| FAQs |
| So I figured that since I have spent some time here in Sweden, I would put up a FAQ page of questions asked by you guys! Take a look at what you have come up with! |
| Q: Why?
A: Why not? Q: No, seriously, why did you decide to go to Sweden? A: Well, there are 2 ways I can answer this question. AFS’s way – The people and culture are amazing! My way – I had applied for Australia and was accepted. About a week later, I found out that I was too old, so they gave me a list of countries I was still eligible for, and Sweden was one of them. Also, I have some Swedish heritage. Q: Do you miss your family? A: My what? Just kidding, yea, I do. I get to talk to my mom over Instant Messaging once and a while, so it isn’t that bad. I miss my 2 fuzzy dogs though. Q: Do they speak English in Sweden? A: Yes and No. English is considered a second language to them and mostly young people speak it. My family’s grandmother doesn’t understand any English, so I use her once and a while to brush up on my Swedish. Q: What is it like on the island? A: Well, it is very windy and cool. We seem to get a lot of rain once and a while, which always makes my biking trip to school even better. Q: What is school like? A: School here is more set up on a college schedule. I start off everyday at 8:45 – 9. Not all of my classes meet everyday, so that is a very nice change from our system of schooling in the states. I get done at different times everyday, which is very nice some days (like Friday when I get out at 2) and not so nice other days. To see my full school schedule, you can see it in the School section. Q: Is there Swedish Fish Candy there? A: Yes, and yes they are called Swedish Fish. At first, I couldn’t find any, but after searching, I found some in a store near me. They have other flavors that we don’t have in the states, and I think that they are made right here in Sweden. (Note: For those that don’t know what Swedish Fish Candy is, it’s like gummy bears but better.) Q: Are there polar bears and penguins in Sweden? A: I shouldn’t even answer this one, but I will. No, there are not any polar bears or penguins here. I have heard however that the abominable snowman is often seen here (not really, just a joke). Q: What are the ladies like? A: Blonde hair and blue eyed Q: What are the guys like? A: See above. Ok, so not really. Not everyone here is blonde haired and blue eyed. Many times, while walking around the local mall, I can imagine that Iäm back in the US because people here look like people in the US. The only difference is when they open their mouths and talk to me. Q: What do Swedes think about the US? A: They love our country, but hate our President (Bush). I have talked to many adults about this topic and they think what many of us think in the states about Bush and the War in Iraq. Many of them really hoped that Kerry had won in November (as do I). Q: What foods don’t they have there? A: Finally a good question! So far, some major things I have noticed that they don’t have are: - Oreos - Pop Tarts - Spagetti-Os - Macaroni and Cheese - Graham Crackers /Teddy Grahams - Bagels (might be wrong on this one though) - M&Ms (I have been told that they have them, but I have yet to find them) - Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches (Introduced a few people to them though) - Microwave meals Q: Where can we send care packages to? A: EVEN BETTER QUESTION! If you want to send a care package, letter or yourself (I suggest Fed-Ex if you are sending yourself in a box), send it to: C/O Dr. Jacob Wennberg Skjutbanegatan 14 413 21 Göteborg Sweden Q: What does the shape of the country remind you of? (Submitted by Laura D’Onofrio) A: It definitely reminds me of California. Q: What DO you eat in Sweden? (Submitted by Laura D’Onofrio) A: Berries and tree bark…. not really. Um, I have had fish, pasta, meat, chicken, salads, crab, basically a lot of the stuff that we have in the states, but much more healthier. There are McDonalds and Burger King here, but not a lot of people really eat and worship them as much as we do in the states. Q: What sort of things to Swedes have that America should import? (Submitted by Laura D’Onofrio) A: A laid back attitude. Ok, so you can’t “import it” but still. I have noticed that compared to Sweden, America is so rushed and “got to do it now attitude”. At work, Swedes are allowed a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation (I am pretty sure about that) and if a woman were to have a child, the father usually takes a paternity time to help out at home. Swedes get stuff done, but it’s not as competitive as in the US, so there isn’t as much stress here as there is back home. Q: Is everyone blonde haired blue eyed in Sweden, or are there some rare Swedish people who have miraculously picked up a different gene? (Submitted by Laura D’Onofrio) A: Ok, so I will be the first to admit that the whole “blue eyed and blonde hair” is a stereotype. While there are many blue eyed and blonde haired, there are also those that have brown hair and brown eyes or whatever. I can’t explain how it works out gene wise, because I um… didn’t pay attention to Biology. If you have a question that wasn’t on here, please E-Mail it to me and I will personally reply to it as well as put it on the list for others to read! |
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| AFS USA Interested in doing a year abroad too? Visit AFS USA to find out how! Sweden Visit the official gateway to Sweden and see what is new. Young Swedes Teens in Sweden and the USA, any difference? See what Young Swedes are up to! Sweden Bound Danielle Ballard is also updating a website while she is here. Check out Sweden Bound to see what she is up to! Elspeth's Site Check out yet another AFSer's webpage! Elspeth has one of her own and you can see what she is doing in Helsingborg HERE! |
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