A Bit About Me: North Park University and Chicago

I decided to go to North Park University for college for various reasons, but some of the key ones were:

1.) Family - I am now fourth generation in my family to go to North Park, and my older sister was studying there so I thought it would be nice to be near her, especially during my freshman year.
2.) History and Heritage - I found that I really liked the whole history and idea behind NPU, so I thought it would be interesting to go there for school.  And I state yet again how the Swedish heritage of the place really piqued my interest as well.
3.) Study - I really liked the choices of classes that I could take there, so I wanted to go to a place where my academic goals could be fulfilled.

Old Main - the oldest building on the

North Park campus

4.)  Location - When I went to visit North Park before officially deciding on going there, I was really excited about the idea of living in Chicago, it would be an opportunity for me to study outside of my home state, and yet it was also a comfort to know that it wasn't all that far from home.  Well, it was within the same time zone at least.
5.) Faith - From what I had seen, the curriculum and community of North Park was geared towards its mission to be a Christian college.  So I thought that it would also be a good place to grow in my faith and Christian education.  I also felt that God was calling me to take the leap and to be there.

The skyline of Chicago.  Definitely very different

from my hometown.

I have to say that all of these reasons still ring true even into today, but it didn't always feel quite so nice to have moved there...

In a way, I feel as if I've already studied abroad after having gone from a small town in Nebraska to one of the largest cities in the country.  During my freshman year, I got a good dose of culture shock as I found myself in an environment full of the hustle and bustle of the city, and all of the different people that I encountered really brought in the reality that there was a world out there a whole lot bigger and more complex than my little hometown.  And even though North Park University was originally started by Swedish immigrants, the student population itself has become quite diverse, as well as the population in the community around the university.

The culture shock even became so much at one point that I didn't think I would make it through my first year there.  I was doing well as far as school work was concerned, but I felt trapped in what I found to be a really closed-in and cramped environment compared to the wide open spaces of Nebraska.  It was also an odd feeling to not know most of the people I encountered, and it took me a while to get over this feeling of being rude as I was no longer supposed to just wave at people.  It had also been some time since I'd had to get to know and meet new people, so that was also a skill I had to relearn and hone while I was there.

Having to take on all of the safety precautions that came with living in a big city also made me miss all the more the community I had left behind in Nebraska.  It was also uncomfortable at times to encounter cultures and beliefs that were different from my own.  It wasn't that I thought ill of other people, but I did find myself wrestling with many of the ideas and issues and shattered stereotypes that came about with the whole experience.

I think what finally made me really determined to keep on this course though was on particularly hard night I finally sat myself down and asked myself the hypothetical question, "Ok, if you could drop everything here now and return home, what would you do then?"  When I thought about that, I found that if I was to go back home, I would simply be more stuck than I currently felt.  I suppose the option to transfer to a Nebraskan school crossed my mind then, but I was enjoying my classes so much at North Park that I didn't want to change that curriculum.  I also felt that even though it was hard, God was somehow calling me to be here and to stay.  So, I stayed.

A view of the Greenspace at the center of the campus

Having an excursion in downtown Chi-town

In Millennium Park!

Eventually, it felt better to be at North Park, and now I really enjoy studying there.  It took time, but I did eventually get used to things like taking public transit, following certain safety precautions, and the feeling of being in a more confined and noisy environment.  (In fact, I sometimes find it hard to sleep the first few days I'm back at home without the background noise of the city there.)  It also eventually became more interesting rather than intimidating to look into other cultures and beliefs of people.  I can't say that I agree with everything of course, and there are still bits that I wrestle with at times, but the challenge of it and what I've been learning from it has really helped me to grow and understand and define better my own beliefs and culture, and to understand the wider world.

Nyvall Hall - the seminary building

At the corner of West Foster and North Spaulding

From left to right: Berg Hall (co-ed dorm), Magnuson

Campus Center (security, cafeteria, and international

studies offices), and Anderson Hall (freshmen co-ed dorm)

Ohlson House - This is the girls' dorm that I stayed

in my freshman year.

My dorm room in Ohlson House

Also, even though I have a rather introverted personality, and can get lonely at times, I have become friends with several kind and caring people at North Park University.  Even though I often times had to pluck up the gumption to go out and meet new people, it became easier as I found that North Park has many interesting, genuine, and caring people.  Joining different extracurricular activities and student associations also helped me to meet new people and to engage in activities I otherwise wouldn't have.  Thank you to all of my friends who were there to help me pull through, and to keep on this wonderful adventure!

A Bit About Me: Nebraska

In addition to making this blog a helpful guide to the study abroad process, I also want to make it a genuine, meaningful, and heartfelt account of my personal experiences that have lead me up to this point.  Hopefully by sharing my own story, others who read it may be able to identify with it, or else gain a better understanding about an experience, culture, or background they may have never really looked at before.

For many people, Nebraska is the place that they simply drive through or fly over to get to where they need to go when traveling across America.  I once heard its landscape being described as similar to that a golf course - flat, flat, and more flat.  Many still think of it as being a stereotypical region of the Old West.  When my dad got a job as a pastor of a church here, my mom had to go look up the state on a map because she had no idea where it was, and some of our friends back in Massachusetts were worried about the rustic living conditions we were sure to find ourselves in here.  I'm happy to say that 20 years after our move here, we have found it to be a good place to call home.  It's a beautiful and friendly state to live in, and yes we have all of the modern conveniences you would expect to find in any other part of the United States.  :)

Yup.  This is pretty much what Nebraska looks like.

Lincoln, Nebraska - our capital city

I live in a town where the population is about 4,200, and there is a close sense of community here, and volunteerism is huge.  We also have only one school system, so a lot of the classmates I graduated with were ones I had known since kindergarten.  For those who live here, you feel as if you know virtually everyone in the town.  It's not uncommon to see people waving at each other as they pass by on the street.  Even if you don't particularly know the person you're waving to, it's considered friendly to do so anyway.

A picture of the center of town

Thought you all might like to see some cowboys

and cowgirls.  This was taken during the parade

for our summer town celebration.  

We're not the Old West anymore, but

we still love our cowboy hats and horses.

And we may have a landscape that many consider to be only flat and boring, but light up that horizon with a beautiful Nebraskan sunset, or see a night sky where you can pick out whole constellations, and you don't get a picture much prettier than that!  And it's both frightening and exhilarating to see the thunderheads build up and sweep across the sky during a good thunderstorm.

One of many beautiful Nebraskan sunsets.

Church has also been a very important part of my life here.  I grew up in the church community, and since it was rather small, I got to know its members really well.  Often times I describe them as being my church family.  Since all of our extended family lived quite a ways away in other states, it helped to have those around who felt like family.  Many people in my church also had a Swedish background like my family, so it too played a huge part in my interest in the Scandinavian heritage.  We also have a lot of other churches here in my hometown, so Christianity had a fairly prominent presence in a lot of places in our community.

My church

I've also found that my growing up in Nebraska has also shaped my interest in history.  The local museum that I've volunteered for is specifically about Nebraskan history, so having that personal connection and interest has really helped me to grow and then branch out into other areas of history, and to get to know some really interesting people and hear really interesting stories.  It was also through such experiences that I learned how to do genealogy research, how to handle artifacts and documents properly, and even how to spin wool into thread on a spinning wheel!  It puts a whole new perspective on things when you know the story behind a person or artifact or building that you would otherwise not really think much about.  I think the ability that Nebraskans seem to have to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and to work hard also influenced the direction my life would take as time went on, and make me appreciate where I come from all the more.

Here's the museum where I would volunteer.

A sod house

The Old Main Street exhibit

On the Road to Sweden: Misc. Preparation

Academic Preparation:
In addition to the whole application process for going abroad, you'll also need to prepare for the trip in other ways.  One important thing to remember is that for some study abroad programs, there are some academic prerequisites you'll need to fulfill first.  Some of these prerequisites may require you to take a foreign language course for a certain period of time at a certain difficulty level, accumulate a certain number of credits, maintain a certain GPA level, etc.  In order for me to qualify to go on the SVF program, I had to take 1 year of basic college-level Swedish, and maintain a certain GPA level in my classes.  Check the program description and list of requirements for the program you plan to go on, and also talk with your academic advisor and professors so that you can plan accordingly.

Summer Studying:
With hardcore academics in place, you can then move on to looking at other areas of preparation.  Like I already mentioned, I had to take a course in Swedish in order to qualify to go to SVF.  Even though a lot of people in Sweden know English pretty well, I know I'll still feel a lot better if I have good basic skills in Swedish.  If you have summer vacation right before going abroad, it can be harder to keep up on practicing language skills.  Yet even though it seems to go against all the laws of nature set in place once summer starts, it's good to set aside some time to keep up on studying and practicing the language(s) you'll need to know for when you arrive in your host country.  :)

It's also good to do as much research as you can about your host country on your own; outside of whatever classes you may have taken on it.  Even if you only pick up only little snippets here and there about your host country's people, food, customs, etc., every little bit helps.  It'll help a lot if you keep up on the current events happening in your host country.  It's also a good idea to keep up on the current events of your home country, and even brush up on your home country's basic history, just in case you're asked questions about them while you're there.

Get to Know the People You'll Be With:
Whether it's through Facebook, email, blogs, etc., get to know the people you'll be spending time with while abroad.  If you're going with a group, get to know those who will be traveling with you.  (Heya SVF crew!)  If you're going on your own, ask your instructor how you can make connections in the place you'll be going to.

Medication:
When it comes to things like medication, you may have already gotten it all straightened out during the application process.  However, if you find you still have questions about whether or not your medications will go through security, or if your medication is allowed into your host country, or whether or not your medication will be available to you there should you need, ask about it as soon as possible.

Drinking and Alcohol:
Some of you may also find that in your host country you'll be of the age to drink.  It's important to talk to your instructor and/or another adult about this for more information, be sure to follow the rules set in place by your host country and your school's campus in regards to this, and don't feel pressured into doing things you don't feel comfortable with.  Also, different people respond to alcohol in different ways; what may be ok for one person, may not be ok for another.  Be smart, and be responsible.

Packing:
Of course one of the biggest questions anyone asks when going on a trip is..."WHAT SHOULD I PACK?"  In addition to having the proper paperwork with you that you accumulated while going through the application process, you'll also need to plan out carefully how to pack for your study abroad experience.  Again, research on your host country will help you plan for the weather, living conditions, and clothing expectations that you'll have to be ready for.  The lighter you pack for traveling, the easier it will be to handle and keep track of, but don't sell yourself short either on what you'll need for the conditions you'll be in, what you'll need for school, and maybe the few sentimental things that remind you of home and help you get through the rainy days you may have while abroad.  One tip I would give is you really limit how many suitcases you're going to bring.  So far, I've been able to make it work with having filled one large suitcase, plus a backpack that I also took on the plane.  It was pretty tight, and I had to make sure I was within the weight limit, but so far it's been alright.  I packed some clothes for the cooler weather here (getting up to the 60's or maybe 70's in degrees Fahrenheit during August), so basically jeans, long sleeved shirts, a few short sleeved shirts for the warmer days, and jackets for the first bit.  You'll also need a rain jacket and/or an umbrella as it rains a lot here.  It's also a good idea to have a few clothes for exercising or playing sports, and of course you'll need things to bundle up in the winter months.  Things like boots and coats can take up a lot of room, but it also helps if you pack things inside of them to help free up room for other things.  I also packed some school supplies such as my computer, a pencil bag with a few pens and pencils and things in it, and a binder with notebook paper in it.  And Sweden is of course a highly developed country, so a lot of basic necessities can be purchased here.  So just pack enough to be able to get to Sweden, and then get what you need after you arrive.  And SVF provides your bedding and towels, so you don't have to worry about packing those.

Homesickness:
Another important thing to prepare yourself for is knowing that while abroad, you will have moments of homesickness or times when you just feel down or out of place in your new environment.  These feelings are totally normal, and may give you the feeling of being on an emotional roller coaster at times.  Some things you can do to prepare yourself for this are:

- Know Where You're Going - The more you know about the places you're going to, the more comfortable you'll feel about being there.
- Look to Where You Are, Not Where You Aren't - It's ok to be homesick, but it's also important not to just sit and dwell on it.  Some people find it helpful if they get out and do something that may be unique to their location, hangout with friends (or at least find other company to be with), go exploring, or any other activities that you've found enjoyable.  Stay focused on what opportunities you find in your host country rather than dwell on what you could be doing at home.  Plan to get out and see the place you've come to see!
- Find Ways to Contact Those at Home - Whether it's by email, Skype, Facebook, or whatever, it can feel better if you feel that you've had some contact with those back at home.  It's good to be independent while away, and you don't want to miss out on what's happening in your host country, but sometimes contact with home in some form can bring things into a new perspective and help with homesickness.  It's also fun to just tell people about all of the adventures you've been having, and it can be a breath of fresh air to hear from the people you love.  Make arrangements so that if needed you can contact your parents, friends, your dog, etc.  :)
- Comfort Food - If you can, bring along your favorite kind of chocolate or peanut butter to have on a gray day.  Sometimes people forget that emotion is not only a thing triggered by your thoughts and actions, but it is also a chemical thing, and some foods can help influence what chemicals your body produces.  Some foods - like chocolate - have been known to help your brain release chemicals like endorphins - chemicals that give you a boost in positive feelings and energy.  Keeping a good and balanced diet can also help you to feel better in mind and body.  Explore the new cuisine found in your new country!
- Music - Another thing that can give you positive feelings is music.  Everyone has their own preference and taste for music, so find the one that's right for you and bring it along on your trip.  Not only do foods stimulate your brain, but your brain is also stimulated by music.  Often times, even your heart and soul find comfort and refreshment in music, too.  :)
- Decorate - Splashing on color always brightens a gray day.  It may be a good idea to bring posters or other decorations or art supplies with which you can add flair and color to your space.  It can also be a comfort to see a little bit of home hanging on your wall.
- Exercise - Even if you're just walking through your school's campus, or doing yoga with your friends, any amount of exercise you can get can be helpful in relieving stress and anxiety that may have built up in your system.  Doing it with at least one other person is a good idea.
- Don't Be Afraid of Quiet Time - Sometimes people find homesickness to increase while they're alone.  But for some, alone time can be very important.  If you're someone who needs alone time, don't feel bad in reserving some time for yourself.  Read a book, draw a picture, knit a new scarf, solve a Sudoku puzzle, or have a quiet cup of tea to yourself.  It can be a real stress reliever to just have some quiet time and to be with yourself and do the little things you like to do.
- Help Someone - One of my favorite quotes from my mom is, "If you're in a bad mood, go and help someone."  Maybe you can find a group to help each other study for an upcoming test, or maybe you find someone else on the same program as you who is missing their home, too.  Help each other to cope with the homesickness and to stay engaged in what is happening around you.

Everyone responds to homesickness in various ways, so find the strategies that work for you and roll with it.  And remember to always "Keep Calm and Carry On".  (One of my most favorite quotes ever!)

You may find that other specific questions and issues may come up as you prepare to go abroad, but just remember to not be afraid to ask questions, talk things out, and staying in communication with those involved will always help you.

In the meantime, make the most of your time at home, enjoy your summer, and get ready to go on this adventure you've been waiting for!!

On the Road to Sweden: The Application Process

Applying to study abroad can be a lengthy and complicated process.  It's ok if you're a freshman in college and are just getting your feet wet with the whole college experience, but if studying abroad is one of your goals for college, you'll need to plan well in advance in order for the process to go smoothly.  The sooner you start looking at the application process, the better off you'll be.

A good place to start is to talk to your parents, professors, and academic advisors about what sort of study abroad options are available through your school, which ones would be ideal for your field of study, what kinds of resources are available to you for a study abroad program, which ones line up with your personal goals, etc.  When you've found the program that's right for you, you then need to get as much information about the program as you can, the application process for it, and what requirements you'll need to fulfill.  The best way to get information is with direct communication with someone who can help - via email, a personal appointment, or a phone call - or by getting the information in print either via the internet or through available brochures or handbooks.  ALWAYS make sure to have physical copies of important papers or notes, and ALWAYS write things down.  Even if you think you'll remember it, WRITE IT DOWN ANYWAY.

Once you have all the information you need, then you'll need to break it down into smaller and easier-to-handle bits.  It may be overwhelming when you're handed a long checklist of papers and materials and tasks you'll need to complete and hand in for the application process, but don't let the size of the list get you down.  To help break things down for myself, I took the list I was given and did things like highlight the papers and things I had to get in right away, arranged them in order of when they were due, entered important dates into my calendar with an alert so I wouldn't forget, made a secondary list of things I had to do to get them ready, and concentrated on getting those all taken care of bit by bit.  Everyone has their own way of organizing and getting things done, so your strategy may be different than mine, but just so long as you get your documents and things in on time you'll be doing great.  Again, the sooner you start looking at this stuff, the better off you'll be.

Each program has their own different application process, but some of the major points in mine that may be helpful to mention are:

- Passport - Make sure you have a passport that won't expire while your abroad or within a certain time frame.  It's good to double check any documents, like a passport, that may expire after a certain period of time.

- Resources - Make sure you have all the resources you need to support yourself while you're abroad.  Sometimes the embassy of the country you're visiting may need documentation to show that you have these resources.  You'll also need to do research on how to get money, medicine, and other resources while in your host country.

- References - Like with any application for a scholarship or a job, a study abroad program also needs various kinds of references.  Make sure to alert your references well in advance so they have plenty of time to write up their letters, and it's always polite to send a thank you note or email to your references afterward for their time and effort in helping you achieve your goals.  :)

- Documentation - Various study abroad programs may require different types of documentation.  A few of the key ones to have available are a copy of your birth certificate, student ID, passport, immunization records, other medical records and papers, your transcripts, etc.  Other more specific documentation may be listed in the information about your specific program.

- Interviews - Some study abroad programs may require you to be interviewed by someone representing the program you will be on, and/or by an instructor/instructors in your school who are associated with the program.  You'll need to be prepared for these interviews by going over interview questions, practicing with friends and family, and even bringing in notes with you if you need a prompt or need to write questions down to ask the interviewer.  More often than not, bringing in notes leaves a good impression, and sends the signal that you're organized and are concise in your speaking and thinking.  It also never hurts to spruce yourself up and wear nice clothes to the interview.  You may not necessarily need to wear a suit, but a nice polo or blouse with a pair of nice slacks or an appropriate skirt would look nice.  Also, the better you look, the better you'll feel.  :)

If you find that you have any questions at all about the application process, DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK!!  In the application process, there is no such thing as a stupid question.  Either talk to or email someone who can help you, and be very specific about what you're looking for, and what you need to know.  It's also a process that requires patience, but if you find that you're struggling to get the information you need, keep pushing on in a firm but gentle way until you find what you need.

Once the application process is over, and you've been accepted, it's then time to get ready to go on your adventure!!

Why Study Abroad?...Why Sweden?

For any college student, I would highly recommend studying abroad at some point during your college career.  The idea of studying abroad may seem rather intimidating at first to some, and this is totally normal and ok.  It can be very daunting to think about having to perhaps learn a new language, get used to a new set of customs, go outside of your home country (as well as your overall comfort zone), eat food you may not be used to eating, meeting new people, etc.  Whew!  It's a lot to even just think about.  But it is through these experiences that you can gain knowledge that may help in your planned field of study, and they can help you develop skills that will carry on into various other areas of life.  For example, getting ready to go abroad will force you to become more organized, will make you ask questions and seek out information you never would have thought of otherwise, and hone other skills that make you more independent and resourceful.

A good place to start when thinking about studying abroad is to first think about what kind of experience you're looking for, what sorts of programs would help you reach your goals (both personal and academic), and which ones would be ideal when considering your resources, what kind of time you have to give to a study abroad program (both in preparation and for going), and how you plan to contribute your own special something to the program.  We'll go over more about the study abroad process itself a bit later.

As for me, I chose my study abroad program by looking at the things listed above, and also by taking into account my own unique interests, experiences, and background.  From both sides of my family, I have a Swedish background and heritage, and through that I've had a taste of the Swedish culture in my own home for years.  Of course we're still very much American, so there's still a depth to the Swedish heritage that still piqued my curiosity, and made me want to go and find out more about it and my ancestral roots, and to know what Sweden itself is like.  For some of you, you also may find that family heritage and interests may influence your choice of where you would want to study abroad.  Those sorts of ties do add a feeling of personal connection that can be exciting, and add a bit of heart to the experience.  But also don't be afraid to take the plunge and dive into something that's totally new to you if you feel the notion to go there.

I've also had snippets of the Swedish culture through my church (the Covenant denomination which has a Swedish history) and through my school, North Park University.  I also have several friends in Sweden, which makes the endeavor all the more personal and exciting.  Through your own religious organization, school, friendships, etc., you may find certain aspects of them that pull you towards having certain experiences or interests.  Take those into account as well!  They're just as important as your academic needs, which for me I was also able to gain in my choice of a study abroad program.  As much fun as it is to find connections, enrich your interests, and see the world, it is also imperative to remember the STUDY part of studying abroad.  You'll have to plan carefully your courses for your field of study in order to get the most out of the academics of your study abroad program.  History is my field of study, and my study abroad program had several courses in that subject that I would be taking.

It was with these sorts of things in mind that I decided to take the opportunity, and I signed on to study abroad at Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola (SVF) in Jönköping, Sweden!