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Eligibility Requirements
- Age: You must be between 15 and 18.8 years old
- Language: Basic Swedish is recommended
- School Enrolment Status: You must be enrolled in a NZ school
- Other: Vegetarians can be hard to place
Notes
- Visa is either issued with a Interview in Canberra (AUS) or in Sweden, cost is approx Kr2,000
What's included in your experience
- Airfare
- Airport Pick-up
- Host Family Placement
- Housing
- Meals
- School Placement
- Individual Contact Person
- Medical Insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- School Transport
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Cultural Tours
- Visa and Passport Fees
- Stipend
- School Uniform
People & Community
Most Swedes live in small rural towns, and while the cities are populous and modern, they retain their ancient charm with pockets of medieval streets and architecture. You could be placed throughout Sweden, though most host families live in the countryside or in small towns. Mutual respect between children and adults is nurtured from an early age. The Swedes prize personal freedom and accountability, so your responsibilities at home and school will reflect those values. Household chores are usually equally divided among family members, in small and tidy houses.
School
School in Sweden begins in mid-August and goes until mid-June, from 8 am to 3 or 4 pm, though the class schedule varies between programs. Your school schedule will be determined by your interests and the classes you’ve already taken. Swedish schools offer a variety of tracks but sciences and humanities are the priorities for many. No matter what you focus on, expect to take Swedish, English and math.
Language
Swedes speak Swedish, though almost 90% also speak English, as it has been a required subject in schools since 1849. Many Swedes speak a 3rd or 4th language as well. You don’t have to know Swedish before starting your exchange, but some basics will certainly be helpful. AFS will support you in learning the language before and during the exchange by providing materials, links and language lessons.
Food
Common Swedish meals include potatoes, cheese, seafood, meat, fresh vegetables, salads, and open-faced sandwiches. Smorgasbord, a bountiful buffet, is common for special occasions. Meatballs, lingonberries, and smoked salmon are popular delicacies.
Alumni Story
Living in Sweden: A Journey with AFS Alumni
Discover the beauty of Swedish culture and lifestyle through the personal story of an AFS alumni. Learn how their year in Sweden transformed their perspective and gave them a deeper understanding of this Nordic country.
Ready to Start your Swedish Adventure?
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Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure
With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact.