Program Description | Host Family & Community | Host School | Travel | Orientations & Activities | Eligibility
Program Description
Sweden stretches from the Arctic Circle to the shores of Denmark. It offers forests covering more than half of the country, numerous large rivers, and the longest coastline in Europe. Swedes feel a strong emotional attachment to nature, and Swedish art and culture celebrate this bond. After the long harsh winter, Swedes spend the warmer months outdoors—swimming, hiking, or visiting family and friends. During the summer in the North of Sweden, you will experience the sun not going down at all—known as the midnattsol (midnight sun).
Most of the population lives in small rural towns, and while the cities are populous and modern, they retain their ancient charm with pockets of medieval streets and architecture. Alongside Christian holidays, traditional festivities include celebrations of nature, most notably, the return of spring.
As an AFSer in Sweden, you’ll spend an academic year living with a host family, going to a local high school, speaking Swedish, and experiencing this progressive and beautiful country.
Language
Swedes speak Swedish, though almost 90% of Swedes also speak English, as it has been a required subject in schools since 1849. Many Swedes speak a 3rd or 4th language as well.
The ability to speak Swedish upon arrival is not necessary, but we strongly suggest that you learn as much as possible prior to departure. You will be expected to commit yourself to learning Swedish and speak Swedish while abroad.
Host Family & Community
Participants are placed throughout Sweden, though most host families are in isolated rural areas or small towns.
Host families in Sweden, like all AFS host families worldwide, are not paid. They open their homes to students in order to share their community and culture as well as to enrich their own family lives.
Swedes
Sweden is one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. The Swedes are proud of their nation and its accomplishments, and patriotism is important. Swedes enjoy celebrating holidays. Swedes have a profound respect for privacy and politeness. Although they may appear reserved at first, they tend to have terrific senses of humor and genuinely appreciate a good joke.
In general, Swedes are very sports-minded. Soccer, skiing, tennis, ice hockey and bandy (related to hockey) are all popular. Ice skating and other winter sports are common. Swedes love nature and try to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
Family life is important throughout the country. Family structure is diverse and each family has a different lifestyle and belief system. In a typical family, both parents work, and few Swedish families have maids.
The Swedes prize personal freedom and accountability, so your responsibilities at home and school will reflect those values. Household chores are usually democratically divided among Swedish family members, regardless of traditional female and male roles and age. Swedish houses tend to be small and tidy. Any student (boy or girl) must be willing and able to help at home by cleaning, cooking, washing laundry etc. Mutual respect between children and adults is nurtured from an early age.
Teens
Because it’s most likely that you will be placed in a small village, most of your activities will probably take place with your host family instead of with other teens. Informal get-togethers among teens are more common than large parties. It is common to use a bike for transportation to school, activities, friends, movies, etc.
Swedes enjoy reading, attending cultural events such as the theater and concerts, and watching movies and television.
Meals
Common foods include potatoes, cheese, seafood, meat, fresh vegetables, salads and open-faced sandwiches. International dishes including pasta and rice dishes are now common. Smörgåsbord, a bountiful buffet, for special occasions is very popular.
Although vegetarianism is becoming more popular, vegetarians can still be particularly difficult to place, since the Swedish cuisine consists of a wide variety of meats and fish. Flexibility will be a great asset to helping place participants.
Host School
Depending on your age, you will either be placed in the last year of junior high (grade 9), or in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of gymnasieskola (secondary school). It is likely you’ll be placed in a public school where you will be taking the initiative and responsibility for your schoolwork.
Most schools, but not all, provide basic Swedish training a few hours a week during the first semester.
Check out the Host School FAQ (.pdf).
Travel
You will receive a Travel Notification email about 6 weeks prior to international departure with your international flight itinerary and detailed instructions for when to arrive at the Gateway Orientation site in New York. At that point, you may arrange your domestic travel. In New York, you will join other AFS-USA participants for an overnight Gateway Orientation before you travel together to Stockholm. International airfare is included as part of the tuition.
Your Arrival
You and your fellow AFSers will travel together from one of the gateway cities in the United States. You all will arrive in Stockholm, collect your baggage and pass through customs. You will be met by AFS staff and volunteers who will take you to a 2-3 day Arrival Orientation. Your host family will either pick you up at the Arrival Camp, or you will travel to your host community by plane, boat, or bus where they will pick you up.
Your Return
You will return to Stockholm 2 days before your international departure for an End-of-Stay Orientation. You will then fly back to New York with your fellow AFSers
Orientations & Activities
In addition to the orientations that you will participate in domestically (the locally held Pre-Departure Orientation, the Culture Trek online orientation, and the national Gateway Orientation), you and your fellow AFSers will have several orientations while abroad.
These required orientations are intended to help you maximize your AFS experience, prevent culture shock and to gain knowledge, skills and a global understanding.
Arrival Orientation
The first orientation will take place upon your arrival in Stockholm. This will be a 2-3 day orientation that is intended to prepare you for your first weeks abroad. This will be an international orientation and your opportunity to meet participants from around the world. In addition to covering the rules and safety tips, you will learn ways to approach your experience from an intercultural learning perspective.
Mid-Stay Orientations
There may be several additional orientations throughout your year in Sweden. The camps that are organized on a national level are required of all AFSers. Your travel expenses will be reimbursed by AFS for any required orientations.
End-of-Stay Orientation
There will be an evaluation camp in the immediately prior to departure. This is your chance to reflect on your experience and to share with other AFSers. You will also prepare for the cultural readjustment that is a part of returning home.
Optional Activities
Some local chapters may organize special events, activities and trips for your enjoyment. There is a possibly that you may be invited to participate in a three-to-four day session with another host family or at a camp and meet other AFSers from the same region.
Eligibility
To participate in this program, you must:
- Be within the age range upon departure (located in the ‘read more’ drop-down)
- Have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Be mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy in accordance with AFS Medical Evaluation Policies
- Have a U.S. passport at the time of application. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the program end date
- Have an open mind, willingness to be flexible, and the ability to adapt to new a culture, school, and environment
Participation Notes
Vegetarians will be considered, but flexibility in your diet will be a great asset to finding you a host family.
High School graduates who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered for this program. Academic commitment will be expected.
While there is no language requirement for this program, we strongly suggest that you learn as much Swedish as possible prior to departure.
