Student blogs

Hey there, language enthusiasts! Sweden might be an English-friendly haven, especially in Stockholm, but mastering Swedish can open up exciting possibilities, especially if you’re eyeing a job in this beautiful country post-graduation. Today, I’m thrilled to share my journey of learning Swedish on a student budget, and guess what? All the resources and courses I’ll talk about are absolutely free!

Swedish Courses for International Students at Stockholm University (SU)

Last October and November, I embarked on the adventure of the first introductory Swedish course at SU. Trust me, it was a rollercoaster of challenges and victories. The course was a comprehensive package, from daily chit-chats to delving into Swedish grammar intricacies like word order and conjunctions. Two lectures a week, totaling 4 hours, kept things intense. But what made it memorable? The teacher’s commitment and humor! He sprinkled Swedish jokes throughout the class, boosting our enthusiasm for both the language and the culture. Keep an eye on the SU website for the availability of introductory courses. Oh, and as a health informatics student at KI and SU, you’re in luck – you get to sign up for SU’s Swedish courses for free!

Complimentary Swedish Course by Karolinska Institutet (KI)

Hey KI students, don’t feel left out! KI has your back with complimentary Swedish courses for international students enrolled for over 8 weeks. Organized by Folkuniversitetet, these courses offer flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to choose between lectures twice or once a week. Plus, the class sizes are smaller, making it easier to get personal attention from the teachers. Just a heads up, KI covers the cost of your first Folkuniversitetet course; after that, you might need to dip into your student budget for additional courses.

SFI Swedish Course: Your Language Odyssey Continues

So, you’ve conquered Folkuniversitetet, but your Swedish journey doesn’t have to end there. Enter SFI (Swedish for Immigrants), the free Swedish language education option for non-native speakers in Sweden. Getting into SFI can be a bit like navigating a maze – first, register at a city hall in Sweden and obtain your personal number. Once you’ve got that, you can apply for SFI courses online and have a quick interview to tailor your study path to your preferences. It’s a bit of a process, but hey, free Swedish education, right?

Language Learning Apps: Your Digital Companions

For those who love learning at their own pace, the digital realm is your playground. Duolingo, the household name in language apps, offers a gamified approach to spice up your learning process. And guess what? SFI has its own Swedish learning app called “En or Ett,” featuring different modes and mini-games to jazz up your Swedish learning journey. Sure, apps won’t replace formal classes, but they’re fantastic stepping stones, especially for beginners.

Talk Swedish with Your Swedish Squad

Here’s the golden nugget of language learning – talk, talk, and talk some more! Engage with your Swedish friends, toss in a casual “Hej, Hur mår du?” and attempt small talk in Swedish. Yes, it might feel like navigating uncharted waters initially, and you might stumble over words, but trust me, this is THE most effective way to become a Swedish language maestro in no time!

There you have it, language enthusiasts – your guide from “Hej, Tack” to mastering Swedish! Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant streets of Stockholm or eyeing a future in Sweden, embracing the local language is your key. Remember, the real magic happens when you talk. Engage with Swedish friends, stumble through those initial conversations, and watch your Swedish fluency bloom. As you venture into Swedish syntax and dance with umlauts, savor the journey. Learning a language isn’t just about words; it’s about connections, culture, and endless possibilities. So, fellow language explorers, as you navigate the Swedish linguistic landscape, may your journey be as delightful as a Swedish summer day.

Lycka till! (Good luck!) 🇸🇪🌟