Curious about what it’s like to live and study in Stockholm? Wondering what makes our program stand out? Our Alumni Ambassadors are here to help! These former students are excited to share their experience about daily life, housing, academics, internships, and more. Browse their profiles below and don’t hesitate to reach out!
Major: Environmental Policy
Semester abroad: Spring ’26
Email: annika.mannix@gmail.com
My biggest piece of advice is to take time to explore everything the greater Stockholm area and everything Sweden has to offer you. Your weekends will likely quickly fill with travel, but there is so much to do just a bus or train ride away. Some of my best time spent this semester was just walking around the city, heading into the archipelago, or taking the train to Göteborg.
One of the coolest things about Stockholm is the city’s proximity to nature. As someone who loves to be outside, Stockholm offers a robust city life with the opportunity to be in nature in under an hour. In February, I went long ice skating when the ice was thick and smooth for miles. It was an incredible workout and absolutely beautiful. One Saturday in March, my friends and I took a bus to the Vaxholm area to do winter kayaking in the archipelago. Both of these activities were easy day trips only using my SL card! I also took the night train up north to the ski resort Åre for a weekend.
Stockholm, along with The Swedish Program and the Stockholm School of Economics has so much to offer, so be sure to take advantage of it. It truly is the best city in the world!
Ask me about:
» Selecting a study abroad program
» Packing for a semester abroad
» Cultural immersion & tips for meeting locals
Major: Economics & Political Science
Semester abroad: Spring ’26
Email: laludwin@colgate.edu
My biggest piece of advice for studying abroad is to take advantage of everything that you can. Life abroad goes by so fast—go to museums, meet new people, explore a new part of the city on a sunny day, and do things with your friends as much as possible.
I’d also recommend getting as involved in SASSE and SSE as much as possible. You meet amazing people, get to do cool things, and it’s a great way to get immersed in Swedish culture.
I loved Stockholm, The Swedish Program, and the people that I met there. I’d do it again in an instant if I could!
Ask me about:
» Taking an SSE direct enrollment course
» Interning in Stockholm (American Chamber of Commerce)
» Maintaining relationships at home while abroad
Major: History
Semester abroad: Spring ’26
Email: sreynolds309@icloud.com
During my semester in Stockholm, I hoped to experience the city beyond its buildings and streets. Without people, every city is just an organized pile of bricks. The relationships you build give a place its culture and meaning. Through friendships with fellow students, involvement in student organizations at the Stockholm School of Economics, program activities and excursions, and even getting to know a local Swedish family, I experienced Stockholm in a way that went far beyond sightseeing. Anyone can visit Stockholm and admire its beautiful streets and architecture, but only The Swedish Program could allow us such a high level of cultural integration.
One such cultural activity was the spring excursion to the Arctic Circle with the whole program. On the first night, the northern lights glimmered in the skies. My most memorable part of the night was hiking down to the lake with friends and lying in the snow, all laughing but slowly growing quieter, until we all fell silent for a few minutes while gazing up at the dancing lights, surrounded by falling snow and the wildness of the Arctic tundra.
I am a history major. To all those interested in The Swedish Program with little background in economics: this program is still for you. Despite studying at the prestigious Stockholm School of Economics, I did not take an economics class, for which I did not feel disadvantaged at all.
Lastly, there’s no such thing as too many pictures in your camera roll. Memories are precious, and your photo album can be your journal for your semester in Stockholm!
Ask me about:
» Selecting a study abroad program
» Navigating the residence permit process
» Documenting your study abroad experience
Major: Government & Journalism and Professional Writing
Semester abroad: Spring ’26
Email: hannahesawyer@gmail.com
Read my blog piece, “More than Meatballs: A Swedish Heritage Homecoming”
Being half Norwegian and half Swedish, studying abroad in Scandinavia was always a dream. When looking at programs, I loved that The Swedish Program has rigorous academics, a liberal arts curriculum, and that I would be enrolled at a top European university. From exploring the Arctic Circle to going to Easter Mass at the Vatican, going abroad allowed me to visit places I had only seen online or heard about in my history textbooks. Going abroad to Sweden not only allowed me to connect with my heritage, but I was also able to do and see things that completely changed my perspective. The Swedish Program not only allowed me to study abroad, but truly live abroad and immerse myself within Sweden!
Ask me about:
» Interning in Stockholm (The Swedish Program)
» Packing for a semester abroad
» First time abroad
» Culture shock & homesickness
Major: Economics & Computer Science
Semester abroad: Fall ’25
Email: jutseng@davidson.edu
The Swedish Program provides everything you could want or need for a 10/10 semester abroad: courses taught by world-class faculty, an amazing cohort of peers, great accommodations, and most importantly, independent free time to explore the city/country/continent. My favorite memory from Sweden is going camping with friends at Tyresta National Park and seeing the northern lights.
My advice to prospective students is to take initiative. I joined a wrestling team in Kista with the free time I had on hand, which allowed me to step out of the program bubble and make local friends. I also travelled to Bosnia, Serbia, Latvia, and Estonia, among others, which were all incredibly eye-opening and enriching experiences. The Swedish Program provides an opportunity unlike any other, and I truly couldn’t have asked for more.
Ask me about:
» Interning in Stockholm (Norra Real Gymnasium)
» Cultural immersion & tips for meeting locals
» Cooking & meal prep
Major: Psychology & Sociology
Semester abroad: Fall ’25
Email: lillyjos@grinnell.edu
Studying abroad with The Swedish Program was an amazing experience that allowed me to grow as both a student and a person. From making friends within the program cohort to meeting people through cheerleading at SSE, I made meaningful connections that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Some pieces of advice that helped me make the most of my semester abroad:
1.) Participate in SASSE events!
There are so many fun sports and activities to try through the SASSE membership, and it is a great way to meet people outside of The Swedish Program. During my semester abroad I participated in both cheerleading and boxing, and I highly recommend both!
2.) Step out of your comfort zone
Some of the greatest learning experiences I had while abroad came from trying new things and meeting new people. This is a unique time where you are in a completely new environment (which can be very scary), but instead of being afraid, see this as a great way to expand your horizons. Attend the events hosted by The Swedish Program, and do things that you would not normally do. You may be surprised what you learn about yourself.
3.) Keep some form of journal while abroad
As important as branching out and trying new things is, it is equally important to reflect and use studying abroad as a time for internal growth. Personally, I committed to writing one page a day, which left me with a record of amazing memories and insight to how I changed throughout the semester.
The Swedish Program is a wonderful program and I could not have asked for a better semester. My time in Sweden didn’t only provide me with fantastic experiences while abroad, but also better prepared me for returning to campus afterwards. I would be happy to talk more about my time abroad or answer any questions, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Ask me about:
» Participating in athletics through SASSE
» Managing health issues or an injury abroad
» Documenting your study abroad experience
Major: Economics & Sociology
Semester abroad: Fall ’25
Email: se8@williams.edu
My time with The Swedish Program was a highlight of both my personal life and academic career.
From the start, the students in the program formed a close-knit community, united by a shared excitement to explore Stockholm together. Beyond the program, the kindness and openness of the people I met – from other SSE students to my contact family – gave me a deeper, more personal understanding of Swedish culture. My favorite memory is cooking dinner and making chocolate balls with my contact family while exchanging silly English and Swedish sayings and watching “På spåret.”
Academically, the program exceeded my expectations. Many classes were experiential, taking learning beyond the classroom and into the city through study visits and trips to different museums and neighborhoods. Engaging with local businesses and startups, as well as interning at a local high school, exposed me to new approaches to innovation and education that broadened my perspective.
My advice to prospective students is that the best way to approach this program is to be curious. Be prepared to embrace the unknown, whether it’s new foods, people, or the cold!, and fully immerse yourself in everything Stockholm and The Swedish Program have to offer.
Ask me about:
» Interning in Stockholm (Norra Real Gymnasium)
» Practicing religion abroad
» Connecting with your contact family
» First time abroad
