Dear Sweden, happy month-anniversary!

Today, my calendar marks the third month since the first day I arrived to this country.

It’s incredible how much we can grow, personally and professionally, when we are immersed in a different environment than what we’re used to. Looking back, so far I moved aboard, started a master in strategic communication, got used to a different teaching system, met new people, saw a beach covered in snow, traveled, mastered the art of thinking in Spanish, speaking in English while start learning Swedish, and became part of the Study in Sweden digital Ambassadors team. It’s more than what I expected.

And I can’t help it but think about that 16 of August at Copenhagen airport, my last stop and the beginning of this Swedish adventure. The staff of Lund University, wearing blue shirts and big smiles, were greeting all the international students while we arrived. You could tell dreams and expectations were floating in the air. Do you know that feeling between fear for the unknown and excitement for all what it’s yet to come? Well that was me, for that whole day and probably the next few weeks.

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After 20 hours between planes and airports

There I met Gwenny from the Netherlands and Stella from Germany, my new housemates, and also strategic communication students, we have already spoken before on Skype and finally there we were. Everything was getting so real. The Lund University staff helped us get the tickets for the train, which was going to take us to Helsingborg, our new hometown.

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Two suitcase, one backpack, a small purse and an infinity amount of my adventurous spirit where so hard to fit in the train compartments. Anyway, we managed to get to Helsingborg Central Station and then share a taxi to the awesome place we rented (at a student affordable price). 10 minutes later we arrived and almost forgot to take our bags with us because we were so amazed of that beautiful house build in 1920. I mean we saw a few pictures and everything before but this was waaaay better! How did we manage to get so lucky? Well, that’s a long story I will share with you guys in another post. Yes, we felt like little girls on Christmas morning.

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We divided the rooms and even though I got the smaller one, it’s super cozy with a big bed and a desktop by the window. What else do you need, right? It was all so quiet; I sat for a few seconds in the wooden floor, to let it all sink in. While in my mind I was automatically starting with the to do list: unpack, get rid of the green rug, buy a desktop lamp and some plants, oh I need food, add colorful pillows… and the list went on.

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I stood up and placed my hand on the window, it was all so green. There were even 2 apple trees in our backyard! I smile and whisper: Hi Sweden, nice to meet you.

Today, 3 months later, I cherish that: new beginnings. And what better way to celebrate than with fika. 

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Happy 3 month anniversary dear Sweden, looking forward to all the wonderful things ahead.

/Ivanna

Ivanna

Written by Ivanna

16 Nov 2016