It has set me up with invaluable knowledge and confidence and I am now a lot more prepared for a career in the international working environment.  My Erasmus placement in Sweden was a gem of a placement opportunity and I believe it’s a chance that more students should take and not just dismiss it because it isn’t paid.  But I know what you are thinking: 
 

Why was your placement so great and why should I do it?

- Well, allow me to explain....
Stockholm University School of Business is one of the top Nordic business schools and the atmosphere in the classroom is highly motivating as the focus is on participation with a strong emphasis on creative thinking.  I took eight modules (all in English) and these were split into four modules for each term.  The system is quite different as you study one module each month with the exam at the end of the month and then move onto the next module.  I found this system to be beneficial as I was able to focus on one subject at time rather than having many subjects going on at once.  There is a large range of courses you can take and my favourites included Entrepreneurship and Fashion Marketing.

Interact with people from all over the world

The major benefit I gained from the academic work is my new found ability to be able to interact with people from all over the world.  This skill came through the various multicultural group projects set up in order to test my ability to work effectively with other nationalities.  A further benefit of the modules is that they are very useful now in my final year as I am able to use my new found knowledge to deliver a wider range of perspectives in essays thus giving me a better chance of a higher grade.

Sweden is a remarkable country

Sweden is a remarkable country to spend your Erasmus placement in and Stockholm is a beautiful city.  The capital is a very safe place and impeccably clean, being situated on water that is so clean you can swim in it during the summer (and ice skate when it freezes over in the winter!).  I took part in a wide-range of cultural events including Santa Lucia at Christmas time, which involves singing and fireworks and getting into the Christmas spirit is unavoidable as decorated Stockholm is laced with glorious food and gift markets.  Midsummer is another big event in the Swedish calendar and this occurs in June with everybody having the day off work to go to the beach!

Well, I hope by now that you have been convinced by my story and you’re eager to take the first steps towards starting your own special story.  Remember, anytime fellow students ask why you have chosen a study placement rather than a work placement you can confidently assure them that ‘there are some things that money cannot buy!