Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFS year programme (academic year) | August 2009 | June 2010 | $11,250 + $220 visa | 16 - 18 |
Sweden is one of the most democratic societies in the world. The Swedes are proud of their nation and its accomplishments, and local patriotism is important. Swedes have a profound respect for privacy and politeness. Although they may appear reserved at first, they tend to have a terrific sense of humour and genuinely appreciate a joke.
Sweden has more than 100,000 lakes, which provides a rich environment for wildlife. The country also has numerous large rivers that run into the Baltic Sea in the east and into the Atlantic on the west coast. Sweden’s coastline is the longest of any country in Europe, stretching 7,300 km.
Sweden’s population is composed principally of Scandinavians of Germanic descent and a relatively small number of ethnic Finns. Sweden’s immigrant population is increasing rapidly, including Finns, people from the former Yugoslavia, Iranians, Norwegians, Danes, Turks, Chileans and others.
Family life
Family life is important, but family structure is diverse and offers differing lifestyles and beliefs from one family to the next. In a typical family, both parents work, and Swedish families do not have maids. Household chores are usually divided among family members, regardless of traditional female and male roles and age. Any student (boy or girl) must be willing and able to help at home, cleaning, cooking, washing laundry etc. Mutual respect between children and adults is nurtured at an early age.
School life
School opens after the middle of August and goes until early June. There is a one-week holiday in November, a two-week holiday at Christmas, one-week in February or March and one-week at Easter. Classes usually run from 8am to 3 or 4pm. Swedish schools do not require uniforms.
AFS Sweden can place students with physical impairments, (i.e. hearing or visually impaired) but cannot place smokers or vegetarians.
