tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post3200338307551985743..comments2023-11-10T23:55:11.147-06:00Comments on A Swedish American in Sweden: International Students, Tuition, and Swedish EducationHairy Swedehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-47066233274305318182014-08-31T15:32:01.622-05:002014-08-31T15:32:01.622-05:00unemployment for young people in this country who ...unemployment for young people in this country who have a college degree is incredibly high. it's really too bad.Hairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-49434420219657454422012-08-07T13:23:50.401-05:002012-08-07T13:23:50.401-05:00"HairySwede said...
@R – I don’t agree with ..."HairySwede said...<br /><br />@R – I don’t agree with the government wanting you to stay. Not as an international student. Until the recent legislation, which is still a long ways from making it easy to stay here, international students struggle horribly to find jobs in this country after graduating."<br /><br />Well, international students aren't the only students that struggle with jobs in this country. We're many native ones as well.Kosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14636434001577937057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-82194827655774896812012-08-05T22:50:47.098-05:002012-08-05T22:50:47.098-05:00To end my previous post..
..I don't get it ho...To end my previous post..<br /><br />..I don't get it how you can waste your time on an education that you apparantly are so dissatisfied with for the sole reason that you want to be with your family?! .. It re-enforced my thought that you're a very dependant person that doesn't seem to be able to plan on your own very well. I mean, you're whining about it for the reason how important education is for you, but still you don't seem want to do anything about it because your family is more important? .. If I were you I'd drop out immediately and start looking around for something else to do. Complaining about it here will hardly solve or change anything.Kosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14636434001577937057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-88821967254633163292012-08-05T22:49:50.953-05:002012-08-05T22:49:50.953-05:00@Lostintranslation...literally
Well, LOL at you C...@Lostintranslation...literally<br /><br />Well, LOL at you Canadian-Iraqi-something girl. You *literally* seem be completely lost here as you don't seem to be able to conduct the simplest analyze. For real. My school at least taught<br />me the basics, I wonder if your's ever did. Your nick couldn't fit you more.<br /><br />Now. I hardly think there aren't any "crappy" educations in Canada, because you can find those everywhere in the world, Sweden is no exception. However, from your point of view it's all very biased and subjective and you can't speak for everyone else attending the same education. It doesn't tell anything either about your personal or everyone's else perception about the general education quality, if there is one at all, because you haven't been everywhere and you haven't talked to every student, only a few. Also, one should remember that one system simply doesn't fit all. However, to get a more interesting picture it's much more relevant to look at results and statistics for the actual outcome by comparing programs or courses between different schools than judging a whole school or system due to a program or few courses within a field at only one or two schools. But people who are querulous and narrow minded like yourself tend to search for their peers to justify their bad conclusions and discontent.<br /><br />From what I've heard and seen as a student for many years, the international students from all over the world I met were very pleased with their educations where I studied (Lund university and Lunds tekniska högskola). I remember I had a friend there who was actually a Canadian (surprise!) from Vancouver and he had no complaints whatsoever, rather the very opposite. One thing that can be held for true more often though, is that students at the university level in Sweden are held much more responible for their own studies in a larger extent than, for example in the US and perhaps Canada as well. It means less lectures in average but much more individual studying/reading (thicker and more textbooks) and by that, time for reflection, analysis and deeper learning. It's also quite common that students defend their work in front other critically opposing students as a way to train their analysing skills and critical thinking on both sides. The exams are also very varied with the common denominator to test the students how they apply their knowledge and skills on real world problems.<br />Students here don't expect their teachers to stuff them with ready facts that they're only supposed to regurgitate, but rather train their analytical skills to be applied for the real world. From what I've read, college students in North America are more controlled with "ready" facts by having more lectures, assignments, homework etc which means they don't get the time to reflect and analyze critically in the same extent as here. It all tends to become very fragmented to me, rather than giving the big picture so to speak. It actually reminds me more about swedish gymnasium level than college. But all in all, I can't speak for all schools there, far from, and so shouldn't you about the education here. It's just ridiculous and makes you look like a fool.<br /><br />My conclusion is that it could be yourself that's the actual problem that depend too much on the teachers all the time, as you may be used to such a system from home. Perhaps they don't train the students in high school to actually think critically and to become responsible there, what do I know.Kosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14636434001577937057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-19971685052038569772010-11-10T15:05:46.974-06:002010-11-10T15:05:46.974-06:00Hi, I found your blog recently because I plan to g...Hi, I found your blog recently because I plan to go to Sweden for exchange studies and was looking for personal experiences people can offer. (Corporal websites just seem too general) I'm planning to go beginning of 2012, which is just about the time they're going to implement tuition fees. Hopefully this won't affect me since I'm already paying fees to my home university.<br /><br />That being said, I'm very curious as to how "lax" the education system is. Other commenters (particularly the Canadian ones, since I am Canadian as well) have mentioned that the system is sub par to what we have here. Does that mean there is less quality in the teaching, or just that the pace is more relaxed? It's a very new idea to me that you learn one course at a time as opposed to having an average of 5 courses taught per term (3-4 months) simultaneously, which is what we have here in Canada. It would be great if I can get some opinions/advice in this category.<br /><br />Btw I plan to do my exchange at Lund university, and possibly a clinical rotation in Karolinska in the future :3 If anyone here are from/have been to these schools, I'd love to hear about your experiences! =D<br /><br />*sorry for the extremely long post*A prospective exchange studentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-40251560622271477232010-08-13T11:39:32.412-05:002010-08-13T11:39:32.412-05:00thats not cheating at all. go for it. take advanta...thats not cheating at all. go for it. take advantage. use whatever you have at your disposal. <br /><br />I went to Sweden using my Swedish passport. It made my life so much easier. Having both means I can float back and forth between the US and the EU without trouble. Its amazing.<br /><br />Definitely go for the EU passport. They arent concerned with where you got your education in terms of the tuition. <br /><br />Check out studyinsweden.se for lots of good information. hopefully that helps!Hairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-34829150018751340982010-08-12T18:08:41.403-05:002010-08-12T18:08:41.403-05:00I stumbled upon this blog while looking for some A...I stumbled upon this blog while looking for some American perspectives on living in Sweden. The idea of moving there and pursuing my Master’s (in either Business/Economics/Marketing) has been implanted in my mind for a long time. My sister lives in Finland and is a sort of “mentor” for this process, but other advice is always welcome!<br /><br />My dilemma is that this new tuition law (while I understand it) will mean a buttload of money since I am an American citizen. However, I also have dual EU citizenship since I was born in Eastern Europe.<br /><br />My question is, since I have EU citizenship couldn’t I use this regardless of the fact that I have my Bachelor’s degree from an American university?<br /><br />I realize this may be seen by some as “cheating”, but I do plan on staying in Sweden and (hopefully) finding a job following a Master’s degree. <br /><br />Any advice is very appreciated!Silvanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-44611059014465214282010-07-30T17:30:55.611-05:002010-07-30T17:30:55.611-05:00thanksthanksHairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-34081682064719140272010-07-29T23:41:04.361-05:002010-07-29T23:41:04.361-05:00Excellent post. I like such themes and anything co...Excellent post. I like such themes and anything connected to this matter. I definitely want to read <br />more on that blog soon.Thanks for sharing with us ...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://educentral.co.uk" rel="nofollow">history</a>Susan 2010https://www.blogger.com/profile/11434630715678258636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-41887419875918468422010-07-10T11:27:00.652-05:002010-07-10T11:27:00.652-05:00true. unless youre paying those taxes and never go...true. unless youre paying those taxes and never going to college.Hairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-24345018347765602212010-06-27T21:22:34.984-05:002010-06-27T21:22:34.984-05:00Still way cheaper than American colleges, lolStill way cheaper than American colleges, lolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-91054039716431022952010-06-15T18:04:19.482-05:002010-06-15T18:04:19.482-05:00finding work can be very difficult, although the g...finding work can be very difficult, although the government has been instituting new laws in hopes of making it a bit easier, but if youre not from an EU country its hard. that being said, I always think its a good idea to to grab a chance to live abroad and study.Hairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-89491007959318275572010-06-14T01:44:28.742-05:002010-06-14T01:44:28.742-05:00I have also been accepted to study in Sweden for f...I have also been accepted to study in Sweden for fall 2010.<br />But still thinking of going or not, it seems like a great opportunity, and Sweden seems like a great country to study. But wondering about the chances of finding a job in Europe afterwards as a non-EU citizen.Jennifer Chenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00047288207489990005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-62179943561593201202010-06-10T06:14:37.338-05:002010-06-10T06:14:37.338-05:00anyone have any help for Kaleem? I've got noth...anyone have any help for Kaleem? I've got nothing Im afriad...Hairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-65883160871707161242010-06-07T00:58:51.949-05:002010-06-07T00:58:51.949-05:00Can any one tell me about Mid Sweden University an...Can any one tell me about Mid Sweden University and its Busness Department? Would i be able to find a Job there after Master Degree?<br /> I m admitted there for fall 2010 session but still dont know whther to go r to refus it?Kaleemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10207940407300024017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-69580770378576023502010-03-08T12:57:01.814-06:002010-03-08T12:57:01.814-06:00I did some research with the help of Twitter. In r...I did some research with the help of Twitter. In response to the question about permanent residents paying tuition: <br /><br />StudyInSweden @HairySwede No, permanent residents are exempted from tuition fees. Search for "permanent" on http://bit.ly/alzgyGHairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-8492061239143169412010-03-07T15:19:43.470-06:002010-03-07T15:19:43.470-06:00I would guess no, but don't know for sure anyo...I would guess no, but don't know for sure anyone else have an answer?Hairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-33439643964339980122010-03-06T13:10:08.585-06:002010-03-06T13:10:08.585-06:00Hey,
Does anyone know if you will still be charge...Hey, <br />Does anyone know if you will still be charged tuition if you are a permanent resident of Sweden, but not a citizen?<br /><br />Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-54803339444044228572010-03-06T04:13:57.572-06:002010-03-06T04:13:57.572-06:00@That Girl – it definitely does depend on so many ...@That Girl – it definitely does depend on so many different factors, some schools are just better than others<br /><br />@J.B. – agreed. Both problems are critical, and I think play big roles in the perception of Swedish education of those foreign students studying here.<br /><br />I think you hit it on the head though, there are always ways to challenge yourself further.Hairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-66162133157782065032010-03-04T17:04:31.748-06:002010-03-04T17:04:31.748-06:00Let me first start by saying that the swedish tert...Let me first start by saying that the swedish tertiary education has two issues. <br /><br />One: everything is free: creating a huge free rider problem.<br /><br />Two: International students are not encouraged to stay in sweden after they graduate.<br /><br />That said, I think a lot of the negative things said here about the swedish education system is misunderstood.<br /><br />Some of you say that you are not challenged by your education, or that it's inferior. In my limited experience I find the Swedish system to be very customizable. I attend the Stockholm School of Economics (Handelshögskolan i Stockholm), the supposedly best economics/business education in the country. Some parts of it I find laughably easy. But the people who attend it are ambitious and keen scholars, so they find ways to challenge or give themselves an edge in the marketplace. I know plenty of people at SSE who are simultaneously pursuing a second degree from KI, KTH or Stockholm University. Some even pursue a third (I know someone who is studying Economics at SSE, medicine at KI and law at SU). If you find that your course load is too easy, it is usually very easy to take another class at your university (or at another one). Most educational degrees can be improved (both to your understanding of it, and when searching for jobs) by picking up a few statistics courses by example (if basic statistics courses are part of the curriculum, then take further ones :P ). On occasion you can take advanced courses at the same time as you take the basic ones (many times, in my experience, the rules about course requirements are not enforced at registration). <br /><br />And if all that fails, then do something else. If classes are too easy, engage yourself in extracurricular activities or get a job on the side. A friend of mine started working on the side, while he was pursuing his Bachelor's and now his degree is a mere formality and far from the most important part of his resume. <br /><br />Good luck to you ambitious students out there!J.Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-70310398553571187092010-03-01T23:00:58.106-06:002010-03-01T23:00:58.106-06:00I thought the level of education was good during m...I thought the level of education was good during my semester in Sweden. I studied at Göteborg Universitet in Handelshögskolan and in the global studies department. I thought Handels was excellent and much better than the business department in my home university here in Australia and for me the work was harder. The global studies was a bit of a joke though, too airy fairy tree hugging I love peace people for me. So it really depends in what faculty you are in I guess.That Girl Possessedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13727885102636654877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-59038630401165047312010-03-01T13:46:27.459-06:002010-03-01T13:46:27.459-06:00@everyone - I managed to take myself out of this c...@everyone - I managed to take myself out of this conversation. and to no ones surprise, it is flourishing. very good discussion and fun to read.Hairy Swedehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18041694218084956969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-39523937079640612202010-02-28T08:54:45.201-06:002010-02-28T08:54:45.201-06:00@both of you or anybody who cares ;)
It's har...@both of you or anybody who cares ;)<br /><br />It's hard to say what's good enough when you haven't been there yourself, but of course the ideal is for all students to be satisfied and I do believe some classes out there are way too easy. Emöke has a good point though, it is up to the student in the end. I'm taking a French class right now and I could easily pass without much effort (by strategically learning the words and grammar that are likely to show up at the tests) but then my French wouldn't be of much use for me anyway. Still, if it sucks I hope you let kåren know about it, it should really show in the evaluations.<br /><br />Big and old schools have a head start of course, they have years of experience and well developed departments, not saying newer schools can't be good too. I also like my university to have a good mix of locally and remotely recruited students (sorry, that phrase sounds idiotic) because I think it says something about an education if people are willing to move to get it. In that respect I believe KTH and Handels does far better than Stockholm University. (Of course, also moving students sometimes pick the town first and the classes later. But still, if i% of the people feel like taking a class at their local university just for fun, that affects Stockholm University more than it does högskolan i Kristianstad, right?) If the education is not given everywhere, that's probably a good sign too. <br /><br />I met a Chinese exchange student once who thought her education here was ridiculously easy and I'm sure it was compared to Chinese standards. That's not to say I'm convinced the Chinese system is better. I read in Forskning & Framsteg about cheating in research being a growing problem over there due to the pressure. The government want a certain amount of Nobel prizes and whatnot, I've never heard of Sweden having goals of that kind and I believe we're doing kind of good compared to other nations, considering how small a country Sweden is. There need to be some kind of balance. Four hours of lessons each week is too little and mainly an economic thing (iirc, a class in arts ("humaniora") is funded by two prisbasbelopp ("basic amounts of money"?), a tech class four, med/chem class eight, fine arts ("konst") 32 or something so there you go) but also a way of making time for the student to read, reflect and hopefully work on some paper that is to be handed in later. As for myself, I'm thinking about digging up some French exchange student for coffee and conversation; that would do wonders for both of us and I'm glad I have enough time off schedule to do it.Emmanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-81419925487648644992010-02-27T12:50:35.598-06:002010-02-27T12:50:35.598-06:00@LostInTranslation
That would be lika saying all C...@LostInTranslation<br />That would be lika saying all Canadian universities have exactly the same level, on each and every program possible. And I wouldn't believe that for a second.<br /><br />There will always be SOME schools at least which will be sub-par in some area/areas. Many smaller universities in Sweden are sadly located in this category.Comp.Sci.-student @ KTHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837418360328434663.post-21735932634803121882010-02-27T07:36:48.283-06:002010-02-27T07:36:48.283-06:00@ emma.
I like how rationally you commented. Thank...@ emma.<br />I like how rationally you commented. Thank you, everyone else picked up their pitch forks and aimed. I agree wtih you, kristianstad is crap. but my assumption was collected from different people complaining about the schools in Sweden, not just me. I presume the biggest schools in Sweden had to be the best, thus, they are no where as crappy as kristianstad. but shouldn't all the univ/colleges be at <i>least </i>be of acceptable standards to the international students and their swedish students?<br /><br />thanks again for discussing it with out thinking I'm insulting you or Sweden as a whole....Gamma-rayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12149803854567501954noreply@blogger.com