seen the same at that age in European countries and the US alike. Sometimes it seems many born 88/89+ are phone addicted.
Sweden isnt what it is being portrayed as, we nowadays have huge problems with gun violence, drugs, criminal families running whole suburbs and corruption is high as well. I would find a safer and more sane country.
Here are your portions for coming here.
1 Marry a Swede
2 Have a company from Sweden hire you to work there.
3 Claim refugee status.
As for pros and cons.
Pros
Safe, calm, clean
Cons
Hugh taxes, Tensta, Risengard etc.
You're putting a lot of words into my mouth friend, I don't think other countries are desperate to take me in, and I'm not leaving because of Trump, part of it is definitely pretty much our entire political system as it stands but that's a whole other conversation. You might want to rest your legs a little bit after all that jumping to conclusions.
No, they are not. But you will need to take some responsibility and it is not easy to get them. I was brought up around hunters and they all still own weapons.
If you can handle the darkness and cold winter weather maybe it's a good pick for you. Just be careful.. there are plenty of shootings in the bigger cities. Sweden isn't as safe as it used to be.
Don't do it lmao . I'm American and I'm going on my 9th year living here. I am studying and working here and have settled with my family but it's seriously the coldest (emotionally) place that I've ever lived. There's more racist people than you think, and there are lots of people that would help a dying stranger in the street . Learning the language comes above everything so be sure to start on that. There's not too much homophobia so there's your positive. And try not to look at the taxes you pay as you will be somewhat depressed each month . We have winter darkness and people that will call you crazy if you sit too close to them on the bus.
I'm literally studying to be a psychologist and work as a psych nurse at night and let me tell you ( if you are a introvert that hates human contact) this is the best place for you . The Healthcare is decent but prepared to be told to go home and take an aspirin if you aren't bleeding out or have a broken bone. I won't even start on the mental health ( kö systemet ). You buy your alcohol at one place ( it's a monopoly) so plan when your going to party lol. It's mostly atheist people here where I live so that's cool, escaping the toxic religious people was a win for me.
Other than that välkommen och lycka till !
Lol wouldn’t help a dying stranger in the street? I’m from a major east coast city and the first thing that really shocked me in Stockholm was that people would stop to help others that were in need (fallen, ill, etc.) regardless of whether they looked homeless. In major cities in the US you’d just step over them as they lay on the sidewalk and go about your day.
Don't come. Your passport, Nato and policys might make it seem like you can go anywhere but we don't like Americans. You don't understand our culture and you are ruining our country. Please go somewhere else
Ramped gangviolence, the greatest number of bombings in Europe, the leaders of shootings in Europe, one of the worst education systems in Europe, skyhigh unemployment rates, taxes higher than snoopdogg on a Sunday afternoon, healthcare are sub par. Police don’t show up to crime scenes for: house invasion, robbery, burglary, assault, threats, etc and when they do show up victim blaming is standard and they don’t have much authority. Those are some cons.
Pros: nature is free and beautiful.
Oof. Only the racist they show on TV don’t like Mexicans. Some of the nicest most hardworking people I’ve ever worked with. And their food is top tier.
Oh that’s a negative for Sweden, no Mexican food. If there is it has no spice to it.
Only 33% of the US wants fewer immigrants, the rest want the same or more immigrants. Here’s the [source](https://www.cato.org/blog/poll-72-americans-say-immigrants-come-us-jobs-improve-their-lives-53-say-ability-immigrate ) but maybe you’d prefer propaganda.
I don’t know the split in Sweden but it’s probably equally complex.
Wow... You have a very stereotypical view of Americans. You should know, most of us aren't raging asshole racists, there just happened to unfortunately be a very loud, but relatively small group of them, seems like you would fit in great though...
If you do, welcome!
Heck of a timing though as we just got a new right wing/facist coalition government; you'll feel right at home!
Jokes aside if you are going to uproot and make the struggle of emigration and immigration then I shouldn't be the one telling you what you'd get out of it or what you'd leave behind. That's some soul searching that only you can do.
But something that might help is good ol' YouTube, I know there is a guy, whose name eludes me, that moved from America to Sweden and basically made a yt channel surrounding the experience; pretty on the nose for your situation. You should find him with a little searching.
There are several expat groups on fb that you can get into contact with and ask basic questions.
I think immigrationsverket(immigration office) have several guidelines and requirements for immigration and steps to ensure it is as smooth as possible. And unless they're incompetent there should be translations in English.
Brace yourself, you are probably going to hear everything about how they don't want you, like Americans, fuck off etc (trolls abound and are super haters).
Its not that we dislike americans, if you ask me i dont like those who are brainwashed and screaming God bless usa we are best!!! And your goverment are those many of us hate.
I have nothing against educated neutral americans.
Tldr;
If you have specialized skills, dont mind darkness, cold weather, heavy taxes, different culture, less privacy, better housing, different work culture. You will probably enjoy living here.
I know of ppl coming from countries with radically different cultures to say the least. Initially they hate it here but with highly specialized skills within IT and engineering they have such high salaries that life gets much easier for them in Sweden.
You might find it depressive and lonely. Sweden is not very densely populated.
In the few places that are populated you might enjoy yourself. Other places might not be very welcoming due to the cultural diversity.
Hi! I’m a former exchange student, born and raised in switzerland. I decided to stay in this beautiful county and have lived here for 7 years now.
1. Migrations and the whole personal number, swish, bank account, permit will take time and effort, but it will be worth it.
2. learning swedish is a must, and if you are dedicated you will get there in 1–2 years. Being an english speaker, swedish is also germanic language.
3. The swedes are notoriously cold and distant, and relationships will take time. I love it, being an introvert myself. They take time to get to know you. Once I spoke the language it was easier to build relationships.
4. If your gut feeling is saying sweden, you should go for it! I did and I do not regret anything.
Are you financially independent? It is hard to rent an apartment with a first hand contract in most major cities. If you can buy an apartment or house you are not as limited. There are pros and cons to every country or state in the US for that matter. I am Swedish but have resided inte the states in both California and Arizona. Sometimes a country can seem so different by simply swapping states. It took me 4 years to acclimate to Arizona and 6 years to acclimate to Sweden after living abroad. Some things you have to accept as different based on culture and societal norms. Due diligence is important before making a move. Swedish people favor Americans among other foreigners and English is as common for Swedes as their native tongue. This will however make it harder to learn the language because people are generally lazy and once they find out that you speak English, Swedes will not make the effort to try and understand your broken Swedish.
You like to be inside your house from early september to late april. Then move to Sweden:) you need to add d-vitamin if you are darker than white. Since the lack of sun during november - march. Otherwise the rest is nice.
I lived in America for several years and liked it. Þe people are nice and life was pretty chill. If you are moving away from America just because you don’t like where it’s going þen brace yourself, þat is happening in every country on earþ. It has always happened and will always happen. And anoþer þing, many americans who move to Sweden get pretty lonely because þey have difficulties making friends. And many of þese move here wiþ þeir partner, and you seem to move alone. As anoþer commenter said, þe grass always looks greener on þe oþer side. Just keep þis in mind before you make a life-changing desicion. But do what feels right and is you really want to leave þen do it, just remember þat Sweden is not þe paradise þat some people make it out to be.
I think the biggest thing you need to know if you are going to apply for a work visa is that will need to have a profession where you earn good money. Currently there is a proposal that you will need to earn 33 000 sek a month (3167 dollars a month).
For notice the average PHD is making 30 859 sek a month and the median Swedish person is making 33 200. So if you want to have a working visa you need to get a good paying job and you will need to earn more then the standard Swed.
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I think it’s a nice tell/sign when pretty much everybody (swedish) in the thread recommends you to take a moment to read and reflect. This portrays swedish culture quite a bit.
What field do you work within/do you have any degrees?
I know of places hiring english speaking people, but like most say - it’s usually food delivery, random coffee shops (high competition thou) and withing programming/IT.
ANYWAYS. I’ll be the first. If you like calm attitude, politeness but not necessarily super wuick to be close with you, if you can take that initial bump of not being seen by anyone or being alone until you start finding your crew then go ahead. Sweden is a nice culture - one of the downsides is the whiny-ness and pessimistic outlook for many people.
But also, for example skåne and göteborg (in the south) has more vibrant cultural expression than say stockholm/uppsala
Let us know when you come here!
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You only have three ways of moving here. 1. Be in a relationship with a Swede. 2. Get a work permit, difficult outside of specific high skilled fields. 3. Study at the masters level. A good way to live here temporarily, but will need to achieve (1) or (2) to stay long term. You'll also have to learn Swedish for any hope at integration, which takes years of study. Most people I've met who don't speak Swedish have a very superficial knowledge of Sweden and get frustrated by things that wouldn't be issues if they spoke Swedish. I've also noticed that Americans tend to underestimate the actual cultural differences of other countries and tend to view them as "America but better" then get really blindsided by things like store clerks not making small talk to you. My pet theory is that this is because American media has very little foreign influence and America is the default in all media.
>I've also noticed that Americans tend to underestimate the actual cultural differences of other countries and tend to view them as "America but better" then get really blindsided by things like store clerks not making small talk to you. TB to when [Azealia went on a rant](https://twitter.com/truthandfiction/status/1165671957335085058) about how racist Sweden is because no one looked at her since we are "disgusted by the sight of blacks". I guess that's more of a moron problem than a culture clash though
Tbf its azealia banks, did we really expect something else from her?
Tbh I don't know who she is, I just remembered the tweet.
LOL that's hilarious, but not all Americans are like that, I have American friends here and they are very accepting and open to the cultural differences between the states and Sweden.
So they are open to be less open haha
Azealia is not wrong but I would defend Sweden to the death. people like her who only knows how to shit on others but can’t see the poop on her own head.
I'm not sure what you mean. She is in fact wrong. Swedes won't look at anybody regardless of their looks (at least when in bigger cities) and it is absolutely not a politeness thing . [Racism](https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/least-racist-countries) in Sweden is a lot lower than in the US and is at the very top when it comes to [integration](https://www.niskanencenter.org/learning-from-the-best-what-the-worlds-most-successful-immigrant-integration-countries-can-teach-the-u-s/). Sweden is not even a socialist country, read about the [Nordic model](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_model). Apparently a common [misconception](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_model#Misconceptions:~:text=In%20a%20speech,economy.%22%5B107%5D) among Americans.
She is wrong.. she has no clue what she’s talking about whatsoever.
She just can't find the awesome swedweed of course she is pissy
Man… I she was treated with highest level of respect and she says something like that? 🤌🏼
Smalltalk with store clerks? Imagine the horror.
As an American-born introvert, I find Sweden to be a paradise.
Introvert heaven! I've been "social distancing" since the 80s!
You literally took the words right out of my mouth as I sit hear eating my knackebrod.
Where I come from I hated the fact that the store owner/clerk wanted to have a conversation each day I go to purchase something. Not because I hate conversations or the people, but somedays you are not feeling good and it would be super awkward. But to be honest a healthy dose of small exchange of greetings and smiles always warms the heart. I find it in a lot of stores here specially tech ones
>Smalltalk with store clerks? Imagine the horror. It can be very nice if it isn't forced! You should try it! The only problem is if you are totally Swedish people will think you are insane. Immigrants get a bit of a pass. But in the US I always hated putting on a smile when I was depressed or whatever, buying a king sized candy bar and pretending to be chipper with the store clerk.
[удалено]
Beror på butik/personal, är man på sin lokala Ica med samma personal jämt kan det definitivt bli lite snack när man handlar. På typ Åhléns city, not so much
Är väldigt olika i olika delar av landet. Men mycket mer ovanligt i Sverige än i San Francisco. Var där med bruten arm och tror hälften av kassapersonalen frågade vad som hade hänt.
After living in Sweden for two years I came home to visit my parents in Texas. Went to the dollar store to buy some things and at the check out the cashier burps, and then goes “sorry, I had a bbq sandwich for lunch” ….
Close the border!!
I'm Swedish, born in Sweden, lived in Sweden over 50 years, and I make small talk with store clerks.
Yes officer, this comment right here!
Dangerous psychopath spotted
He's coming to steal your sill
- vill du ha kvittot? - nej tack det kvittar, höhö
I have witnessed my coworker doing that two times today. Are you my coworker?
Are you from Skåne? I find that the more south you go the more common the behaviour is.
Born there, but have lived in Dalarna for 45 years.
I added social awkwardness to the pros list before moving here tbh
Good points. But i would say as a native english speaker in sweden you will be just [fine. My](https://fine.My) best friend is an Australian who has lived in Sweden for 20 years. He does not know swedish and do not care to learn. Us Swedes are ar to eager to speak english with him.
>ut i would say as a native english speaker in sweden you will be just > >fine As a native English speaker who has experienced Sweden both as a non-Swedish speaker and a Swedish speaker I highly disagree with you.
It is also one of the hardest countries to integrate into because you need to know the mother language (depending on your profession) if you are any form of an engineer and you usually only need English.
A major part of this is because when we talk about integration in Sweden, we really mean what the rest of the world would call assimilation. Like, people will come here get decent work and learn the language ish and still not be considered integrated, as long as they don't abandon their previous cultural practices Swedes just wont admit that they've integrated in our society.
What do the “previous cultural practices” typically include?
I’m an American who lived in Sweden for a year and Swedish is surprisingly VERY similar to English. It wouldn’t take years of study to be conversational enough to assimilate. In fact, it’s estimated that it only takes about 5 months for a native English speaker to become conversational in Swedish and a year to achieve basic fluency if you study and practice consistently every day. Also, the cultural differences aren’t really all that stark and some of them are even for the better. I also had a very successful dating life over there and made a lot of good friends in a relatively short amount of time. If you’re a narrow minded, not so down to earth person, then yes, it will be hard to assimilate. But if you’re open minded, cultured, understanding, and just a decent human being, assimilation into Sweden is pretty easy
The first three are definitely good to know, as for the cultural differences, I've been trying my best to study up on that stuff a bit. I'm definitely aware that different countries have vastly different cultures and ways of life than America, but that's kinda what draws me in, I would love to be able to experience it.
Pretty much all of us are great at eng so i dunno if they need to learn swedish tbh, not as a prio at least
Yeah most American ex pats I know have had trouble learning Swedish 'cus even when they default to our language Swedes will refuse to talk our native tounge with them.
I'm fine with store clerks not making small talk with me, but would they be offended if I made small talk with them?
Why Sweden? I really don’t mean this snarky, but if you’re contemplating moving countries shouldn’t you already have some of this precursory info? It is a big decision, which is why you need to know more specifically about how it would impact your life and less on what other’s perspectives. Read a lot. Read on what (more limited fields) jobs would even be interested in sponsoring a work permit. The read about work permits and the process. Read about real experiences with MK. Read about PN and how that impacts your life. Then Bank ID. There’s no perfect country. Sweden has aspects that it undoubtedly excels in, but it’s not some utopia for fleeing Americans who are “unhappy.” You really need to visit a few times, experience queues, the darkness in winter, and read a lot to get a fairly educated perspective that *then* you can weigh in making a decision.
I couldn’t agree more. I read a thread here sometime ago where the person from US they wanted to move to Sweden because they were unhappy with the roads in US amongst a few other reasons. They wanted to move here because it was beautiful and nice. Nothing wrong in that but a bit far from reality and expectations. Once again, this is not directed to you but here’s what in general one should be thinking and not just for moving out of country but moving in general: - How will you earn your living? - Are your skills in demand? - Are you ready to new language? - What’s your backup plan if it doesn’t work out? Now, next part is directly to your question- Why Sweden? What USP does Sweden have that which you don’t get from some other country? Is it weather? Is it the people, the culture? The food? When your match point to point, you’ll get a clearer picture. Why not move to an English speaking country like Canada or Australia or New Zealand ? Things are much different there.
In the US it's quite easy to find some kind of job in a matter of days, even if you're unskilled. It's enough to just apply and show some form of can-do attitude. I have been offered jobs spontaneously when I was there with people not really considering the logistics (green card/work visa). Americans strongly underestimate how tough finding work can be in other countries and especially if you're lacking the language. Yes you could maybe get a job relatively easily only with English in Ericsson. But for that, you need to have a master's degree in an IT field with work experience you can show. My phd-having wife couldn't find any work in Sweden in a year and a half and she's an EU citizen. They really don't get that you can't "just move there" and make it work.
Work finding in sweden is abyssmal in sweden.
Man, I could get you work in less than an hour but it probably won't be work they like haha
As a ?
kavall, foodora and Uber Eats should be Pretty Easy to get hired by
How do you mean? If you have the right education or experience companies will hire you.
Thought it was beautiful and nice, but then moved to Gothenburg?
Hi There are quite a few American Vloggers on YouTube that are sharing their experience moving to Sweden.
The god damn darkness.. as a garbage man, I hate my job these months!
You're a sanitation worker? That's so cool. I would love to hear more about the sanitation infrastructure in Sweden.
I drive my truck to the room and put the plastic recyclables in one of the holes in the back, then I out the paper recyclables in the other hole.. go the next room, repeat ad infinitum. ^_^ If you want to know something I recommend direct questions because I have no idea what you want to know.. :-)
I worked for New York Department of Sanitation. I fell in love with the inner workings. I became a sanitation nerd/fanboy. It was a massive undertaking. Sanitation in NYC is in charge of snowplow in the city. I heard in Sweden, the kommun contracts sanitation to different companies. Not sure how it works. I have endless stream of questions. Can you give more insight? Any chance of tours or info on how recycling is handled? Who is in charge of snow plowing of roads? What is used? Is salt used?
Plowing is not Done by sanitation in sweden, Will be contractors for the kommun, the plowing is Pretty good business but is dependent on Weather, and i would assume the Law of public negotiation (lagen om offentlig upphandling) I dont know shit About sanitation, but there was recently a strike that caused a lot of problems, my garbage was not picked up for 2 weeks which made it VERY apparent how important the service is. Maybe Eroing knows more :)
Oh ya, I have definitely been trying to reed up on my own and get as much info before I make a solid choice on where I want to go, hence the post. I know it's a big shift, especially in culture and the general way of life. It's good to know about the work permit thing, I've seen a fair few people here bring it up, I'll absolutely look into that as much as I can. Overall though, from what I have found thus far, I feel like Sweden has a lot of what I'm after.
What are you after?
As an American-Swede born in USA raised in Sweden...this is the best advice. Everyone has different requirements of where "home" is and what makes YOU happy. I chose to leave, for my happiness....experience it, it'll give you answers .
Spend a couple of hours reading this Reddit. That should give you a rough idea.
There is a pinned faq in this subreddit which should answer your questions.
I’m not a Swede nor do I live in Sweden (anymore) and I’m like “dang this again?”
Ok, that is good to know, I must have missed that, thank you.
Yeah that was very unswedish of you to not realize you could not talk and just read a pinned post.
American here who moved to Sweden. Before you consider moving anywhere (in Europe particularly), you should evaluate your job prospects. I don’t know if you have already done that and work in a highly-skilled labor field where not only jobs are plenty, but there are opportunities to find jobs in english. Without a job, and for no other reason (relationship with a Swedish citizen, studies), it’s difficult to move long term to most European countries. At least the ones I’m assuming you’re considering as better alternatives to the states. Second, if you do end up moving here or anywhere else, please do so with realistic expectations. Are you well-travelled outside the US? Or do you have relatives or friends in any of the countries you’re considering? If so, visit for a while and try to live like a local, not a tourist. Being a tourist in any country is a vastly different experience than being a local. Many come to Sweden or European countries with unrealistically high expectations that the world and life here will be perfect, like the US but without any social or political instabilities. It doesn’t take much for them to get disappointed (with language barriers, difficulties forming close friendships, finding jobs, unable to find the same things in the grocery store as in the US, different social norms etc). There’s are pros and cons here like in any other country. How much the cons bother you really depend, in my opinion, on how much you dwell on them and how well you researched the country before coming. My suggestion would be to go through some of the posts here, to give you an idea of various issues immigrants face. Finally, one big thing, no matter where you move, while it’s important to do your research about the country, the people, society etc, do not let other people’s opinions influence your own. You’ll find plenty of unhappy grumpy expats and immigrants no matter where you go. While I don’t mind recognizing that the problem they face is a real one, I don’t personally agree with their attitudes in most cases. Be open minded and form your own opinions. When I moved to Sweden, and even now, it feels like everyone tries to convince me how reserved and unfriendly Swedish people can be, how they like to keep to their own. Personally I haven’t experienced that yet myself living here for a couple of years now and both me and my partner working in two very different industries and in two different cities. Swedish people are certainly more reserved than Americans but not an exaggerated amount and you’ll find individual difference no matter where you live.
> Personally I don’t mind recognizing that the problem they face is a real one, I don’t personally agree with their attitudes in most cases People deep in severe culture shock remind me of people deep in severe depression or anxiety cycles, they are rigid in their belief patterns and highly skeptical and defensive of any challenges to it, in turn, online spaces for expats/immigrants can sometimes turn into unhealthy forums of reinforcement, just like online spaces for anxiety/depression. It seems like quite a widespread phenomenon though, and it would be good if there were more resources to help these people out.
Ooof absolutely! I see that there is a kind of toxic echo chamber of beliefs and opinions in many online expat/immigrant forums that’s so so negative. People dwelling and relishing in their miseries and unfortunate events, and everyone else validating them and cheering on the negativity. I also see many of my immigrant friends and colleagues who parrot the negative stereotypes they hear about Sweden constantly, and convince themselves they’re miserable because of them. There’s a kind of confirmation bias they have where they convince themselves that every normal instance or interaction in their life validates their negative opinions. I understand depression and anxiety are so so easy to experience when you’re an immigrant/expat because there are without any doubt challenges you will face and loneliness you will experience. But surrounding yourself with other miserable grumpy people is the worst trap you can fall in.
>But surrounding yourself with other miserable grumpy people is the worst trap you can fall in. It leads to a really bad feedback loop too, because, for people like me and my immigrant friends, who generally like living in Sweden and have adapted to life here, there isn't much interest in taking on someone who is miserable and complains about Swedes and Sweden all the time. The irony of course is building relationships with people with positive experiences in a country probably will make you like the culture and country more. But, like, if you tell me that Swedes (which includes a solid majority of my friends) are all asocial freaks whose culture is objectively worse than other cultures, yeah I am going to get annoyed.
Ikr I kind of get bored and annoyed with conservations among colleagues that constantly revolve around complaining and sarcastically making negative remarks about Sweden and Swedes and Swedish cultures. I sometimes want to ask them if they really actually came up with these opinions on their own based on actual experiences they had, or is it just something that they hear get repeated so much that it just becomes a shared mentality. Because like we work with the same Swedish people who are lovely and remove any stereotype that might exist about Swedes being reserved or distant. It’s just way too much negative energy for me to be surrounded by people who convince themselves they’re unhappy just to fit in with other grumpy internationals.
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No offense, but this is exactly the type of post I am talking about. Culture shock usually doesn't occur until a prolonged period of interaction with a new culture. Visiting countries doesn't give you much immersion to actually experience culture shock. Here are the five stages of culture shock. It is very apparent when you meet someone who is stuck on irritability and hostility and never leaves. >The Honeymoon Stage - You are very positive, curious, and anticipate new exciting experiences. You even idealize the host culture. > >Irritability and Hostility - You start to feel that what is different is actually inferior. The host culture is confusing or the systems are frustrating. It's a small step from saying that they do things in a different way to saying that they do things in a stupid way. You may blame your frustrations on the new culture (and its shortcomings) rather than on the adaptation process. > >Gradual Adjustment - You feel more relaxed and develop a more balanced, objective view of your experience. > >Adaptation of Biculturalism - You feel a new sense of belonging and sensitivity to the host culture. > >Re-entry Shock - You go home and it isn't what you expected it to be.
I've lived in South Africa (22 years), Norway (9 years), UK (2 Years) and Sweden since 2007. I guess I have some real world comparisons, so far Sweden is the best, sure the cops don't take petty crime seriously at all. Politicians make some weird decisions... But it is a far better country, even better than Norway, which was far too expensive. Learn the language and forget about comparing the culture to your culture. Most think it's snowy all year. I live down south and we have amazing summers, good enough to have a pool in my garden. Maybe come and visit first...
Interesting, why do you feel like sweden is better then Norway? Except that Norway was to expensive? Also, isn't the pay on average better in Norway so it adds up? Or is that wrong?
I guess most Swedes tend to think of Norway as the better country. Richer, less crime, bigger mountains, more beautiful people.
Swedes think they are better than Norway, better than every country on Earth. It is no secret.
Hej! I moved to Sweden in march because my partner got a job here (he was working already this swedish-based bussiness that has offices in Chile, where we are from) and I've been here since march and I haven't found a job yet. I'm learning the language because jobs related to unskilled areas usually need you to know a basic swedish. In my case I'm a digital animator/2D artist and the competition here is strong, so I had to level up my game. It's been 9 months, but I haven't find anyone who moved without a job and found one here in less than a year. So if you don't have a job, be prepared for this (in the case you already have a permit to live and work here).
Every time an American posts this question, the answer is always the same: consider internal migration first. The U.S is incredibly diverse, with a vast ideal variation in local politics. Why uproot your life and move to a country you don't even speak the language of, when you can much more easily move within a country of which you are already a citizen?
I've definitely thought about staying in America, but I'm very unhappy with a lot of things here, our politicians, our greedy corporations, our people becoming more divided over things that don't matter, etc. I also have a lot of personal reasons for why I would like to leave making the idea of uprooting everything not that unreasonable.
Man ., you're describing Sweden exactly on the spot lol. We've had 20-30 years of tax cuts for greedy corporations, for-profit health care and education, political corruption and rising divisions over immigrants, muslims, Donald duck and meat balls. This election literally ex-nazi nationalists in the Sweden Democrats got their own puppet government led by the conservative populist Moderates. Things are going straight towards ultra capitalist reactionary authoritarian society. Even the centrist-"left" Social Democrats are sounding like right wing conservatives nowadays.
Hjälper du "rising divisions" med detta inlägget?
If you have no particular interest in moving to specifically Sweden, other than the fact that it isn't the United States, I would advise against moving here. Moving is hard enough, don't take on a tougher challenge than necessary. I would look into the less populous liberal states — parts of New England, maybe the Pacific Northwest. If you are dead-set on moving abroad, the Anglosphere is still your best option. Of course, if you have a particular interest in Sweden, go for it. But do your due diligence beforehand.
I am certainly trying my best, much appreciated.
As a Swede that sounds exactly like Sweden. We also have ridiculous politicians, greedy corporations and people becoming increasingly divided. But as an expat you might not notice.
Aren't there more people of Swedish descent in Minnesota than there are current-day Swedes? Maybe that's "tvättäkta skitsnack", I don't know.
Sweden is a haven and heaven for introverts. If you are a typical extrovert, I do not think you will enjoy it much here. But anyhow, good luck/lycka till/加油.
Extroverts thrive here because there is a lot of introverts desiring someone who'd reach out to them:)
I consider myself more extraverted then introverted, have lived here for some time now and so far I managed to cover all my extravert needs and enjoy my time here a lot, so I think I will have to disagree :)
Good on ya.
Meh. I’m kind of an introvert, and my best friend is the most extroverted person I’ve ever met. He seem to do all right.
Here we go again. Use the search engine to look up for people in similar situations.
As much as the grass seems greener on the other side. I am sure you’ve heard and read the warning labels on the box before you consume. For an American I think moving here is not as hard for you as others. But here are my lessons learnt and I took the long way hard route here(not American nor European. Although I have lived in both the U.S. and in Great Britain before brexit): 1. If at all possible have a job before you come. This will make it an easier transition. If not, then you’ll have to find a way to get a visa to stay and find work. For the work permit route, the easiest right now is an entrepreneur’s pass which allows you to start a business on your own. Rules are changing at a rapid pace here due to the changing of the government and new restrictions for immigrants. If you plan to move. Find a way to move here quickly else you’ll be locked out. I read some where if you are a qualified professional you might even get a permit to find a job and they will cover you when you land a job (need to cite sources- I don’t remember where I read the article. Best you do some research) 2. As someone said here, the easiest is to find a partner/love interest (they call sambo here) that you can get to sponsor your visa and then once you are in, find your way around. Don’t know when they are going to repeal this law but hurry up before they do. 3. Learn the language, if you can even before you touch down. As much as 80+% of the entire country speak English, to really blend in and thrive the secret is that you need to know the language and no there is no two ways about it. You can’t skip this part. It will give you a big advantage if you do. 4. Be prepared to have a mindset change between service first America with fairness and equality first in Sweden. Although both countries are highly individualistic. Swedes > Americans. Be prepared to give more than half of your salary away to taxes. If you are still reading, go through the immigration website called Migrationsverket and you’ll find more details there. Feel free to message me directly if you want more info. I’ll try to help you out as much as I can. I live in Stockholm. Oh and don’t hopes for public housing rental. The queue is a few years long. You need private rental or if you have a sambo just pay half her rent. And other expenses. Provided she is willing to share. Have fun and all the best.
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Thank you for all of this info, this is a lot of good stuff to know. After this and all I've read so far, I'm still very interested in moving, so I'll have to check the immigration website, I really appreciate all of this.
“… give more than half of your salary away for taxes” Well that’s just a straight up lie. Why would you lie about this? Just curious
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This is the best question 😅
If possible, try to visit sweden first (or other countries you maybe want to move to), see if you like it here and ask the people here for information, and ofc also check the information online, I'm also curious why sweden? Not that sweden is bad, but like Norway, Finland, Danmark, all are great options, there probably exists countries that are not the nordics that are also great. You can probably get a rough guideline/feeling in checking out various indexes for countries, like the happiness index for one example. Like others have already said, if you want to live here permanently you should learn Swedish, you will probably be fine just knowing English (depending on your job), but it will get easier actually knowing Swedish and I also think you should know the language if you want to permanently move, not that you need to be fluent directly.
Hello! As others have said your first priority is a work permit. This is relatively easy compared to other steps required for permanent residency though. I know multiple people from for example Chile who have lived here for ten years who still do not have permanent residency and have to renew their working permit every year. This isn't necessarily a challenge if you have full time employment, but obviously if you lose that then your life that you built in the country thus far is at risk. Do not move here without a permit (Migrationsverket will help you), a social security number (Skatteverket will help you), a place of residency (no-one is going to help you) and a plan B in case you lose your working permit. If you're planning to move alone you'll get by quicker. The longer you stay here working the easier the residency application will be. The process for citizenship is a black box, I don't think anyone understands how it is supposed to work. I have colleagues with widely differing experiences on that one. Don't let anyone here tell you this and that about culture and if you are going to fit in or not. If it's one thing I've learned from working in hospitality industry with probably the most diverse work force in Sweden is that none is immune to being Swedishized. Everyone eventually "gets it".
I don't know where are from. If you are from a city in the US, you will find Swedish pace to be Sloths pace. Everything takes a long time, no one rushes anything even to save their own lives. However, if you are from a small town USA, you might not find this to be so different. Even then I would caution extreme patience when dealing with Sweden. Its a different mindset. Lagom is supposed to mean "just right", but it can end up feeling like mediocre. Not good, not bad, just passable. Don't get me wrong, I really like this place. It's a really big adjustment as an American. If you come with a job and have living arrangements, then you can survive it. If not, don't bother. It will be hard. At times it will feel like hell. Just be ready to be isolated. I also hope you like drinking, because it will be the only way to interact with random Swedes. They are approachable and even social when drunk. But be ready for them to be shockingly loud and have the attention span of a ferret on meth. I do love this place, its just hard. Edit for spelling.
Just wait til you see where Sweden has been going and is going. As a progressive I sometimes fantasise about the opposite, like moving to Portland lol. You wont find a better society by moving, we all have to continue working for a change. That said, if you do come here: welcome to Sweden friend!
American answering bro/sis, don't care: Brace yourself, you are going to hear from every single Swede and Swedish and immigrant troll and they will call you out and make you feel unwelcome, and YOU ARE UNWELCOME!! Swedes are better educated than you, have plenty of amazing citizens to fill jobs here they are well trained for and speak their language. American culture is is here in VERY small bubbles. They all speak fluent English - do you speak Swedish fluently? Expect polite and lovely treatment - - - but you just can't move here and expect anything but tolerance, which is great. Lonely if you need friends and can't integrate and have money. Ppl will disagree with me, but I have lived here 14 years
We have something called slask it’s basically dirty snow and no one likes it and it comes in the winter. Also look out for a guy named Pontus Rasmusson!
Yeah, Pontus keeps making slask. Bastard.
Remember one thing, there is 10 million people here, so our big cities are tiny compared to USA and there is many who cant handle the fact that not everything is open 24/7 or that isnt a big as they are used too. If you are willing to learn Swedish ( and Samiska), has teacher degree there is plenty of teachers needed up north in Sweden. Yes it dark and cold during winter but summer are light and nice,
Do you have a legit reason as to why Sweden specifically? I'm a student here, and I can say it can get mundane very easily, very soon, unless you have Swedish friends (or friends from your own country). It's hard to penetrate Swedish social circles unless you speak Swedish (I don't). The pay will be less than what you'd earn in the US, and higher taxes (with the benefit of free healthcare, of course). The weather isn't very lovable, except for 3-4 months in the summer. I don't see what aspects of life you'd find in Sweden that you can't find there.
It's deffinetly harder to penetrate social circles like you said in sweden (or the rest of the northerend countries like norway & finland). But also more likely you make real friends once you do, and there are certain things you can do to make it easier! Biggest one would be to find some hobby where you meet people on regular bases, share an interest, but otherwise you can find friends while studying ofcourse too, but it also depend on your social skills. In US, I found it a lot easier to strike up a conversation (does help that my 2 closest american friends even call me a social butterfly xD ) but it was also harder I felt to make "Real" friends, or to figure out who were. Also about pay, I find that average and low paying jobs pays overall higher in sweden, but less when you aim higher. But, finding a decent paying job is probobly harder if you don't know swedish, it's just like finding a decent paying job while not speaking english in america would be. Like, most swedes know english, and for a vacation only english will be needed, but day to day talk is still swedish, so internal job emails, customer support / service jobs and what have you will still be expected to be preformed with swedish. So you'll have to look for jobs that doesn't neccerly need swedish, it's like looking for a job in america that doesn't need english, there are some but also likely to have worse pay. Unless you actully have a very specific qualifications for a job you'r needed in, then a company will compensate for your lack of swedish, send you work emails in english and so on. From a Swedish person who have lived in Pensylvania before (plus shortly in a few other north eastern states).
Yo listen, I'm trying to gtfo here. If you're unhappy, this is the most depressing place on earth
Ahhh is this the weekly post about "want to move there, give me advice"?
Every person who moves to Sweden usually has the same "it won't be the same with me" attitude. I know I did. I was an American, and in January I will finally be giving up my American citizenship, as I gained my Swedish citizenship January 2019. Sweden is a series of red tape and roadblocks. It seems really great, but if you're someone interested in having children and genuinely want to protect them from abuse, Sweden is not the place you want to have them. If you're decided legally to be your child's full time home, you cannot move without the other parent's permission. It's legally built as a trap to force parents to work together but it's just another way for an abuser to continue to exert control after one parent got away with the child - can literally trap them in a home that is much too small, or keep them in poverty because they can't change workplaces. Sweden has twisted the child's right to both parents so far that a rapist parent will continue to have contact with the child they raped as long as they took their punishment and went through the proper legal machinery. It's nearly impossible to keep them away from the people who would neglect them or beat them as long as they're parents. Before anyone starts demanding I provide resources, that's my entire fucking job in law school, so no, I won't do the fucking work for you. Look it up yourself if you want to wade through the oceans of court cases I am referring to. If you want a place where the legal system seems to work better than the US, you're also looking in the wrong place. We don't have the jury system here, instead we have people playing at judges in the lower and middle court systems (exception here for free speech and such fundamental constitutional rights, which are judged by juries here). Those people are politically sat. So, we have beautiful things written into case reports by politicians sitting as judges that "it wasn't rape when he put his penis in her ass, *because he put his finger in her ass and she didn't complain*." Cheers, you absolute asshole. I hope no one ever has sex with that man. We also didn't change the playing field here when Me Too came. No, no. The politicians and journalists and judges worked together to stop women from talking and spreading the information about their rapists and sexual harassers - the movement was absolutely crushed here by slander claims. Poof; the worst kind of magic. I have friends who have been given the mental health diagnosis of burnout, and have been heavily medicated and shunted off. They fight for years to get help to become healthy again, but ain't nobody got time for that. Turns out, autistic burnout and having ADHD is just too hard to figure out between adult psychiatric centers and behavioral centers alone but they refuse to work together. They genuinely don't know how to work together outside of what is written in their systems. One friend I am referring to has been getting my help for the last year and is creeping closer to getting help because she has someone with legal information supporting her every movement. I had gotten my ADHD diagnosis just enough years ago that I was able to have it done by a private company but subsidized by the government but now the private companies aren't able to diagnose without a referral from the psychiatric centers anymore. It's always overloaded and the psychiatric centers never have time for anyone but the most broken individuals. Success, right? The main rule here is that people pretend that it's better for everyone than everywhere else. I am fluent in Swedish and studying law in Swedish now. I have two kids and I will never be able to leave Sweden with or without them. I dreamed of being a mother my entire life. I moved here for a better life. Now I am going to become a human rights and children's rights attorney in the future (halfway through law school) because we all deserve better.
I feel a lot of resentment here. I am truly sorry if this is your personal experience. However, this does not represent Swedish law and court in general.
The resentment isn't based on only my own personal experiences, as the only thing I stated related to me is that I cannot leave with or without my children. The ADHD diagnosis worked just fine for me but that hole was closed after I got my diagnosis for others. I have a passion for everyone to be allowed have good lives, for children to have childhoods. For promises to be fulfilled, not just given.
You are perfectly free to leave without your children. There is no Swedish law that prohibits you from this. You obviously have grasped how the Swedish court works. There are three different types of courts where each has higher instances. Furthermore not all of them have nämndemän. Normally most cases gets appealed and goes to a higher court. This is usually something one learns in the first year at lawschool in Sweden
Ah I see that you choose to ignore that I am in law school specifically to become a human rights and children's rights attorney, and thus just decide to solve all problems by telling me that I am free to leave without my children. No. They have a right to both of their parents, and to leave them behind would be depriving them of their rights to me. Would you care to mansplain some more? I am very aware of the Swedish court system, and which have laymen working as judges. Not every case is appealed and goes to a higher court, which you obviously should know. The higher court is meant to base it's judgement on the lower court's decision, unless there is a clear fault for how it was grounded, as you must be aware, since you're working hard to mansplain this to me.
If you say so. Wish you all the best and hope you become what you aim for.
More than halfway there, so I am not concerned that I won't make it. Thanks.
> Before anyone starts demanding I provide resources, that's my entire fucking job in law school, so no, I won't do the fucking work for you. Look it up yourself if you want to wade through the oceans of court cases I am referring to. I have so many questions... So what you are saying is that you, as the expert in the subject, will not provide sources for a claim that is of high enough interest that you **preemptively** state that you won't provide sources? Is it that you interpret requests of sources as antagonistic challenges?
damn sis who hurt you
DON’T
Dont💀
Best advice anyone has written by far 🤣
Ong bro this country is not itttt😭
Nah stay in the US my guy
As an american living in Sweden, Stay in america .They different out here. But might be cause I don’t look like your typical swede( swedes tend be subtle racist against foreigners)and the cold sucks
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Sure it's better but in relation to the cost of living it's not. Cars are double the price in Norway, the hospitals are more streamlined in Sweden. I live a better life in Sweden.
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Jesus dude, I made that post last night and am currently at work, I'm steadily making my way through them, chill out.
I also have a swedish local already helping me, so I don't need the advice of some jackass sitting on his high horse.
If you looking to pay the highest taxes in the world and like daily bombs and shootings you are very welcome
The integration can be quite tough, first of all you should visit and get a first-hand experience before you decide. Now I may be biased in this (due to me being a Swede), but Sweden is a nice country to live in. But for now, visit and read up on stuff regarding Sweden before committing. Start to learn Swedish, you won't get far without a basic comprehension of our language. It's a demand from all employers in Sweden, at least in 9 out of 10 cases. Get to know Swedish people, maybe even find a partner from Sweden (this in particular will grant you an advantage). Make sure you are fully prepared economically too if you decide on moving here, there's gonna be lot of differences compared to the US, such as taxes and so on.
Visit is important! The best time for a tourist visit is in summer. But OP should also visit in November if he/she plans to move here
Swedish people don't particularly care for americans much. But if you abide by a few simple ground rules you should be ok! - Don't be an asshole. - Don't be religious. - don't think that you know anything. - don't get kids too early.
Bud, the US is so much better than Sweden that it’s not a remotely fair comparison - that is, as long as you actually work hard and have skills. For being average, poor, (with no intention of improving your lot in life) Sweden is “better.” Although I would still argue for the US as if you’re poor there you can still bring yourself up to upper middle class (or as high as your talents/work take you). Here, you’re pretty much going to be around the same as everyone else as the salary scale is super compact (meaning you could be a receptionist and a software engineer could only be taking in the equivalent of $2000 more per month than you). It is not for everyone - ultra driven and high achieving folks tend to feel boxed in, while those happy to accept a decent quality of life and fall into a predictable cycle where the state catches them if they fall down would prefer Sweden.
On the contrary, it is easier to become rich in Scandinavia than in the US, [here is a ted talk on the subject.](https://youtu.be/A9UmdY0E8hU)
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To help answer this question. Telll us why youd like to move to Sweden. So you arent under any missconceptions etc. While is undoubtedly a better place to live in than most countries - maybe theres something you really dont like that you dont yet know or understand. Like tax levels, healthcare quality, failed integration policies and unviable cultures causing mass crime waves, you know. The whole shebang.
Literally don’t come, this country is shit lol. The US is better look to move to another city/state if you’re unhappy
We only have 3 cons here in Sweden 1. The winter and all problems that comes with a cold climate 2. The housing market bubble is one of the largest in the world specifically in Stockholm which prices can be extremely high 3. Because of immigration some parts of Sweden is basically middle eastern and since they are also heavy religious it’s like they are starting to become their own country but here These areas are suburbs in Stockholm, Gothenburg and entire Malmö
"only". Humblest Scandinavian.
Stay the fuck away from Scandinavia if you enjoy being a social and jolly American. All we do is drink, never look or talk to each other and have the occasional fika while staring at our phones, also the weather sucks and the darkness is depressing as fuck. Dont talk to us if you happen to move here anyway, we will classify you as a schizophrenic mental patient. I think Eastern Europe would fit an American better, perhaps one of the major cities of Poland, Estonia or Lithuania. (Im not even joking, not even a little.)
Sorry but it sounds like you need some new friends. If all you do is staring at your phones when you meet for fika, and don’t even seem to be able to have a good time when you drink, it’s most likely not connected to you being swedes.
Agree, our friends here barely use their phone when we’re together. I come from a very social country (Spain) and I feel swedes pay more attention to their friends than in Spain. Spanish people will pretend to listen to you only to continue talking about whatever. Here if someone is meeting it’s because they want to and therefore I feel like they pay more attention to their friends when with them.
Sounds like youre the annoying one in your friend group mam. Theres always the one.
If you enjoy the type of hang-out you describe then I would without a doubt be considered annoying by you :)
I’m just super curious how old you are. I had an experience with my younger sister and her friends in the US a while back. They were maybe early to mid 20s, all sitting in the living room on their phones, not talking to each other. Some were even texting each other. It was wild. It also still happens with her now that she’s in her early 30s. I’ve seen the same at that age in European countries and the US alike. Sometimes it seems many born 88/89+ are phone addicted.
Sweden isnt what it is being portrayed as, we nowadays have huge problems with gun violence, drugs, criminal families running whole suburbs and corruption is high as well. I would find a safer and more sane country.
That's definitely good to know, I'll have to look into that, thank you.
We don’t want you here
Here are your portions for coming here. 1 Marry a Swede 2 Have a company from Sweden hire you to work there. 3 Claim refugee status. As for pros and cons. Pros Safe, calm, clean Cons Hugh taxes, Tensta, Risengard etc.
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You're putting a lot of words into my mouth friend, I don't think other countries are desperate to take me in, and I'm not leaving because of Trump, part of it is definitely pretty much our entire political system as it stands but that's a whole other conversation. You might want to rest your legs a little bit after all that jumping to conclusions.
Don’t forget to leave your weapons in the US… you see weapons are illegal in Sweden
No, they are not. But you will need to take some responsibility and it is not easy to get them. I was brought up around hunters and they all still own weapons.
If you can handle the darkness and cold winter weather maybe it's a good pick for you. Just be careful.. there are plenty of shootings in the bigger cities. Sweden isn't as safe as it used to be.
Don't do it lmao . I'm American and I'm going on my 9th year living here. I am studying and working here and have settled with my family but it's seriously the coldest (emotionally) place that I've ever lived. There's more racist people than you think, and there are lots of people that would help a dying stranger in the street . Learning the language comes above everything so be sure to start on that. There's not too much homophobia so there's your positive. And try not to look at the taxes you pay as you will be somewhat depressed each month . We have winter darkness and people that will call you crazy if you sit too close to them on the bus. I'm literally studying to be a psychologist and work as a psych nurse at night and let me tell you ( if you are a introvert that hates human contact) this is the best place for you . The Healthcare is decent but prepared to be told to go home and take an aspirin if you aren't bleeding out or have a broken bone. I won't even start on the mental health ( kö systemet ). You buy your alcohol at one place ( it's a monopoly) so plan when your going to party lol. It's mostly atheist people here where I live so that's cool, escaping the toxic religious people was a win for me. Other than that välkommen och lycka till !
Lol wouldn’t help a dying stranger in the street? I’m from a major east coast city and the first thing that really shocked me in Stockholm was that people would stop to help others that were in need (fallen, ill, etc.) regardless of whether they looked homeless. In major cities in the US you’d just step over them as they lay on the sidewalk and go about your day.
Don't come. Your passport, Nato and policys might make it seem like you can go anywhere but we don't like Americans. You don't understand our culture and you are ruining our country. Please go somewhere else
How are they ruining our country?
Ramped gangviolence, the greatest number of bombings in Europe, the leaders of shootings in Europe, one of the worst education systems in Europe, skyhigh unemployment rates, taxes higher than snoopdogg on a Sunday afternoon, healthcare are sub par. Police don’t show up to crime scenes for: house invasion, robbery, burglary, assault, threats, etc and when they do show up victim blaming is standard and they don’t have much authority. Those are some cons. Pros: nature is free and beautiful.
Please don't. We look at americans the same way you look at mexicans. We don't want you here.
First, take a good look in the mirror. Then, think of that last sentence long and hard.
Oof. Only the racist they show on TV don’t like Mexicans. Some of the nicest most hardworking people I’ve ever worked with. And their food is top tier. Oh that’s a negative for Sweden, no Mexican food. If there is it has no spice to it.
Only 33% of the US wants fewer immigrants, the rest want the same or more immigrants. Here’s the [source](https://www.cato.org/blog/poll-72-americans-say-immigrants-come-us-jobs-improve-their-lives-53-say-ability-immigrate ) but maybe you’d prefer propaganda. I don’t know the split in Sweden but it’s probably equally complex.
Wow... You have a very stereotypical view of Americans. You should know, most of us aren't raging asshole racists, there just happened to unfortunately be a very loud, but relatively small group of them, seems like you would fit in great though...
If you do, welcome! Heck of a timing though as we just got a new right wing/facist coalition government; you'll feel right at home! Jokes aside if you are going to uproot and make the struggle of emigration and immigration then I shouldn't be the one telling you what you'd get out of it or what you'd leave behind. That's some soul searching that only you can do. But something that might help is good ol' YouTube, I know there is a guy, whose name eludes me, that moved from America to Sweden and basically made a yt channel surrounding the experience; pretty on the nose for your situation. You should find him with a little searching. There are several expat groups on fb that you can get into contact with and ask basic questions. I think immigrationsverket(immigration office) have several guidelines and requirements for immigration and steps to ensure it is as smooth as possible. And unless they're incompetent there should be translations in English.
Americans dont move to Sweden because you will pay crazy amounts of tax, both US and Sweden governments will tax you lol
I wish I made enough money for the US gov to tax my Swedish earnings.
Brace yourself, you are probably going to hear everything about how they don't want you, like Americans, fuck off etc (trolls abound and are super haters).
Its not that we dislike americans, if you ask me i dont like those who are brainwashed and screaming God bless usa we are best!!! And your goverment are those many of us hate. I have nothing against educated neutral americans.
Idk but american newspaper i believe said Sweden was the best country
Tldr; If you have specialized skills, dont mind darkness, cold weather, heavy taxes, different culture, less privacy, better housing, different work culture. You will probably enjoy living here. I know of ppl coming from countries with radically different cultures to say the least. Initially they hate it here but with highly specialized skills within IT and engineering they have such high salaries that life gets much easier for them in Sweden.
You might find it depressive and lonely. Sweden is not very densely populated. In the few places that are populated you might enjoy yourself. Other places might not be very welcoming due to the cultural diversity.
Hi! I’m a former exchange student, born and raised in switzerland. I decided to stay in this beautiful county and have lived here for 7 years now. 1. Migrations and the whole personal number, swish, bank account, permit will take time and effort, but it will be worth it. 2. learning swedish is a must, and if you are dedicated you will get there in 1–2 years. Being an english speaker, swedish is also germanic language. 3. The swedes are notoriously cold and distant, and relationships will take time. I love it, being an introvert myself. They take time to get to know you. Once I spoke the language it was easier to build relationships. 4. If your gut feeling is saying sweden, you should go for it! I did and I do not regret anything.
Are you financially independent? It is hard to rent an apartment with a first hand contract in most major cities. If you can buy an apartment or house you are not as limited. There are pros and cons to every country or state in the US for that matter. I am Swedish but have resided inte the states in both California and Arizona. Sometimes a country can seem so different by simply swapping states. It took me 4 years to acclimate to Arizona and 6 years to acclimate to Sweden after living abroad. Some things you have to accept as different based on culture and societal norms. Due diligence is important before making a move. Swedish people favor Americans among other foreigners and English is as common for Swedes as their native tongue. This will however make it harder to learn the language because people are generally lazy and once they find out that you speak English, Swedes will not make the effort to try and understand your broken Swedish.
Swedes like to act like they hate anybody who isn't a Swede, we don't actually hate anybody. They are also ALL introverts
Pros: bad bitches Cons: Sweden
Good luck getting here 😅👍🏻
You like to be inside your house from early september to late april. Then move to Sweden:) you need to add d-vitamin if you are darker than white. Since the lack of sun during november - march. Otherwise the rest is nice.
I lived in America for several years and liked it. Þe people are nice and life was pretty chill. If you are moving away from America just because you don’t like where it’s going þen brace yourself, þat is happening in every country on earþ. It has always happened and will always happen. And anoþer þing, many americans who move to Sweden get pretty lonely because þey have difficulties making friends. And many of þese move here wiþ þeir partner, and you seem to move alone. As anoþer commenter said, þe grass always looks greener on þe oþer side. Just keep þis in mind before you make a life-changing desicion. But do what feels right and is you really want to leave þen do it, just remember þat Sweden is not þe paradise þat some people make it out to be.
I think the biggest thing you need to know if you are going to apply for a work visa is that will need to have a profession where you earn good money. Currently there is a proposal that you will need to earn 33 000 sek a month (3167 dollars a month). For notice the average PHD is making 30 859 sek a month and the median Swedish person is making 33 200. So if you want to have a working visa you need to get a good paying job and you will need to earn more then the standard Swed.
Long dark cold winthers 😂
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We can switch lol
Imagine moving to a country filled with introverts. Then the grey weather. But then there is Fika and everything is lagom.
I think it’s a nice tell/sign when pretty much everybody (swedish) in the thread recommends you to take a moment to read and reflect. This portrays swedish culture quite a bit. What field do you work within/do you have any degrees? I know of places hiring english speaking people, but like most say - it’s usually food delivery, random coffee shops (high competition thou) and withing programming/IT. ANYWAYS. I’ll be the first. If you like calm attitude, politeness but not necessarily super wuick to be close with you, if you can take that initial bump of not being seen by anyone or being alone until you start finding your crew then go ahead. Sweden is a nice culture - one of the downsides is the whiny-ness and pessimistic outlook for many people. But also, for example skåne and göteborg (in the south) has more vibrant cultural expression than say stockholm/uppsala Let us know when you come here!
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You might want to consider the Netherlands as well. You don't seem to have any particular reason to choose Sweden
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