DIS Blog
Finding a second home in Sweden
Originally from Ukraine, Sonya (she/her, Grinnell College) was already “studying abroad” in the US when she decided to attend DIS Stockholm in fall 2024.
While she wasn’t sure what to expect, what she found impacted her life in surprising—and delightful—ways. Beyond engaging with her courses and connecting with classmates, Sonya also found a second family in her Visiting Host Family, got involved in Swedish hockey culture, and even learned to figure skate.
Read on to hear her story.
Hi! I’m Sonya.
Studying abroad reshaped my identity, my perspectives, and my life. As an international student from a small town in a post-Soviet country, I wasn’t expecting to study abroad in both Iowa and Sweden. While each destination has played a significant role in my personal development, Sweden has particularly felt like a second home.
Transitioning from my hometown to the United States was a significant adjustment. The culture shock forced me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace a world that was entirely foreign to me. The initial struggle was huge, but it laid a solid foundation for my adaptability. Having successfully adjusted to life in the United States, I felt a sense of readiness as I began my next journey to Sweden.
Arriving in Sweden was a breath of fresh air.
Unlike my experience in the United States, where I experienced feelings of isolation and uncertainty, I was met with warmth and acceptance in Stockholm. DIS itself, the city of Stockholm, and Swedish culture made me feel welcome from the very beginning. The ease with which I integrated into Swedish life was surprising.
Through the DIS Visiting Host program, I found a second family with Swedish locals to whom I’m so grateful–I wish they knew how much I enjoyed spending time with them throughout the semester. It was as if I had finally found a place where I truly belonged.
The vibrant energy of Stockholm captivated me, and with each passing day, my love for the city deepened. The thought of leaving fills me with sadness, as it has become a small part of who I am.
“DIS itself, the city of Stockholm, and Swedish culture made me feel welcomed from the very beginning.”
One of the best parts of living in Stockholm has been my sense of safety and independence as a young woman. I can explore the city at night, travel easily to nearby towns, and be in public spaces without anxiety. This freedom has encouraged me, allowing me to engage more with my surroundings and the people within them. Stockholm has become a city of exploration—not just for activities but also in discovering my passions and identity.
As someone who has always loved hockey, my excitement for the sport reached new heights when I arrived in Sweden. With its rich hockey culture, Sweden offered so many opportunities to watch matches, from junior leagues like J20 to HockeyAllsvenskan. Hockey became more than just a hobby; it helped me feel connected to the community around me. Spending weekends at the rink brought me joy and made me feel more at home, strengthening my love for the sport.
Then, I realized that I could finally pursue a childhood dream: learning to figure skate. Growing up, I had always dreamed of being a figure skater, but without the proper facilities in my hometown, it felt impossible. Inspired by my experiences in Stockholm, I decided to take the risk. I did some research, found a nearby figure skating school, and reached out to join their practice. The moment I stepped onto the ice with my new skates, I felt so much excitement and nostalgia.
It was like I had rediscovered a part of myself that had been hidden for far too long.
Figure skating has changed me in many ways. It added discipline to my routine, taught me resilience, and showed me the value of dedication and hard work.
At first, waking up for early Sunday practices was tough, but I soon found myself looking forward to them. Skating became a special part of my life, a way to connect with others who shared my passion. The accessibility of rinks in Stockholm, where I could skate for free with my own equipment, further improved my experience. I found joy in skating alone during my free time, allowing me to reflect and enjoy the tranquility of the ice.
“Spending weekends at the rink brought me joy and made me feel more at home.”
Studying abroad with DIS in Stockholm has challenged me in unexpected ways.
It pushed me to face my fears, try new things, and step outside my comfort zone. I’ve challenged myself academically and personally, from navigating fascinating courses to engaging in meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds. Every interaction, every lesson, and every moment has contributed to my growth.
Stockholm has given me more than just a new place to live; it gave me an opportunity to discover myself and chase my dreams. I’m excited to keep this journey going, knowing each day brings a chance to explore and learn more about who I am. I will insanely miss Stockholm and will cherish the memories I made here.