Would you move to Sweden?

joshm_2

This might be of interest - website of Sweden's news for English speakers:
http://www.thelocal.se/

Anne_Marie_2

Definitely go, you have got nothing to lose and everything to gain from the experience, if it suits all your family, namely your husband, yourself and your eldest son.....the two little ones are too young to be affected.

What does your 17 yr old have to say about this? Would he be happy living with friends for 6 months? Take it that you have talked it through with him thoroughly and got his opinions. Have you discussed it with friends, and are they willing to keep your son for 6 months?

It's not as if it's a permanent move, although as others have said, you may want to stay on, if your husbands' job offers that opportunity.

What matters is that your family are all happy, not what we all say on the board. Talk, talk and talk it through between the three of you, and then go with what your heart tells you is right for your family as a whole.

If your 17 yr old is happy enough to stay with friends, there really isn't any major obstacle. And how cool would it be to his friends "just popping over to Stockholm this weekend" kind of thing.

If you do decide to go, you will be bound to pick up some Swedish friends.....I got one, and she is the maddest, kindest person in the world, love her to bits. Everyone should have a Swede! Their outlook on life is truly different to the British way. Although one poster said they have never met an angry one.....mmmm, maybe my friend is the exception to the rule!

Do have some experience of family apart. DH merchant navy, used to be away at least 6 months at a time, which was quite tough....and no emails then either, was hand written letters which took weeks to catch the ship. We are moving to Cyprus in about a year, and just found out recently that DD won't be coming with us. Was expecting it, but nevertheless, would prefer if we were all together....however, she has her own life to lead, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Whatever you all decide, wish you all the best.

hobo28

A few years ago I did a project which had me pretty much go around most of the countries in Europe. Of all the places I went to, Sweden is one of the few places I loved.

As others have said, their English is flawless and puts our education system to shame. It is expensive so make sure your OH has enough money spare to make it worth while. For example I wonder if they still charge you 25% VAT to eat at a restaurant. Oh and if your into going out to pubs then forget it. Its very tightly controlled over there and you can only buy alcohol from government stores.

But aside from that, the place is lovely and clean, in comparison crime is low and Stockholm itself is beautiful.

mcivord

Hi - I'm going over to Malmo in Sweden for a 1 year contract in April and will need to be looking for a place to live for my family - either a large flat or a house. Thing is I don't have a clue as to what areas in or around the city to consider - has anybody been there and can give any advice. Thanks

Justie

I'd go - and I'm a real homebird who doesn't really want the hassle of going anywhere...

DKLS

Hell Yes, go, and stick a foot up the 17 year olds backside, Swedish Women and Sauna whats wrong with the lad? On a serious note, I work with a few Scandinavians and have to visit Stockholm and Finland on a regular basis, and have always been made to feel very welcome by the people.
Food is great, weather is great (I mean you get proper seasons), people are great.

maow425

Jennie wrote:

Oh yeah do go. I represent the Norwegian contingent here ...

Not the only one though!:D

Jennie wrote:

It does get cold but it is not like UK cold. Our cold is wet whereas Scandinavian cold is dry. It just feels different.

It's a different kind of cold...:rotfl: Sorry, I just have to laugh, because my DH takes the mick every time I say womething like that... In the winter it's cold - very cold. But the difference between the UK's "wet cold" and the Scandinavian "dry cold" is that in Scandinavia you don't really notice the cold as such until the temp has dropped well below zero, whereas here in the UK you'll freeze your wotsits off as soon as the temp drops below 8°C!

Tine: Am I right in saying that Sweden and Norway are nowhere near as cold as Denmark? The few times I've been to Denmark, it should have been nice and warm, but it always seems to be so windy. Then again, Denmark is pretty flat. Their highest mountain "Himmelbjerget" (or Heaven's mountain) is hardly more than a hill even by English standards...

I'd go for it! It's only for 6 months, so I'd look on it as a "try before you buy".:j

Sitrus

powerbase wrote:

I worked mainly in Finland for a while (spent some time in Sweden) and I couldn't have had a better place to be. I fitted in well, the people were fantastic and just such a change to the UK. In general (no offense to the Finns as I love them) Swedish people are even more social and friendly.

None taken

whatatwit

Personally I'd go like a shot...but I would be wary of renting out my house if I was only away for 6 months.
Most short term lets are for 6 months and if any work needs doing after the tenants vacate, then you could be stuck with no house to return to.
Also, would it really be practical to take all of your personal stuff with you, or put it into storage.

buxtonrabbitgreen

maow425. I have been to Denmark quite a few times as my son lives there. I didn't find the temperatures that much different to the UK. When I went a week before christmas one year our plane had to be de iced before we left. On the other hand one summer it reached the high 30s. When I went in Oct I took loads of warm clothes and didn't need them as the weather was warmer than england.