Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad Do you find yourself puzzled about adapting to the customs and traditions of Sweden? Knowing the customs and culture of the country where you would like to study (Whatever it is), is one of the key elements you have to know well before travelling.
Every customs, culture and traditions is different. In addition, Sweden is characterized by some features which are not in the rest of north European countries. Consequently, we will present them in the following lines to update the guide of studying in Sweden.
Table of Contents
Customs, traditions and Culture of Sweden
- The Swedes are soft-spoken and never get easily angry. For example, you will never witness demonstrating anger in public at all.
- They are described as humble people, as it is rare to find a Swede boasting himself.
- Unlike some other countries, the Swedish society is not the one who works hard and forget entertainment or vice versa. They work only to get their living and never forget the entertainment side. But it does not mean that you can find, for example, a Swede wastes his money on wines or acts irrationally.
- Swedes are proud of their country and being swedes. Besides, they are boasting when people enjoy their country. Therefore, if you really enjoyed your experience in Sweden, let your swede friend know that. As he will appreciate it and make him feel great. As a result, he will share with you some of the things that only native swedes may know about, like the most picturesque places and restaurants that are worthy to visit.
- Swedes prefer to go away from town noise and have relaxation time in the countryside, moving to the summer home. It is a well-known tradition passed through generations.
Swedish family traditions: The Role of Hospitality
- It is rare to be invited for a meal at one of Swede’s home, as they consider it family affairs and should not be shared with others.
- A light snack like drinking tea or coffee beside cakes is what you can be invited for by Swede friend. It does not matter what you are invited for, but it is important to arrive on time, as Swedes sanctify appointments strongly.
- In some countries, you are considered to be late if you arrive on time (it is preferred to arrive early) but in Sweden the matter is different. You can find Swede having a round with his car or take a nice little walk until the expected time of arrival comes (the Swedish society prefer to arrive on time and not too early)
Etiquette and customs
- When you visit one of your Swede’s home, you should bring a simple gift as a kind of estimation and do not expect to get a tour of the home. Never forget to take your shoes off before entering.
- It is better to contact your friend the day after your visit to thank him and his family for their kind hostility, otherwise they will assume that you are being rude.
- Swedes are not very intimate people, therefore they just shake hands in greeting and avoid hugs or similar practices.
- You will notice that Swedes pay a lot of attention to how they dress and prefer the formal wear. Unlike other countries, where casual wear is preferred.
Sweden customs and traditions: the daily Fika
It is impossible to talk about the customs and traditions in Sweden and forget to mention the Fika. The same way English people take their afternoon tea break, Swedes also have a traditional social break of coffee and cake with friends.
Fika is an important part of the culture in Sweden. Actually, many Swedes consider it is almost essential to make time for fika every day. Fika can also be a verb, where Swedes will say to each other: ‘Let’s go fika!’. The purpose is to slow down and make time with friends, as even in some big Swedish companies, this time to pause is institutionalized.
So, if it happens you get invited to fika, use the time to socialize and why not make new friends. However, among the dos and don’ts in Sweden, is to avoid ordering decaf during fika, which is usually not available. Instead, you can order a tea if you’re not into coffee.
Recycling in Sweden
- If you are used to getting rid of your trash in the plastic bags, you must rethink about it, as some Swedish companies pay money against these used plastic bags. Their purpose, the recycling. Therefore, be smart and deal with them to cover your studying and living needs there.
Swedish work culture: Opening hours and Banks holidays
- Opening hours for most shops are from around 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, closing hours are from (1 to 4 PM) while in big cities, it is from 8 to 9 PM.
- Banks start working on Monday till Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Some banks extend the working hours to 6 PM in the big cities in Sweden like Stockholm.
Emergency Number
The emergency number in Sweden is 112 through which you can contact the police, the fire department, and call for an ambulance for free.
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Cost of studying and living in Sweden
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