Rozemaryne spent a year abroad in Sweden

Rozemaryne from the Netherlands made her exchange in Sweden.

How was your exchange?

I decided to go to Sweden to learn the language and experience the culture. I ended up living in Sollefteå, the northern part of Sweden, and it turned out to be the best 10 months of my life!

I did many exciting things during my exchange year. Among the best experiences were going on snowmobile trips. In the Netherlands, we don’t get that much snow, and we don’t have snow-mobiles. So, this was really special for me. We would often go on trips for hours, stop some-where in the forest, and grill hamburgers. Celebrating Midsummer, my host family and I making “flower crowns”, was also really special since it was completely new to me. Other highlights were performing with my choir, camping, visiting Christmas markets, etc.

How did your exchange affect you?

After I came back home, my parents immediately noticed how I changed. I had become more independent, confident, and adventurous. I had also become very interested in learning languages and traveling.

Why did you choose STS for your exchange?

My first interaction with STS was at a Nordics Information Meeting. Everything was explained well and it felt like they really knew the students in a personal way. Another reason why I chose STS was because they really guide you through it from the moment of applying to the end of your exchange year.

Tips for future students

• Start speaking the language early on! It is very scary at first but only by practicing will you become better at it!
• Use a travel app like Polarsteps to track your exchange year! I often look back at my ex-change year through this app.
• Bring a flag of your host country so your friends can sign it when you go back home! Hang it in your room and you’ll always be reminded of them.

Find out more

• Read more student stories from Sweden
• Read more about a high school exchange in Sweden
• See all our high school exchange destinations