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Living overseas

Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.

Husband considering a job in Sweden.....

15 replies

chumble · 17/05/2011 12:29

Hello

Just wondering if anyone has current, recent experience of moving to Sweden.

Have two DC (6 and 3) and not able to speak Swedish.

I have visited Sweden several times as a tourist (both winter and summer)but aware that living in the country would be very different. Have also visited other Scandinavian countries too.

Any advice, experiences would be greatly received.

Thanks

OP posts:
chumble · 17/05/2011 13:57

Anyone?

OP posts:
chumble · 18/05/2011 18:39

any one?

OP posts:
Highlander · 19/05/2011 16:11

my collegue moved to Stockholm and loved it. He's had to move to Koln now and hates Germany.

There is someone on MN who has lived in Sweden; let me check......

Highlander · 19/05/2011 16:24

You could try contacting the following MNers:

katymac - I know she is still a regular here. Her brother lives in Sweden.

marjean

malmomum

queenofshadows is in Norway.

sounds like a fabby move!!

I did an advanced search within MN for 'sweden'

BikingViking · 19/05/2011 17:51

We live in Denmark, but close to Sweden (literally, can take the train from outside our flat :o ) if that's any help?

Whereabouts in Sweden?

I found living in Copenhagen with children much easier than London, although not Sweden I know and don't know if you're in a big city or now.

I wouldn't worry too much about the language - generally you'll find relatively high English speaking abilities.

Excuse any rubbish typing - am not used to posting on an iPhone

MrsMills · 20/05/2011 04:15

Is there anything specific you want to know?

I've lived in Stockholm for 5 and a half years now after mo ing from England. You can pm me if you'd prefer.

We love it here btw!

chumble · 20/05/2011 16:36

Thanks for replies.

Dh would be working near Gothenburg if he takes the job. I have visited twice before (pre children) in Summer and in Winter and have visited other parts of Scandinavia too. However I am very apprehensive about learning language and getting to know people. I have never been much good with languages and don't want to rely on people speaking English as this seems a little unfair tbh.

I have heard very good things about Sweden (from Swedish people) and know a Swede who lives in the area but wanted to know about it from the point of view of an 'outsider' moving.

MrsMills interested to hear how you found the move from England with young kids (ours are 3 and 6). We are considering international schooling although I am wondering whether the age of our kids would mean regular school may be better from an 'integration' point of view.......

OP posts:
Bonsoir · 21/05/2011 19:09

chumble - don't even consider local schooling if your DH's company is going to meet the cost of international schooling. You will not integrate any better by sending your DC to a local school as you will find that all the locals work and have no time for you as there own lives are full. At an international school you will meet other expats who will help you settle and find your way and be happy to help.

natation · 21/05/2011 20:17

Or perhaps a school such as this one?
www.theenglishschool.se/En/ESG/FAQ

dollydoodledo · 22/05/2011 03:43

Re schooling, if you are considering a permanent move definitely go to a local school, they are good quality and your children will integrate better (because they will make friends with Swedish children) and they will learn the language quicker. International school children are more transient with more movement, fine if you will only be there a short time but not if you really want to make a more permanent move.

NunTheWiser · 22/05/2011 03:57

If you're only going to be there for a few years and your husband's employer meets the cost, go to the English speaking school. Most Swedish women work so you won't be making integrating yourself or your children any easier. In an international school environment, you'll meet lots of families in the same boat as you and you'll develop a support and social network much more quickly. The transition for your children will also be much easier, as will the transition when you return to your base country.

chumble · 22/05/2011 15:16

Thanks for replies.

Anyone living in Sweden with some info?

OP posts:
MrsMills · 23/05/2011 13:38

I agree with alot of what has been said here. If your move is only a temporary situation, and you have the resources, then I recommend an International School. However if you intend on fully integrating into your community (swedish I mean) then a local school would be the way I would go.

Out move to Sweden, is intended to be a permanent one, or for the length of the childrens schooling anyway. The boys were 5 and 2 when we first arrived, not too disimilar to yours. They both attend local swedish schools and picked up the language within a matter of months. They both speak fluently and unless told, people aren't even aware they are english until they speak to us! They have never had any problems with learning the language.

As for you, my advice would be to learn swedish asap if you intend to stay. It isn't a particularly difficult one to learn, despite what you might think if you watch Wallander. The difficulty arises when people want to speak english to you, which is often. The level of english spoken here is extremely high, so in one respect it is easy to get by, but you must be persistant if you want to become fluent.

Most Swedish women work, so life can be difficult for a sahm. I have a mix of friends, both swedish and expats, wohm and sahm, but it does take time to find the locals. One website I have found invaluable for meeting people is mumsinsweden.com.

Sweden is no Utopia and comes with its own problems but we love it here and have no intention of returning to the UK any time soon. Unfortunately I have no experience of Gothernurg, only the eastern coast, but please feel free to ask anything else.

chumble · 23/05/2011 14:34

Thanks MrsMills your info is very helpful. I will have a look at the website you suggest.

DH is awaiting an interview date and plans to go and have a look around the schools at the same time.

thanks

OP posts:
lalasmum11 · 04/12/2011 00:15

Hi, just came across this on a search. DH is working in Copenhagen but living in Malmo. It's a three year contract so considering joining him from June. Kids are 4.5 and 2 currently. Is it very lonely as a SAHM?

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