My experience in Stockholm

Rosie Macdonald, BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with Study Abroad).

Last year, I did my Study Abroad at Stockholm University in Sweden. I studied Economics there for one semester and it ended up being one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Study Abroad offers you so many surreal experiences you never thought you’d get.

Academically, it gave me an extra year to practice my degree as well as the chance to view it from a Swedish perspective. As well as having the extra time, it also gave me the opportunity to study with slightly less academic pressure which encouraged me to choose more unusual modules that I wouldn’t have considered at Durham. Over the year, I was able to explore economics more broadly, seeing how it overlapped with subjects like law and even climate science (Stockholm is renowned for its research on the economics of climate change). Overall, the experience enhanced my technical understanding of my subject as well as my appreciation and passion for it. As rewarding as my studies were, the best parts about my time in Stockholm were all the incredible opportunities outside academia. I’d never had the chance to live abroad before, and I cannot explain how exciting it was making the city my home. Sweden might be one of the most accommodating countries to move to: the people were so friendly, laid-back and all spoke impeccable English, but were also very patient when I tried to practice my Swedish. There was so much to do and see in Stockholm, from free museums and art galleries, amazing vintage stores, to world-class café culture! There’s truly something for everyone in the city. But most significantly, being able to live in a foreign country is an invaluable and rare experience to broaden your horizons and worldview –it’s something everyone deserves to do!

Of course, one of my biggest fears about moving to a new country on my own was whether I would struggle to make new friends. But after arriving, I quickly realised I didn’t have to worry at all. I was offered student accommodation close to the university which made it super easy to meet other students and make friends – a bit like living in college in first year. The Erasmus network was also very active in Stockholm and organised many socials, activities, and trips to make sure international students were connected! One of the best parts of my exchange ended up being an Erasmus trip to Lapland where we saw the northern lights, tried cross-country skiing, and swam in the Arctic Ocean.

Study Abroad offers you so many surreal experiences you never thought you’d get. I travelled to new places, met people from so many different countries and learnt things I never thought I’d get the opportunity to. It’s an experience which will push you out of your comfort zone, but it’s endlessly rewarding. Coming back to Durham to start my fourth year, I feel more confident in my subject and in myself. I’m so grateful I took the plunge and applied. My time in Stockholm will for sure stay with me as one of the most exciting chapters in my life!

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