Sweden: Tina Lee
Program: DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Summer
Major: Health Promotion and Health Equity
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
The most memorable part of my program in Sweden was realizing how safe and comfortable I felt using public transportation by myself, even as a visitor in a country where I didn’t speak the language. At first, I was nervous about navigating the trains and buses alone, but after a few days, it became second nature.
I actually found myself enjoying those solo rides because they gave me time to slow down, take in my surroundings, and experience Stockholm at my own pace. While I enjoyed exploring with other American students, traveling alone felt peaceful and gave me a greater sense of independence. That experience not only made me appreciate Sweden’s reliable public transportation system but also gave me more confidence in myself.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
Rather than learning something completely new about myself, this experience reinforced qualities I already knew I had. I’ve always considered myself independent and someone who enjoys spending time alone, and studying abroad allowed me to embrace that. Some of my favorite moments were exploring Stockholm by myself, visiting tourist shops, walking through neighborhoods, or taking public transportation without feeling like I always needed to be with a group. It reminded me that I don’t have to experience a place the same way everyone else does to have a meaningful experience.
I also learned that every country has its own strengths and challenges. Before coming to Sweden, I heard it described as a model for gender equality and social welfare. While I was impressed by many aspects of Swedish society, my classes and field studies also showed me that no country is perfect. Every society continues to face issues related to inequality and inclusion, just in different ways. That perspective encouraged me to think more critically and reminded me that it’s important to appreciate what other countries do well while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done.
I don’t have to experience a place the same way everyone else does to have a meaningful experience.
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
As an Asian American traveling to Sweden, I was a bit nervous before arriving because I wasn’t sure how my appearance would affect my experience. Fortunately, I never experienced racism or discrimination during my time there, which made me feel much more comfortable exploring the city on my own. Whenever I went into stores or restaurants, people would usually greet me in English right away. While that was convenient, I also made an effort to practice simple Swedish phrases whenever I could because I wanted to show respect for the local culture.
Something that also helped me feel more at home was visiting Asian-owned restaurants around Stockholm. Being able to enjoy familiar foods reminded me of home while also showing me how diverse Stockholm has become. My advice for students with similar identities is to do your research before traveling, but don’t let your fears keep you from experiencing a new country. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about standing out, especially if you’re visiting a predominantly White country for the first time. Keep an open mind, be respectful of local customs, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. My experience showed me that people were welcoming, and traveling gave me more confidence in myself and a greater appreciation for experiencing different cultures.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
My experience in Sweden gave me a broader perspective on how different countries approach issues like gender equality, public health, education, and social welfare. Instead of only learning about these topics in a classroom, I was able to see how they are reflected in everyday life through our field studies and interactions with local organizations. As I continue studying Health Promotion and Health Equity, this experience will help me think more critically about how culture, policy, and society influence health outcomes.
In the future, I hope to work in public health and advocacy, and this program reminded me that there is always something to learn from other countries’ approaches. While no system is perfect, seeing different perspectives has encouraged me to be more open-minded and to consider how global ideas can help improve health equity in my own community.