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!