Rojina Shakya
In July 2024, I made one of the boldest decisions of my life by leaving my familiar world behind to join my husband here in Sweden, where he is pursuing his PhD at Lund University. I come from the breathtakingly beautiful Himalayas of Nepal, where I completed my Master鈥檚 in Computer Engineering and built a fulfilling career as a lecturer at Kathmandu University in the department of Artificial Intelligence. Now, I am on my way to new adventures.
From Nepal to Sweden: A Journey of Hope
The early days in Sweden were sprinkled with magically vibrant autumn colors, joyful reunions, and the adventure of exploring Europe together with him. We traveled through Denmark, Switzerland, and France, meeting old friends and making unforgettable memories. Everything felt like a beautiful dream painted with sunshine.
But seasons changed, and so did my emotions. As autumn gave way to the long, cold winter, the initial excitement slowly dimmed. I found myself missing home, the rhythm of the Nepali language, and the sense of purpose that once filled my days. The cultural shift and early darkness made things feel a little heavier.
Starting Over: Language, Learning & Courage
Yet, instead of letting fear define my path, I chose to rise. I enrolled in Swedish classes (SFI) at Folk University and started learning the language. Every class, every word I learned, was a tiny victory. I still remember the first time I answered a question in Swedish, it was broken and awkward, but the smile from the teacher said everything. I also pushed myself to attend as many language cafes as I could. These gatherings not only helped me practice the language, but also taught me about Swedish culture, traditions, and the value of Fika and work life balance. I have joined the Social Hub and got chance to hear stories from other internationals who had stumbled, struggled, and eventually thriving in their career across Sweden. These stories were fuel for hope. I also learned swimming and cycling, the skills I had never explored before, which are small yet empowering milestones in this journey.
Support Systems & Small Joys
Throughout this journey, the Nepali community in Lund was a pillar of support. From helping to lend a bicycle, organizing gatherings and events with Nepali food and laughter, they brought the warmth of home back into my life.
I discovered International Citizen Hub Lund (嫩草影院) and joined the Kick-Start Program, which became a game-changer. It was exactly what I needed. A place where internationals like me could come together, share stories, build skills, and feel understood. It introduced me to the Swedish job market, gave me clarity, and helped me build a professional network. Soon after, through the Jobbspr氓nget platform, I got an internship opportunity as a WordPress developer at Mobilizing Expertise in Ideon Science Park, a shift from my academic past, but one that felt exciting and full of potential. And for the first time since arriving, I felt professionally alive.
Anchored by Love, Moving Forward with Strength
Now, months later, I look back and see how far I鈥檝e come. It hasn鈥檛 been easy: the language, the winter, the waiting but every small step has built something beautiful. I鈥檓 still learning Swedish, still attending language cafes, and still shaping my career. The unwavering support of my husband Shangharsha Thapa and the endless love from my families, friends and well-wishers have always helped me remain resilient. Their encouragement, faith, and warmth even from afar has been my foundation through every moment of my life. Sweden is no longer just where I live it鈥檚 where I鈥檓 slowly, surely, building a new home.
/Rojina Shakya
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