- Bridget Borden was initially from New Jersey and transferred to Sweden with her sweetheart.
- She was shocked by was how dark it gets in December. The sun will in some cases set at 3 p.m.
- She was likewise shocked by the work-life balance in Sweden compared to the United States.
This as-told-to essay is based upon a discussion with Bridget Borden, an American who transferred to Sweden. It has actually been modified for length and clearness.
I’m initially from a town in New Jersey. However when I went to college in Connecticut, I satisfied my sweetheart. We both went to the very same school, which was understood for being little in size. He is from Sweden and he existed to play soccer.
When we finished in May 2020 throughout the pandemic, I was provided a momentary mentor task in Madrid, Spain. I went there to teach English, and my sweetheart followed me there. While we both understood our remain in Madrid would be short-term, we wished to be together long-lasting.
To do that, we had 2 alternatives: we might either return to the United States, or I might follow him to Sweden. We selected Sweden since it was much easier for me to get a visa there than it was for him to get one in the United States.
Given that relocating to Sweden, I have actually discovered some distinctions that have actually shocked me. Some are little, however others have actually truly stuck out to me.
1. Swedes can be truly peaceful
When I initially transferred to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, I was surprised by how peaceful individuals are. For instance, when I take the city, our city cars and truck will be quiet– even throughout heavy traffic. Rather of talking like they would in the United States, Swedes will typically sit silently and attempt not to trouble others.
The supermarket is another fine example of this. In the United States, you may strike up a discussion with the cashier– however here in Sweden that isn’t typical. Rather, individuals frequently keep to themselves and do not take part in “little talk.”
2. Swedes leave their strollers and children outside
Often when I stroll past a coffee shop, I will see an ignored stroller parked outdoors with an infant napping in it. Prior to moving here, I constantly saw Sweden as a safe nation, where individuals rely on each other. However when I saw this for the very first time, it made me feel even more secure. I do not believe I have actually ever seen this take place in the United States, and it states a lot about the trust Swedes have in each other.
They likewise think the fresh air benefits children’ body immune systems which it strengthens them up for the winter season.
3. There’s more work-life balance in Sweden
Here in Sweden, they desire you to take your trip days. After you work for a business for a complete year, you are entitled to 25 working days of paid trip, or 5 work weeks.
In the summer season, you’re enabled to take 4 of those weeks off consecutively.
Back house in the United States, I have pals who are just enabled to take 10 day of rests a year. So I was happily shocked by the quantity of time you can remove here in Sweden.
Then when it concerns maternity and paternity leave, brand-new moms and dads in Sweden have the ability to take 480 day of rests integrated for each kid they have. This time off is likewise paid and enables both moms and dads to stay at home.
4. It gets dark early in December
One huge thing that truly shocked me in Sweden was how dark it gets in December. Throughout December, we get really little daytime every day. In Stockholm for instance, we get approximately 5 to 6 hours of daytime, and the sun sets around 3 p.m.
However even throughout the “brightest” part of the day, it’s typically so cloudy and dismal, you can’t see the sun in any case. I keep in mind experiencing it for the very first time and questioning if I might go through it once again.
However I did, and I made it through a 2nd time. This year, nevertheless, I’m wanting to leave it and am presently searching for flights to someplace more warm and warm.
5. Swedes eliminate their shoes at the medical professional’s workplace
In the United States, you may take your shoes off when entering into individuals’s houses, however here in Sweden, there are other locations where you should eliminate your shoes. The medical professional’s workplace is among them.
I keep in mind heading to the medical professional, and when I recognized I required to eliminate my shoes, I felt unusual about it. I had actually never ever done that prior to and it felt amusing standing in my socks.
However I see why they do it, it’s for health. And if you need to eliminate your shoes, they will have a rack for you to put your shoes on.
Given that leaving the United States
There are other things that have actually shocked me, like the alcohol is more costly in Sweden, and you can’t purchase alcohol on Sundays.
Swedes are likewise truly into their sweet here. Every Saturday they have what’s called “Lördagsgodis,” which implies “Saturday sugary foods.” Everybody heads out and purchases a bag of sweet, and I believe it’s an adorable custom.
There are things I miss out on about the United States, naturally. I miss my household, my pals and I miss out on the beach I utilized to go to.
However generally, I miss out on the little discussions and the little talk, the kind you have when you’re at a supermarket, or when you’re out running an errand. While it’s not a bad thing that Swedes do not make little talk as much, I do miss it.
If you left the United States for another nation and wish to share your story, e-mail Alyshia Hull at [email protected]