Sweden is nothing like I expected, for it is so much better. While there has been issues and hard times in this one week, we are getting settled in and that making things easier now. I have some words of advice for those that are thinking of choosing Sweden as their location for study abroad. This program is new and much different than ones like in Rome. They still have some kinks to work out, so things might not be perfect when you get here. You might not have toilet paper in your bathroom of your accommodations, just be prepared for anything.
If you are student teaching, then keep this in mind, Sweden in a rather informal country. Teachers wear jeans daily and students address their teachers by their first name and in the elementary level, the students do not wear shoes in the classroom. That is just how things are here. Everyone is really nice, but do not assume they all speak English. Some do not, but they can generally understand what you want or are trying to say if you simplify your words.
Bring comfortable shoes as you will walk everywhere. Bus passes are king here, they can get you everywhere, including onto the local trains. Jonkoping is absolutely beautiful and I love every bit of it. I was a little put off at first when I learned my school is so far from town, two train stops away, but the ride is so beautiful, as Jonkoping is located on a lake.
My advice to you is if you are planning this for your student teaching, is to be flexible, come prepared, and just have fun. Tonight we experience Swedish hockey as the local team made it into the playoffs and we got tickets. More to come from Sweden next week, until then, enjoy the photos of the beautiful Jonkoping, Sweden.
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Around Jonkoping
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Jonkoping University
Library
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For more information on these international teaching opportunities in Belize, Peru and Sweden, please visit http://teacher-education.uark.edu/internships.php
