Anna Strenkert
When I moved to Sweden for a two-year Master鈥檚 in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science, I was excited but honestly didn鈥檛 really know what to expect.
Learning from a society that lives its values
Sweden had always stood out to me for the way sustainability is woven into everyday life, from recycling habits to public transport. I wanted to learn in a place where sustainability wasn鈥檛 just talked about, but lived 鈥� and Sweden felt like the right environment to learn, grow, and challenge myself.
Learning to navigate Sweden鈥檚 quiet warmth
Coming from Germany, the cultural shift wasn鈥檛 enormous, but it was still noticeable. I quickly realized that Swedes value their privacy on a level I wasn鈥檛 used to and often seem quite reserved or distant, especially in the beginning. As an international student, that could feel challenging when trying to build connections beyond the classroom and my mostly international classmates. But over time, I began to understand that Swedish openness just works differently. Once you get past the first layer, people are warm, sincere, and incredibly supportive. Still, navigating those subtle social differences wasn鈥檛 always easy, and I had to learn to be patient with the process.
Building a sustainable future
During my studies, it became clear that I wanted to stay in Sweden after graduation. The combination of a healthy work鈥搇ife balance, the closeness to nature, and the Swedish traditions made me feel that this was a place where I could grow personally and professionally. My goal became to build a career that connected to sustainability, the energy transition, environmental or climate policy, or even international relations.
Kick鈥慡tart to my future
To help take the next step from student life to the Swedish job market, I decided to join the Kick-Start Program (KSP). It ended up being one of the most valuable experiences of my time here. The programme gave me a clearer sense of what employers look for, how to shape my CV and cover letter, and what Swedish and even Danish workplace culture feels like. But what I valued most was the network and community I found. I met people who, despite coming from completely different backgrounds, were all dealing with the same uncertainties and hopes that I was. Being surrounded by others in the exact same situation made everything feel a little less overwhelming. It helped me build confidence that I actually belong here, that my skills and experiences matter, and that being an international in Sweden can be a strength rather than a barrier.
Looking back, I鈥檓 grateful for the path that brought me here to Lund. What started as an academic decision has become a long-term journey toward belonging, purpose, and building a future. And I鈥檓 excited to see where this journey in Sweden will take me next.
/Anna Strenkert
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