In May 2019, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Uppsala, Sweden for a may-mester to study the Swedish language as well as Swedish history and culture. It was a really unique experience for me to be introduced to and study a new language in its native country. Because of this, I was able to practice everything I was learning in my everyday interactions in Sweden and conversations with Swedish friends.

I also took a class on the history of the Sweden and the formulation of its culture from the era of the Vikings to modern-day Sweden. Being able to learn the history and culture while simultaneously interacting with these dynamics on a daily basis made for a very enlightening learning experience.

Most notably, however, my experience in Sweden allowed me to engage with the on-going refugee crisis in Europe. Sweden has accepted more refugees and asylum seekers than any other country in the EU. Up until 2015, Sweden has had a relatively liberal open-door policy for refugees. Such an open policy along with increased levels of immigration has created a Sweden with foreigners making up 1/5 of its 10 million residents.

The experience I gained in interacting with this population of foreigners, especially Middle Eastern refugees, has really added to my knowledge and understanding of my work in the Global Studies certificate. Exploring the dynamics of refugee integration / assimilation for refugees themselves as well as the impact on host countries and their native populations was a really eye-opening experience. Although I have worked with some refugee communities in Pittsburgh, being able to witness the integration of refugee populations in a new country with very different governing and political systems exposed me to the multiple realities for refugees after leaving their native countries. If anything, my experiences have showed me the need to improve US immigration and refugee policies in order to provide a more welcoming safe-haven for some of the most vulnerable populations.

For more information about the program, use this link: Pitt in Sweden