High School Study Abroad Exchange Program in Sweden

Why did you decide to study abroad with Greenheart Travel in Sweden?

Hannah: Truthfully, I found Greenheart through a Google search of “Study Abroad Programs High School”. I had been looking at big companies such as Rotary and AFS, but did not feel as though those were a good fit for me.

They did not offer the program I wanted and I was afraid that because they were so big I would just be lost in the thousands of students they have.

I wanted a smaller, more personal company, that would work with me one on one and I knew I could trust - which is exactly what I got with Greenheart. They helped me through the whole process, gave me great resources, set me up with an amazing host family, and ultimately prepared me for the adventure of a life time.

The reasons to why I choose Sweden are not that exciting unfortunately; in fact, it was pretty random. I knew that I wanted to go somewhere in Europe, had a somewhat similar way to the American way of life, and was safe. I narrowed it down to Belgium, Switzerland, and Sweden.

After researching a little more I decided that Sweden would be a great fit for me because I was very interested in their way of life, their minimalistic way of living, their love of the outdoors, and that many people are fluent in English.

I am so happy I choose Sweden, I truly have fallen in love with this beautiful country.

Describe your day to day activities with the Greenheart Travel High School Exchange Program.

Hannah: My day to day life in Sweden is a lot like that in the USA, except I would say it is more healthy both physically and mentally.

I normally wake up around 7 and start my day off with a bowl of oatmeal/yogurt. Then I relax and get ready for school, my first class of the day starts at 8 or 9. I prefer this MUCH more than the hectic early mornings I have in America that consist of waking up to early, grabbing a piece of toast, and driving to school.

Here in Sweden we walk everywhere, so I always start my day off with a brisk 10 minute walk to school. Not only is this better for the environment, but also helps to wake me up, clear my head, and leaves me ready to start the day.

I go through my school day which consists of about 3 classes and an hour long break for lunch. School is so much more relaxed here than in America. No stressing over grades, we do not have 5 tests a week, and hardly have homework.

After school, I go to the gym most days which thankfully is a mere 100m from my house. Once I complete my workout I head home for a nice home cooked meal.

In America we almost never ate dinner as a family - everyone was simply too busy. Here with my host family, we eat dinner together every single night.

I feel like this is a great way to catch up with each other and really helps us bond as a whole. The food is always great and after dinner I am left feeling happy, satisfied, and ready for bed.

Has your worldview changed as a result of this trip?

Hannah: Studying abroad changes you. It changes your views on life, your ability to handle tough situations, it teaches you to become more independent and do things on your own, but most of all it changes your views on the world.

Before studying abroad I lived in a small town in Wisconsin. I knew that there was so much more the world had to offer, just waiting to be experienced and by living in Sweden I now realize just how big and magnificent this world is.

My views on different cultures, ways of living, religions, food, everything has been changed. I have learned that the world is so much more diverse than I could ever have imagined and how each country is different and has their own culture, history, traditions.

After living in another country my eyes will be forever opened to just how insignificant we are as individuals, but how amazing the world can be as whole.

What was the best moment of the entire trip?

Hannah: My trip has been filled with so many amazing moments, I feel it is almost impossible to pick just one.

Stepping off the plane and seeing my host family for the first time was one moment I will never forget. Spending my first night in my new bed, experience my new town, my first day of school are among the many other unforgettable moments.

For me, every experience has been amazing whether they have been little and seemingly insignificant like experiencing my first “Räcker Smörgås” (shrimp sandwich) or bigger like spending a weekend in Stockholm with 20 other exchange students. I was able to experience what a big city in Sweden was like compared to that of the USA.

I feel as though that every experience here, little or big, has helped to build the best experience of all - finding myself as a person. This 6 months has forever changed me. I have learned more about myself and the world by studying abroad than I ever could have in school or America.

By taking yourself away from everything you know and throwing yourself into the unknown, you find out who you truly are and that to me is the best experience I could ever receive.

So I suppose if I had to pick, the best moment of my trip was when I stepped on the plane to Sweden and took the plunge that set me up for the best 6 months of my life.

Any tips for someone considering this program in the future?

Hannah: To anyone who may be considering doing this program in the future: my first piece of advice would be - DO IT. Do not let the fears, or “what ifs” stop you from the experience of a lifetime.

My second piece of advice would be to go with an open mind. You must understand that by living in a different country you will have to adapt to a whole new culture. New foods, ways of living, people, everything!

Going in closed minded may be the worst thing you can do for yourself. Do not be afraid to try new things! Try the weird foods, embrace the different holidays, be open to your new family.

That is another important thing, do not close yourself off from your host family and spend hours along in your room. I know living with a new family is hard, but closing yourself off will only make things worse.

If you are feeling sad, mad, happy, anxious, whatever it may be, talk to your host family! You will be amazed at just how much they can help.

Finally, my last words of advice would be to make the most of this trip. The time will go by crazy fast.

It may not seem like it at the time, some days may seem to be never ending, but trust me, before you know it you will be back in your home country wishing more than anything to go back to Sweden if only for one week - so really cherish everyday you have in this beautiful country and make everyday count.