When you think of Sweden, you may think of tall blondes, Ikea, or maybe even meatballs. While it’s true that the country is full of all those things (especially tall blondes), there are so many more reasons to intern abroad here. Thanks to being English-friendly and have a cutting edge economy, it’s no wonder internships in Sweden for English speakers have become so popular.
Your internship in Sweden for international students will be absolutely beautiful.
It’s not just the internship opportunities that make Sweden a country that deserves to capture your wanderlust; there is also so much to do outside of work. While experiencing the country’s generous work-life balance, you can explore cites where history mixes with the modern world, travel to places near and far, take in the stunning Swedish nature side, and so much more. If you’re not convinced yet, we’ve got a few more reasons for you.
Before heading off to your internship in Sweden for international students, there are a few things you need to know.
10 things to know about internships in Sweden for foreigners
1. Prepare to actually live
Europe has a reputation for having a solid work-life balance. Long vacations and short work weeks are the norm, but nowhere is that more true than in Sweden. Swedes value their work-life balance more than almost any other European country. In fact, work-life balance is so important that Swedes use science to prove why working less is a good thing!
Sweden threw out the traditional 9-to-5 workweek in favor of a two-hour-shorter workday. The country actually conducted a study to prove the shorter day was better for workers. Not only did they find workers were happier, but they were also more productive and didn’t get any less work done. During internships in Sweden, you’ll have plenty of time to take advantage of this incredible benefit of Swedish life.
2. The days can be looong
The long days (or nights) might throw you off.
During the summer in Sweden, it seems like the sun never sets, and that’s because it barely does. The country receives, on average, 21 hours of sunlight a day in the summer! There’s even a holiday called Midsummer on a day where the sun never actually sets. Swedes have learned how to use and enjoy every second of the sunlight.
Instead of spending summers trying to escape the heat, Swedes spend their summers outside in the sunny and mild weather. There are music festivals, street fairs, and plenty of other actives happening outside nearly every day of summer. Swedes make sure to use every second of the long summer days before the long winter nights come back.
3. Go camping wherever you’d like
A balance of the modern world and history makes every city in Sweden stunning. But the true beauty of the country is in the forest and waterways surrounding major cities like Stockholm. Swedes value nature and understand it’s a place to share. You won’t find No Trespassing signs or many areas considered private.
In Sweden, you can camp and fish wherever you’d like. Camping is allowed nearly anywhere in the country, even on private property. There is a limit on how many days you can stay and how close you can be to a house, but you’re totally open to hike and explore the beautiful Swedish countryside.
4. Sink your teeth into fika
We all hit that afternoon slump, that dreaded time of day where all your energy is drained, and all you want is a pick-me-up. Well, the Swedes came up with a delicious solution to that problem called fika! This genius Swedish tradition is getting a cinnamon bun (or something sweet) and a coffee at about three in the afternoon. Those coming from around the world for internships in Sweden for international students are bound to find that fika will be one of their favorite (and most delicious) parts of the experience.
5. Art is everywhere
Internships in Sweden for English speakers are lively and colorful!
Subways in most countries are dirty concrete tunnels with mysterious puddles you can’t wait to get away from. But in Stockholm, the subway is literally an art museum. Nearly every inch of the walls of the Stockholm subway are covered in art. The Stockholm subway is the largest public art installation in the entire world!
The art found in the subway isn’t exclusive to one time period either; it actually stretches back decades and is done by hundreds of world-class artists. There’s everything from colorful paintings to modern styles, and even statues. Internships in Stockholm are full of art.
6. It’s a gateway to Europe
Sweden is one of the northern European countries, which makes traveling from it slightly more difficult than a place like France or Germany. Fear not — there are still plenty of cheap and easy ways to travel Europe from Sweden. Flights from any of the airports to other countries in the EU are relatively inexpensive and short. With just around $100, you can grab last-minute tickets to nearly anywhere in Europe.
Out of Stockholm, there are also weekend cruises that travel to some of the nearby countries while allowing you to experience the many rivers in the area. Even trains are a great option to see some of the countries connected to Sweden. Don’t let being in the North discourage you from seeing the rest of Europe. Traveling back and forth will be easy during internships in Sweden for international students.
7. Cash is dying out
Sweden is one of the first countries that has nearly completely phased out cash. Swedes simply don’t like to carry cash and instead use credit cards for almost every transaction. Over 90% of all transactions in Sweden are done by credit card.
Don’t think just because you have cash means it will be accepted either. A lot of restaurants have actually stopped accepting cash altogether. Make sure to pack a credit card, and don’t worry about stopping at an exchange spot in the airport. The lack of cash actually makes adjusting to life abroad a bit easier during internships in Sweden for international students.
8. Don’t worry about speaking Swedish
Feel free to practice your Swedish, but you won’t necessarily need it.
Many Swedes understand their language is difficult for English-speakers to learn and doesn’t really sound like any other language. Because of this, most don’t mind if you just speak English without even attempting a bit of Swedish — they actually prefer it! English is an everyday part of life in Sweden, most TV shows are in English without being dubbed, and pop culture is imported from English-speaking countries.
Swedes grow up learning English, and many of them even joke that they speak a combination of English and Swedish called Swenglish. Sweden is continuously voted as one of the best locations for English as a second language in the entire world. Swedes’ comfort with and use of English make internships in Sweden for English speakers easy to find!
9. The locals will amaze you
Swedes have a reputation for being standoffish and giving strangers the cold shoulder, but nothing could be farther from the truth. While it’s true Swedes might not strike up a conversation with a stranger, many will be more than happy to talk to you. Locals will love to talk to you and hear why you decided to come to Sweden. Swedes are a proud people who are more than willing to share their culture with you.
10. Intern at a startup
Global companies, newly-founded startups, and everything in between make up the backbone of Sweden’s economy. The Swedish government does a great job supporting startups to make sure they don’t leave the country. The support has caused a thriving and high-tech startup scene. Startups can be found in nearly every career field and offer any opportunity you can dream of.
The startup scene in Sweden is more than just cool offices, free coffee, and bean bags. Startups in Sweden offer valuable career opportunities that have you doing more than just grabbing coffee. You could travel to Sweden interning in a journalism role and end up learning valuable marketing skills in the process. An intern at a startup can teach you multiple skills that translate to many different career fields.
Still not convinced? Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with the right travel opportunity for you!
You’re ready to intern in Sweden!
Keep the Northern Lights on your bucket list during internships in Sweden.
During your time as an international intern in Sweden, you should focus on your internship and furthering your career — but in the process, don’t forget to live a little. An internship abroad isn’t the normal 9-to-5 and isn’t an ordinary experience; it’s a life-changing one. Enjoy the experience and be willing to say yes to situations that force you to step outside of your comfort zone. You’re not only there to learn about your future career but also yourself.
Become the intern your company doesn’t want to let go. Don’t work just to have something on your résumé; work to learn and prove something. Who knows? Maybe your host company will offer you a job or at least help build your network that gets you a full-time job elsewhere. Now you’re ready to intern abroad, so grab that passport, book that ticket, and be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.
Browse ALL Internships in Sweden on GoAbroad.com
Look for the Perfect Internship Program Now
Start Your Search