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Living and Teaching English in Sweden - Habits, Customs & Curiosities

Sweden regularly comes near the top of various surveys related to prosperity, equality, health, education, and overall quality of life.

When you also consider it is one of the safest, cleanest and most stable countries in the world, it is no surprise that so many people choose to move to Sweden to live and work.

Whether you want to join them or simply wish to visit, the following guides should help you plan your trip and provide an insight into the country and culture of Sweden.

As well as some basic travel tips, you will also find a range of interesting facts and figures.

Located between Norway and Finland in the Scandinavian region of Northern Europe, Sweden is one of the richest and most stable countries in the world. To avoid the cold and dark winter many visitors choose to arrive during the summer months of June to August. Don’t forget to try a Swedish-style sauna and some traditional local cuisine such as meatballs and pickled herring.

Visitors can enjoy a wide array of attractions across the country, from the frozen beauty of the Arctic Circle in the far north to the modern cities and beach-lined coast of the south. However, if you want to witness the extraordinary northern lights you will need to bring some warm clothing with you as they are only visible from September to March.

If you plan to visit Sweden for work, to explore your Viking heritage or simply for a holiday, you will find there are plenty of things you didn’t know about the country. Most people are familiar with one of Sweden’s most famous brands, IKEA, but did you know that it is illegal to name your child after the furniture retailer?

The good news is that an astonishing 89% of Swedes speak English as a second language making it one of the easier countries in Europe for foreign visitors to get around and mix with the locals. Other big global brands that you might be surprised to hear come from Sweden include the giant clothing retailer H&M and music streaming service Spotify.

If you plan on spending some time in Sweden you are likely to pick up a few traits of the local culture during your stay, but how do you know when you have been Swedified? However, you will not be fully Swedified until you enjoy nothing better than jumping into freezing cold water after roasting yourself in a steaming sauna with a group of naked friends.

The top ten tell-tale signs that you have spent time in Sweden include driving a Volvo, eating salty licorice and fermented fish, and knowing how to cook herring in over a hundred different ways.