Culture Shock from Living in Sweden? (Stockholm)

Summary

In this video, a group of foreigners share their experiences living in Sweden, highlighting cultural shocks, challenges, and the things they appreciate most about Swedish life. Topics include the Swedish approach to social interactions, the bureaucracy, customer service, and the sense of community. Participants from diverse countries, such as Brazil, Canada, and Italy, discuss their adjustments to the Swedish lifestyle, touching on topics like weather, public safety, and social norms. Despite some struggles with integration, the general consensus is that Sweden offers a peaceful, orderly environment that promotes personal growth and a high quality of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The quietness of Swedes, especially in public spaces, is a culture shock for many foreigners. People don't engage in casual small talk like in other countries, such as Canada or Brazil.
• 😀 Many foreigners living in Sweden experience a shift in behavior over time, becoming more quiet and reserved to align with the Swedish way of life.
• 😀 Swedish customer service is generally more laid-back compared to countries like the U.S., where customer service is more engaging.
• 😀 Sweden's welfare system, free healthcare, and emphasis on public transport are highly appreciated by foreigners, showcasing a country that truly cares for its citizens.
• 😀 The weather, particularly the long, dark winters, is one of the most difficult adjustments for newcomers to Sweden, with the darkness being harder to cope with than the cold.
• 😀 Swedes highly value punctuality and organization, which can be quite a shift for foreigners coming from cultures with more flexible approaches to time and plans.
• 😀 Sweden's cultural celebrations, like cinnamon bun day or crayfish day, are now enjoyed by foreigners who initially found them odd but appreciate the coziness they bring to Swedish life.
• 😀 Many newcomers to Sweden face the challenge of not feeling fully integrated due to language barriers and the strong tendency of Swedes to speak English, making it harder to learn Swedish.
• 😀 Swedish society is marked by a strong sense of equality, which is particularly noticeable in the workplace and gender equality.
• 😀 Although life in Sweden can feel calm and balanced, newcomers often miss the spontaneity and social vibrancy of their home countries, where events and gatherings tend to be more impromptu.

Q & A

What was the biggest culture shock for many foreigners in Sweden?

The biggest culture shock for many foreigners was the quietness and reserved nature of Swedes. Unlike other countries, such as Canada or Brazil, people in Sweden don’t engage in casual conversations like 'How are you?' in stores or public places, which made newcomers feel isolated at first.

How do Swedish customer service practices differ from those in other countries?

Swedish customer service is generally more laid-back and reserved. While in other countries, people might expect a more personal or extended interaction, Swedes tend to keep things brief and efficient. However, some foreigners feel a lack of engagement when trying to get help, especially over the phone.

How does Sweden's approach to work-life balance compare to other countries?

In Sweden, the work-life balance is highly valued, with an emphasis on enjoying nature, spending time in summer houses, and engaging in outdoor activities. This is contrasted with more extreme work cultures in countries like the US, where work demands can be overwhelming.

What are some aspects of Swedish society that foreigners appreciate?

Foreigners appreciate Sweden's high quality of life, cleanliness, punctuality, and the welfare system that provides free healthcare and education. The Swedish commitment to public transport and safety also stands out as major positives.

What are the challenges foreigners face when adapting to Swedish culture?

Challenges include adapting to the quiet, reserved nature of Swedes, understanding their more structured social life, and dealing with the cold and dark winters. Additionally, the language barrier can make it difficult to fully integrate, as many Swedes prefer to speak English.

What is the social dynamic like in Sweden compared to southern European countries?

In Sweden, social interactions are more structured and planned, which contrasts with the spontaneity common in southern European countries like Greece or Brazil. In southern Europe, it’s more natural to meet up without a formal plan, while in Sweden, people prefer to organize events in advance.

How does living in Sweden affect people's behavior over time?

Many people adapt to Swedish culture by becoming quieter and more organized. For example, some foreigners learn to be punctual, adopt a slower driving style, and become more comfortable with Sweden's structured lifestyle. The general shift is towards a more calm and balanced lifestyle.

What advice do foreigners have for those moving to Sweden?

Foreigners advise newcomers to be prepared for a quieter, more organized life. They suggest finding a circle of friends early on to avoid isolation and recommend getting all bureaucratic matters in order before moving to ensure a smoother transition. Learning the language is also important, as relying on English can delay integration.

How do Swedes view family relationships compared to other cultures?

Swedes tend to have a more detached approach to family, where it’s acceptable not to maintain constant contact. This contrasts with countries like Poland, where family bonds are much stronger and regular communication is the norm.

What are the major drawbacks of living in Sweden that foreigners mention?

Some of the major drawbacks include the long, dark winters that can be tough to manage, as well as the early closing times of restaurants and clubs. Additionally, some people miss the spontaneity and warmth of social interactions in their home countries.