Student Handbook

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Independent Travel #

We recognize that many students want to explore more of Sweden or Europe while studying abroad, so we provide a two-week semester break for students who wish to do so. Be sure to research the entry requirements for your destination, and always bring your passport, residence permit card, and an offline copy of your CISI insurance card.

Report Travel Plans #

You must provide staff with your travel dates, destinations, and contact information via the Travel Plans Form prior to any travel. You are required to provide this information so that we can contact you in case of an emergency.

Getting to the Airport #

Several airport transfer and shuttle options are listed below for your convenience. We do not endorse any particular service.

Public Transit #

Shuttles #

  • Flygbussarna: Bus shuttle to and from Arlanda, Bromma, Skavsta, and Västerås Airports.
  • Flixbus: Bus shuttle to and from Arlanda, Skavsta, and Västerås Airports.
  • Arlanda Express: High-speed train service between the Central Station and Arlanda Airport in 20 minutes.

Trains #

  • SJ: Trains to and from local stations with bus service to Skavsta and Västerås Airports.

Luggage Storage #

We are unable to store luggage or other personal belongings in the Swedish Program office, and luggage cannot be stored in your student housing before or after the official term dates. Short-term luggage storage options include:

  • At Centralstationen and Cityterminalen, storage lockers from the company Speed Locker are located at the Central Station on the ground floor and upper level.
  • At Arlanda Airport, storage lockers from the company Smartecarte are available in various sizes at Terminals 2 and 5 and in SkyCity.
  • Luggage storage services such as Radical Storage, Bounce, and LuggageHero offer storage services at various locations around Stockholm.

Health and Safety #

Healthcare #

The number for emergency services throughout Europe is 112.

Program staff do not have expertise related to the healthcare systems, resources, clinics, etc. in other countries. If you need to seek healthcare during independent travel, you can search for in-person providers in your current location in the myCISI portal, or find a local recommendation by, for example, asking at your hotel’s reception desk or using a search engine. You will typically need to pay for costs upfront, then submit your receipts to your health insurance provider CISI for reimbursement (see Health Insurance & Payment). Make sure to save all receipts and records related to your care so that you can file a claim for reimbursement.

  • If the healthcare provider requires upfront payment, you will need to pay out-of-pocket and file a claim for reimbursement from CISI.
  • If the provider is willing to send an invoice, ask if they can invoice CISI directly. If so, your CISI ID card lists CISI’s billing address and contact information. If the provider cannot invoice CISI directly, provide your personal contact details instead. As soon as you receive the invoice, file a claim with CISI immediately so that CISI can pay the invoice before its due date.
  • If you require long or expensive treatment, including hospitalization, please contact CISI’s 24/7 emergency assistance provider, AXA Assistance, by calling +1 (312) 935-1703 or emailing medassist-usa@axa-assistance.us. They will do their utmost to arrange direct billing with the hospital.

Safety and Security #

During independent travel, continue to follow our general safety recommendations:

  • Enroll in STEP (the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and review the U.S. Department of State website for country-specific advice and alerts.
  • Follow local laws and customs wherever you go.
  • Do not give out information about yourself, other students, or Program events to people you do not know well or trust.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Leave a situation if you don’t feel safe.
  • Guard your passport and other valuables and watch out for scams and pickpockets.
  • Stay in touch with your family at home. If there’s a crisis where you are, check in with family and friends and update your social media to let everyone know you’re okay.

Bedbug Prevention #

Bedbugs are unfortunately common in some hotels, hostels, and AirBnBs. Take these precautions to avoid bringing them back home with you to Stockholm:

    • Always check the mattress and bed linen thoroughly for bugs or any sign of them (blood stains, bug eggs/shells,  black/brown spots on the sheet/mattress), especially in the crevices. Bed bugs can also hide in places like the folds of curtains, sofas/armchairs, electrical outlets, baseboards, etc.
    • Put your bag on a suitcase stand, dresser, or table rather than on the bed or floor. Make sure not to leave your clothes on the floor or bed.
    • When returning home, keep your suitcase closed and outside on your balcony until you can put your clothes in the washing machine. Wash your clothing in hot water and dry them in at least 60 degrees Celsius for 60 minutes or more. Of course, make sure to check the washing instruction labels on your clothes so that they are not ruined by the heat; put clothing that can’t be washed in high temperatures in the dryer (without washing them first) and dry at 60 degrees Celsius for at least 60 minutes. You can also put items that cannot be washed in plastic bags and put them in the freezer for a minimum of 4-5 days.
    • Check the lining of your suitcase thoroughly and vacuum the bag if possible when you return home. Make sure to put the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag directly afterward and throw it in the garbage room.

Attendance #

As noted in our Attendance Policy, missing class due to independent travel will be counted as an unexcused absence.