Would you move to Sweden?

cobbingstones

Hi all,

My dh has come home with news that he may be required to go to Sweden for six months :eek: I've never been and feel totally shell shocked.

I have two very young children and a 17 year old who would not go.

This would mean possibly renting out the house for six months?

He would also get a bonus and a step in the right direction for promotion.

Pls advise

MM

Gabriel-Ernest

Go for it - I'd always jump at the possibility of living in a different country. The 17 year old might be a problem - do you have a family member or parents of a friend with whom he/she could lodge for 6 months?

Tallymanjohn

Absolutely, go for it. Just consider it to be a six-month holiday. Sweden's an expensive place to live, but short-term you cannot pass up the opportunity & you'd always regret it if you didn't grab the chance. 17 year old is surely capable of looking after himself for that short a period?.

MrsTinks

Well... I've lived in Norway, worked for 3 weeks in Sweden and am born a Dane

WHERE in Sweden are you likely to be posted? This would seriously affect whether I'd say go or not. Some areas of Sweden are beyond dull and many places you will struggle to find people speaking English - as my coleagues found out the hard way when they where sent out too but unlike me didn't speak ANY swedish...
Sweden and Norway are beautiful - in winter they are however also COLD - so if you are not in favour of subzero temperatures then only go if it's 6 months in summer...

Personally... No I wouldn't but then I have moved lots in my 27 years - including 3 countries and managed to clock up 8 schools - and Sweden was not top of my "ooo must go there again!" list - but i you have never lived abroad then I would say go. It's only 6 months and it will be a good experience for the kids Be warned if you take your 17 year old with you... they may not move back! (My parents now live back in Denmark after our posting ended... and I am still here... 8-9 years on...)

cobbingstones

Thanks for replies.

Son would need to move out (prob with friends) no family near to help.

We would be going to Stockholm.

MM

Sitrus

Definitely and I'm a Finn (our relationship with Swedes a bit like that of the English and the Scottish)! I've not lived in Sweden myself but the culture and atmosphere in most northern European countries is very similar - they are lovely places for children, with mostly good schools and good standard of living. It's brilliant for outdoor style living and people speak good English, so it's easy to get by.

Even more yes, if you'd be going to Stockholm!! Absolutely lovely place, surrounded by water and beautiful!

Jennie_2

Oh yeah do go. I represent the Norwegian contingent here and I reckon you would have fun in Stockholm.

The Swedes speak excellent English, are very child friendly and you will have a lovely experience.

You can fly there cheaply, so your 17 year old could come across for breaks (if he does stay in the UK). How old are your littlies? I am sure you could find them a place in Kindergarten.

It does get cold but it is not like UK cold. Our cold is wet whereas Scandinavian cold is dry. It just feels different. Anyway depends when you go.

Sounds like there are plenty of Scandinavians around here to advise you on all sorts of stuff if you decide to go.

Let us know what you decide to do, hun!

Jennifer_Jane

I would go in a shot. Very expensive, esp. flats, so your relocation support might answer your question for you. But I work with loads of Swedes and they are terrific. Beautiful country and lovely people, as Sitrus says.

Perhaps if you mention all those blondes, your 17 year old will be persuaded.

MJMum

---

cobbingstones

Thank you all again.

Pls could you advise me if there are any English speaking kindergartens?

My babies are 2.5 and 11 months.

If possible I would love to work for a day!

Thanks

MM

ps not keen on renting either, but we can't leave it empty. No one we know to housesit. x

tumbleweed261

Absolutely go for it, 6 months isn't that long really, your 2.5 year old might learn Swedish and Stockholm is a really lovely city. And if that doesn't convince you, freia chocolate (think it's actually Norwegian? that's certainly where I tried it first) or maribou (Swedish name for the Norwegian brand I think) is heavenly! What more reason could you need?