OF WISCONSIN - EAU CLAIRE

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

Study Abroad

LINNAEUS UNIVERSITY, VÄXJÖ OR , 2021

Program Guide LGBTQIA+ Traveler ...... 7 ABLE OF ONTENTS T C Resources for Victims of Sexual Violence .....7

Academics ...... 2 Emergency Contacts ...... 7 Pre-departure Planning ...... 2 911 Equivalent in Sweden ...... 7 Registration at ...... 2 Required Documents ...... 7 Class Attendance ...... 2 Visa ...... 7 Classes ...... 2 Immigration Process after Arrival ...... 7 Transcripts and Graduation ...... 2 Visas for Travel to Other Countries ...... 7 Swedish Academic System ...... 2 Packing Tips ...... 8 Student Services ...... 3 Clothing/Weather ...... 8 Money Matters ...... 3 Bedding and Kitchenware ...... 8 Cost Estimate ...... 3 Getting to Sweden ...... 8 Exchange Explanation ...... 4 Travel Arrangements ...... 8 Housing Fees & Pre-Paid Debit Card from Buying a Changeable Ticket ...... 8 Linnaeus ...... 4 Getting to Växjö or Kalmar ...... 8 Currency Exchange ...... 4 Pick-Up Service ...... 9 Money on Arrival ...... 4 Early, Late or Delayed Arrival ...... 9 Cost of Living ...... 4 Leaving Your Host City ...... 9 Bank Account ...... 5 Settling In ...... 9 ATMs ...... 5 Orientation ...... 9 Cash Less Society ...... 5 Getting Involved ...... 9 Credit/Debit Cards ...... 5 The Student Union ...... 9 Traveler’s Checks ...... 5 VIS/ESN ...... 9 Personal Travel ...... 5 Nations and Student Associations...... 10 Genevieve Hagen International Study Abroad Buddy Program ...... 10 Scholarship ...... 5 Friend and Family Program ...... 10 Health & Safety ...... 6 Housing...... 10 Centers for Disease Control ...... 6 Living Situation ...... 10 Insect Bites ...... 6 What's Provided? ...... 10 On-Campus Medical & Mental Health Facilities ...... 6 Internet Access ...... 11 CISI Insurance in Sweden ...... 6 Laundry ...... 11 Services for Students with Disabilities ...... 6 Paying Rent ...... 11 Safety in Sweden ...... 6 Housing Dates ...... 11

Meals ...... 11 Communication ...... 11 Time Difference ...... 12 Email ...... 12 Snail-mail ...... 12 Telephone Information ...... 12 Computer Lab ...... 12 Travel While Abroad ...... 12 Train Travel ...... 12 Cars...... 12 Buses ...... 13 Airfare ...... 13 Web Resources for Sweden ...... 14 City ...... 14 Culture ...... 14 Country ...... 14 Contact Information ...... 15

CONGRATULATIONS on being accepted to the UW-Eau Claire exchange program with Linnaeus University (LNU). Living and studying in a foreign culture is both an exciting and a challenging experience. Past participants of study abroad report that the many advantages of international study include: Gaining new perspectives on a chosen academic field Increasing understanding of different cultures Enhancing personal development Developing different perspectives on U.S. culture Gaining self-confidence and independence Learning skills for the future international job market

It is up to you to determine how you can best benefit from these possible advantages. This is your adventure!

Use this program-specific guide with the more general resources in your BlugoldsAbroad account. While this guide contains the information available at the time of publication, it is impossible for any single resource to answer all of your questions. Your peer advisor will email information throughout the semester, and we encourage you to do your own research, also, using the web resources listed towards the end of this guide, as well as others that you find. Contact the Center for International Education (CIE) staff or your peer advisor with your specific questions.

Questions only you can answer include:

1) What are YOUR goals for this experience? Advancement in future profession; wish to expand personal and academic horizons; need for a change; wish to challenge oneself with immersion in a new culture?

2) Given the way the program is set up, how can you best prepare to meet your goals? For example, if one of your goals is truly being immersed in Swedish culture, yet you are going to be with a group of international students, how can you ensure that you do not spend too much time with other U.S. Americans or international students?

The information in this guide was current at the time of printing, though changes may occur at any time.

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unless illness or other unavoidable ACADEMICS circumstances make this impossible. Absences The Academics section of the Study Abroad must be approved in advance by the instructor Handbook has more information on: and may result in lower grades. • registration at UW-Eau Claire and abroad • class attendance Classes • credits & course-load Your classes depend primarily upon the • integrative learning “program track” for which you have registered. • transcripts Please refer to the Linnaeus University website • service learning for your specific program courses. Be sure to Pre-departure Planning select the appropriate semester in order to see Please see the Linnaeus brochure page for courses available when you will be abroad. details on how to plan your courses at LNU, Your term may not be listed yet, but you can including information on finding courses, credits use the current year as a guide. It is not and course-load, and grade conversion. guaranteed that the same courses will be

offered for your term. When looking at Registration at Linnaeus courses, be sure to note which location the University courses are offered at. On your application for LNU, you will indicate which program or free-standing courses you wish to take which determines at which campus Transcripts and Graduation A transcript for your program will be sent from you will be studying. When you list your Linnaeus University to UW-Eau Claire. Spring courses, you will rank them in priority order and transcripts usually arrive in August; fall provide back-ups in the event you don’t get into transcripts arrive in late March. Because this is your first choices. If you meet the pre-requisites later than the UW-Eau Claire semester, you will for a course, you will be admitted on a first initially receive a grade report with “NR” (not come, first serve basis, so you will want to reported) for all courses. A revised transcript complete your LNU application as soon as it will be issued after the grades have arrived. becomes available.

If you are a senior and are studying abroad for There are limited opportunities to make your last semester, please note that the changes to your courses and there will be no different timelines in grade reporting will add/drop period. require you to delay your graduation to May (if you study abroad in the fall) or August (if you Remember that you cannot take courses at study abroad in the spring). both the Växjö and Kalmar campuses. Please note that until you receive confirmation from Swedish Academic System Linnaeus, you will not know if you have In the Swedish academic system, students gotten into your first-choice courses. typically complete one course at a time (consecutive scheduling), rather than taking Class Attendance several courses at the same time (parallel When studying abroad, you are required to scheduling). You will be assigned both follow the attendance policies of your university individual course grades and an overall abroad. In general, you are expected to attend program grade at the end of the semester. all regularly scheduled classes and field trips

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(Exception: some computer science and math one another equals. This, of course, does not courses use parallel scheduling.) imply that the teachers will accept anything but your best performance in class and during An academic program generally consists of 30 exams. “points.” Thirty points is the equivalent of a full- time semester or 15 semester credits at UWEC. Student Services Each individual course lasts five weeks and is Another difference to note is that “student generally 7.5 ECTS credits. You will take one services” are a relatively unknown concept. class at a time. The conversion of Swedish The Swedish university is there to provide points to UW-Eau Claire credits is simple: Two access to academic resources. It does not have Swedish points equal one UW-Eau Claire the mission, common to most U.S. institutions, credit. of “student development.” University students are considered adults who will work their way Class periods are not on a steady MWF or T/TH through the system, asking questions when schedule as they are at UWEC. They may necessary. As a newcomer to the system, you change on a weekly basis. Business and will find it necessary to ask questions often! political science classes have the biggest mix of Swedish and international students. Lots of The International Office at each campus does group work allows you to get to know your not work the same way as the CIE in Eau classmates well. Claire. The International Offices will have more limited office hours and you will need to make Grades are based on papers and a final exam. an appointment to speak with someone. Please Some courses may require just one or the do make appointments. They are happy to meet other. The examination system allows students with you; just don't plan on dropping into the to retake exams. You are given about five hours office and being seen immediately. for each final exam. Most exchange students fail and retake at least one exam. Do not be embarrassed by this – you are learning a new MONEY MATTERS system! Exam retakes are generally scheduled UWEC information about about a month after the original exam; you can • making payments retake an exam more than once. • when they are due • withdrawal, cancellation and refund To some international students, the relationship deadlines between students and teachers at Linnaeus • financial aid, University may seem very informal. Students • general scholarships are encouraged to ask questions, both in the • budgeting classroom and outside. Classes often consist of • ways to bring money abroad discussions around chosen topics rather than is found on the following websites: Fund Your Experience teacher-provided lectures. Learning and Study Abroad Handbook: Money Matters teaching is considered a two-way communication. Don’t hesitate to ask a question about things you don’t quite understand or to Cost Estimate The most current Cost Estimate for your comment on issues you disagree with. program, in printable format, can be found on Teachers will expect you to call them by their the CIE Sweden webpage. Be sure you are first name, as students and teachers consider

3 looking at the correct term. Remember that the money on hand to cover some meals and other cost estimate includes what you pay to UWEC necessities. what you pay to Linnaeus, and what you pay directly to other vendors. There is a grocery store called “Ika” where students often shop which is very close to the Exchange Explanation university. When you make a purchase with On an exchange program, each participant your card, you can get cash back at the pays the costs they would normally pay at their checkout line and use that money to pay your home school – so UWEC students pay UWEC rent and other things. You can use the card at costs, and Linnaeus students pay Linnaeus an ATM, but since there are fees associated costs – and they switch places. The money paid with withdrawing money this way, it is by the Linnaeus students is then used to pay recommended you use the cash back option. the tuition, fees, room and board for the UWEC students, and vice versa. It is important to spend carefully at first until you have a sense of what things cost and can No money is exchanged between the budget accordingly. Use the budget information schools, and there is no direct monetary in your Study Abroad Handbook to begin correlation between what you pay in Eau planning. Claire and what you receive in Sweden. Currency Exchange What is exchanged is not actual payment, but Sweden uses the (SEK or kr). rather benefits: you should receive the same Coins come in 1Kr, 5Kr, 10Kr and bank notes benefits a typical Linnaeus student receives, comes in 20 kr, 50 kr, 100 kr, 200 kr, 500 kr. and the Linnaeus student receives the benefits Coins and bank notes have different designs on a typical Eau Claire student receives. This type them which makes it easier to pick out what you of arrangement allows students to participate in need. overseas programs at about the same cost they would pay to attend their home university. You can find current exchange rates at http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/. Housing Fees & Pre-Paid Debit Card from Linnaeus Money on Arrival Due to banking regulations in Sweden, U.S. You may need cash for transportation on citizens are not able to open a bank account arrival, as well as other small purchases you may need to make. A general recommendation while abroad. At the beginning of the semester, is to travel with the equivalent of $100-$200 you will receive a card with around 32,000 SEK dollars in your host country currency. on it. This amount should cover room and board. The card is used like a debit card. Cost of Living Please note, you will pay all housing fees For an idea of what everyday costs you may AFTER you arrive (more information in the encounter, check out this website: housing section of this handbook). Vaxjo: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of- living/in/Vaxjo Since there may be a few days between when Kalmar: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of- you arrive and when you receive your debit living/in/Kalmar-Sweden card, you should plan to have some extra

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Bank Account restaurant, your bank/credit card company may U.S. citizens are NOT allowed to open a bank have fees for converting the amount, so check account while in Sweden. into those now.

ATMs Traveler’s Checks If using a debit card from the U.S., make sure Traveler’s checks are unheard of in Sweden you understand what the withdrawal fees are. and extremely difficult to use. They generally Also note that there may be an international fee must be cashed at a major bank, although, in assessed every time you use your card. some countries, post offices also offer this service. You must have your passport with When withdrawing money from the ATM, you. Most banks charge a fee for cashing the always use caution. checks; it can vary widely. Before cashing a check, ASK what the fee is. Make sure you notify your bank and credit card companies before your travel. They will want to Make sure you record your check numbers and know your travel itinerary to the best that you keep the numbers separate from the checks, in have it planned out. Also make a copy of all of case you need to get them replaced. your credit cards so that in the event they are lost, stolen, or eaten by an ATM, you have the Personal Travel contact information to call and cancel. This varies greatly from student to student. It depends on your budget and your priorities. Cash Less Society Students who want to be involved in their host Sweden is almost a cashless society. The community generally spend less time (and preferred method of payment in Sweden is with money) traveling. Others who travel every a credit or debit card. Do not expect to pay weekend usually have correspondingly high with cash all the time. In fact, some stores costs and fewer close connections in their new and restaurants won’t accept cash as a means home. of payment, so be sure to have a card available to use. Genevieve Hagen International

Study Abroad Scholarship Credit/Debit Cards Preference is given to juniors and seniors In addition to the information on credit cards in majoring in a foreign language who are the Study Abroad Handbook, be aware that in planning to study abroad in or Sweden you need to know your PIN: you will Germany. If there are no junior or senior foreign need to enter this for almost all purchases, language majors who qualify, any junior or including those at the grocery store! Be sure senior, regardless of major, planning to study in to bring it with you and be sure it is valid in a Scandinavian country or Germany shall be Europe. Most Swedish ATMs require a 4-digit considered. Preference is given to Wisconsin PIN and are on the Cirrus system. residents.

You will find that you make most of your

purchases with a credit or debit card so if you

can find one with zero-no international fees,

that can save you some money. If you use a

card to make a payment at a store or

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listen and to give advice. This office also puts HEALTH & SAFETY on meditation sessions and different workshops General information about: about personal wellbeing. Please see • CISI Insurance https://lnu.se/en/education/during-your- • Preparing to Go studies/student-welfare/ for contact details and • Staying Healthy further information. The Student Welfare Office • Traveling Safety will provide support to answer any questions • Emergency Protocols you may have. and links to additional health and safety resources are found on the following websites: Medical Supplies/Medications: You can find Health + Safety basic medical supplies or medications in local Study Abroad Handbook: Health & Insurance pharmacies. They are plentiful and are and Safety Abroad sections. identified by a green cross (universal symbol in all of Europe). They even sell personal hygiene Centers for Disease Control items that you might not expect, like The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has toothbrushes. vaccination suggestions, how to stay healthy when abroad, and health information specific to CISI Insurance in Sweden Sweden. You can review the CDC site for If you have an accident or become ill while Sweden. studying in abroad, you may have to pay the

price of the medical service up front. You will Due to an increasing measles and mumps then file a claim through CISI, the insurance cases in Europe, we strongly encourage all provided through the UW System for partial or students to check their vaccine history to see if full reimbursement in accordance with plan they have had the MMR vaccine. coverages.

Insect Bites Insect borne diseases, particularly mosquito, Services for Students with can be found around the world. While there are Disabilities no current cases of zika in northern Europe, it is It is also important to look at the level of always best to prevent bug bites. See the CDC accessibility in Sweden in general. Most of recommendations on avoiding bug bites for Sweden is physically accessible except for very detailed information. old parts of cities due to very old infrastructure. To find more information on this topic, please On-Campus Medical & Mental see the Local Laws & Special Circumstances section of the U.S. State Department Country Health Facilities Information page. The university has a nurse available on campus in the Student Welfare Office who will make referrals to local hospitals and clinics. Safety in Sweden Information on crime, specific safety issues,

road safety, drug penalties, and terrorist activity All students sometimes experience personal in Sweden is included in the U.S. State problems. These may be in regard to anxiety, Department’s website. Specific safety in and stress, relationship problems, schoolwork, around Sweden will be discussed during homesickness, or cultural adjustment. In these orientation in Eau Claire and in Sweden. situations, the counselors offer their services to

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Pick-Pocketing: Pick-pocketing is common on public transportation and at popular tourist sites REQUIRED throughout Sweden/Europe. To reduce the risk, do not have your phone or other valuables out DOCUMENTS in public spaces. An iPhone is a target for pick- General passport and visa information is in the pocketers. If you carry a purse, make sure it is Study Abroad Handbook: Travel Resources across the body and has zippers. Keep your section. wallet in a front pocket, not a back pocket. Only carry small amounts of cash on you to minimize If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact loss. Using a money belt under your clothing is the CIE for more information about the another way to prevent valuables from being following topics. stolen.

Visa LGBTQIA+ Traveler A visa is official permission to temporarily The US State Department LGBTI Travel reside in another country and is granted by the Information page and section 6 of their Human government of that country. The CIE will post Rights report for further details. basic information about the current visa options

for U.S. citizens for study in Sweden your Resources for Victims of Sexual BlugoldsAbroad account during the semester Violence prior to departure. However, it is your General information and resources are on the responsibility to keep up-to-date about Health & Safety section of the study abroad student visa requirements for Sweden, and website. if required, to apply for and receive a visa

from a Swedish consulate or embassy in a Emergency Contacts timely manner. Please read the “Visa” section General emergency procedures are described of your Study Abroad Handbook for more in the Study Abroad Handbook and Linnaeus information about what you should do to keep International Office staff is available if difficulties up-to-date on visa requirements. arise. The information is on the Contact Names

& Addresses page of this guide. Immigration Process after Arrival You will solidify your Swedish residence permit 911 Equivalent in Sweden after you arrive in Sweden. LNU will provide If you are in an emergency situation in Sweden, information during orientation. It will be your you will need to know how to reach the local responsibility to follow through on the action police, fire, or ambulance services. The local needed. equivalent to the 911 emergency line in

Sweden is 112. Save this number in your cell phone in case you need it to use it quickly. Visas for Travel to Other Countries If you plan to travel outside your host country The U.S. State Department also provides a list while abroad, you should verify visa of 911 numbers abroad. Please note that in requirements for each country you will visit by some countries there are different numbers for contacting the nearest consulate for that fire, police, and ambulance. Plan ahead and country, or your travel agency. research numbers before you go.

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PACKING TIPS GETTING TO SWEDEN General packing information is in the Study There is information on booking flights in the Abroad Handbook: Travel Resources section. A Study Abroad Handbook: Travel Resources country-specific packing list will be released section. through your BlugoldsAbroad account a few months prior to departure. Travel Arrangements It is your responsibility to make travel

arrangements to Växjö or Kalmar. Clothing/Weather You will find similar weather in Sweden, as you You should not book a plane ticket until you would in Wisconsin but just slightly cooler. receive official acceptance from Linnaeus Summer occurs from late May, early June – University. Depending on your exam schedule, early September. Most will say that you may be done before the last day of exams. summer doesn’t officially begin until However, you won't know this until after you , which occurs in mid-June. Winter arrive and exam schedules for your final class begins around late October, early November are posted. Generally, exam schedules are and goes into late March. posted at the beginning of your last class. If you

want to give yourself the option of leaving Remember that, as in Wisconsin, winter is long earlier if your exams are done earlier, be sure and cold in Sweden. If you are studying in to get a plane ticket with a low change fee. Sweden during the winter months, you will

probably want to bring mostly winter wear with you. This includes: winter coat, waterproof Buying a Changeable Ticket We strongly recommend that you buy a boots, hat, gloves, and scarves. You may want roundtrip ticket with a low change fee. Note that the coat to be a ski jacket if you plan to ski or trip insurance does not cover flight changes if participate in other outdoor activities. you buy a non-changeable, non-refundable ticket. Bedding and Kitchenware You are expected to bring your own bedding, Getting to Växjö or Kalmar towels and kitchenware. Students in the past You are responsible for finding your way to brought one old set of sheets and towels and Växjö or Kalmar. The best way to travel to left them behind. A sleeping bag can also be Kalmar or Växjö is to fly into Copenhagen used as a comforter and warmer blanket. Most airport and take a direct train from the airport to students purchase kitchenware once they arrive either Kalmar or Växjö train stations. The direct as local students may be willing to share these train from Copenhagen takes approximately 2.5 items. hours to Växjö and 3.5 hours to Kalmar. You can buy your train ticket at the airport.

To find information on how to get to Växjö or Kalmar, please see the orientation guide that Linnaeus University prepares: https://lnu.se/en/education/exchange-

studies/plan-your-studies/

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Pick-Up Service Getting Involved Linnaeus will notify you of official arrival days The community offers opportunities to get once you are accepted. Linnaeus will provide a involved, but you need to take the initiative. The pick-up service upon your arrival in Kalmar or student life coordinator on campus sends out Växjö. A student will meet you at the airport or emails about community events, so keep an train station (in Kalmar or Växjö), provided that eye out for those. For instance, you can get you have informed the International Office at involved in sports teams, social organizations, Linnaeus University of your arrival day and musical groups such as the band or choir, or time. You will need to check-in once you arrive take advantage of volunteer opportunities. to campus. Linnaeus will need you to complete Students have participated in some events on an arrival form that can be found on this campus with the Red Cross. Others played website: https://lnu.se/en/education/Before- soccer or volleyball in an intramural league, or your-studies/preparing-for-your-stay/ just played basketball for fun with others on campus. Some students who did not take the It is recommended that when you notify course met with their Linnaeus of your arrival day and time that you “fadders” (buddies) to learn some Swedish. include your flight details so that they can track whether or not you are delayed. There is no Also remember that your corridor is a guarantee that they will know of your delays, community! Get together with your corridor but it might help. mates to make dinner or go bowling downtown. You can also plan small social events with other Early, Late or Delayed Arrival international students you meet. Often the LNU doesn’t recommend arriving early as students from one country will plan a nation- accommodations may not be ready and their themed party for the rest of the international staff isn’t available to assist you. students to experience a bit of their culture. Carry the contact information with you in the event you are delayed during your transit to The Student Union Sweden. At the office of Linnéstudenterna situated at Tufvan, you can become a member of the Leaving Your Host City student union. Becoming a member is voluntary Return airport transportation isn’t included in but a good idea if you want to support the your program fees and you will need to find student life and, of course, get access to the your own way to the airport on your last day. many student discounts and member benefits.

The student union has offices both in Kalmar SETTLING IN and in Växjö and their staff welcomes you if you Orientation have any questions. Upon arrival in Växjö or Kalmar you will have a mandatory orientation program. During the VIS/ESN orientation you will learn about the city, the ESN is a network of sections organizing events university, how to finalize your residence for international students going abroad to study. permit, and life in Sweden. In total there are about 370 sections in Europe and around 10 of them are in Sweden. In Kalmar, the section is called ESN Kalmar and in Växjö they are called VIS, Växjö International

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Students. Both sections organize local events both on-campus dormitories and off-campus such as barbecues, sports activities, and theme apartments scattered throughout the city, and nights with typical Swedish traditions they place exchange students where they have represented. Both sections also organize trips. room available. Students living in Kalmar will be scattered throughout the city of Kalmar. Nations and Student Associations Students in Växjö are usually located close to A nation is a student association which campus, but again, some students may live organizes parties and cultural activities for its throughout the city. You will most likely not members, e.g. dinners with traditional foods receive your final housing assignment until from the region, concerts, etc. Each nation you arrive. represents a part of Sweden. In the 17th century, when nations were originally Housing is guaranteed at both locations; established at Swedish , students however, students must complete the were expected to join the nation representing housing application by the deadline. Failure their home province. You are free to join any to complete the application in a timely manner, nation you like, and you can belong to more could result in a you having to find your own than one. You will find the joint nations’ office at housing. the student union headquarters, Tufvan. Besides nations, there are also student In the housing units that are located in the city associations based on interest such as the center, you are about 25 minutes by bus from student choirs, student radio, and the student campus. You can take a bus, walk, or buy a band. used bike for the semester. Students are often placed in the campus housing located Buddy Program throughout the city, and not on the actual You have the option of being matched with an campus. Local transportation from your campus international or Swedish buddy who can help housing to the university is your responsibility. you with day to day questions, introduce you to In most cases, you will take a bus. Walking and Swedish culture/life, as well as what it's like biking (weather permitting) are sometimes being a student at Linnaeus. options as well. Navigating the public transportation is a norm for local students so Friend and Family Program you should have no problem picking it up and learning how to use it. The university will give you an opportunity to sign up to be paired with a Swedish family. If you are interested, you should sign up right In the dorm-style campus housing, you will away as space is sometimes limited. This have a single room with a private bath and opportunity will give you chance to learn about shower. There is also apartment-style campus life in Sweden from a new perspective. housing, both on campus and scattered around the city. You will still have your own room and share the kitchen, living room, and bathroom HOUSING with one to three other students. Living Situation Exchange students in Växjö and Kalmar are What's Provided? housed in "campus housing," but this does Rooms are generally furnished with a bed, NOT necessarily mean that you will be desk, chair, and small table. Sheets and pillows housed on-campus. Linnaeus University has are not provided. Blankets are technically not

10 provided either, but past students report that Housing Dates they usually find them in the closet. There will Please note that your housing contract may end generally be a mix of international students and a few days before the official program end date Swedes in each corridor (10-13 rooms). that Linnaeus sets. If you have finals scheduled during that lapse in time, you can talk with the Internet Access international office to see if they can help you If you bring a laptop, the majority of dorm rooms find accommodation for those few days. If you and apartments have a direct Internet don’t have any academic reason to be there, connection. Internet in the accommodations at then you will need to find your own Kalmar has a monthly fee of SEK 130-150. You accommodation. Most students usually end will need a network adapter/card of Ethernet their program by traveling elsewhere if they standard 10MB and a TP cable of Category 5. have no finals left. Wireless in the accommodations isn’t provided. Meals Laundry Each corridor (10-13 rooms) or apartment Laundry facilities will be in your student housing shares kitchen facilities. You are responsible and are usually free to use. You will need to for cooking your own meals, although you book a time for when to use the machines and may buy lunch at a university cafeteria. Bring some recipes from home to share with you can find the booking boards outside the new friends. This option allows you to meet laundry room. Swedish students as well as other international

students. Paying Rent As mentioned before, you will receive a pre- A past student put together this list of "don't loaded debit card from Linnaeus. That money is miss" Swedish foods to try during your time to be used for paying your rent. Since all of the there: money for the whole semester will be on the 1) Kebab pizza card, be sure you save it for rent! 2) Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns – fika classic) 3) Swedish meatballs Past students commented that they were still 4) Glogg and saffron buns for St. Lucia Day notified by their landlords to pay rent/deposits 5) Lingonberry jam on pancakes or PRIOR to arriving in Sweden. You DO NOT cheesecake have to pay anything PRIOR to arriving! If 6) Ring bologna with apples baked in oven you are contacted by a landlord prior to arrival, 7) Crawfish/fish please notify Linnaeus right away so they can 8) Salty licorice (try it at least once) sort that out. All landlords should know that 9) Semlor (almond pastry with whipped cream international students will pay upon their arrival, on top) but some use automated emails that end up 10) Moose/reindeer--many varieties being sent to all students. 11) Waffles

Once you are on-site, you will be responsible for paying your rent in a timely manner. COMMUNICATION Linnaeus and UWEC are not responsible for See the Study Abroad Handbook: Travel missed payments or any damages that occur in Resources section for information on: your residence. • Communication with UWEC • Calling, Texting & Other Communication

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students and employees. You will be able to Time Difference connect to the wireless network in all the Sweden is seven hours ahead of Eau Claire. University buildings and facilities in Kalmar and For example, when it is 1:00 P.M. in Eau Claire, Växjö. Before arrival, you will receive an email it is 8:00 P.M. in Sweden. account and a password, which enables you to log on to all the computers at the university. Email You will receive an email account from RAVEL HILE Linnaeus. Note that while you are waiting for T W your Linnaeus student ID card, you can have ABROAD any card with a magnetic strip (like a Visa or General information on guidebooks, maps, MasterCard) programmed so that you can get hostels and more is in the Study Abroad into computer labs on weekends and during Handbook: Travel Resources section. evening hours. Past students suggest having your Linnaeus account forwarded to your UWEC account, so that you only have to check Train Travel Within Sweden, an International Student one account. Identity Card (ISIC) may allow you to get

discounts on various forms of public Snail-mail transportation. Be sure to ask. Also inquire International airmail takes 7-10 days (or more!) about reduced rate train tickets through to cross the Atlantic in either direction. You can Swedish State Railways (SJ) and the also expect that customs will open it and verify Scandinavian Rail Pass for touring Sweden and the contents. the other Scandinavian countries. Train travel is a very easy way to navigate Telephone Information within Sweden and the rest of Europe. If you From the U.S. to Sweden: To call someone in are in Växjö, a train to Copenhagen will take Sweden, you must first dial 011, which is the about 2-hours. If you are in Kalmar, it takes international dialing code. Next, you dial 46, about 3 hours. Most of the time, you don’t have the country code for Sweden, and the rest of to buy your train ticket in advance, you can just the number. When calling Sweden, you will go the day of and purchase it. If you have leave out the initial "0." questions on how to navigate the train system, you can reach out to the international staff or For example, a telephone number in Växjö your Swedish buddy if you do the buddy might be 0470-26029. To call this number from program. the United States, you would dial: 011-46-470- 26029. Once you are in Sweden, it is much Cars cheaper for someone in the U.S. to call you You may be surprised to learn that most than for you to call the U.S. Swedish students don’t have cars. Because of the public transportation system, a car isn’t as Computer Lab necessary. There is a Europcar rental in As a student at Linnaeus University, you will downtown Växjö where you can rent a car for have access to the university’s computer labs the weekend for about 600 SEK. The expensive 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Linnaeus part of renting a car is the high expense for gas. University offers wireless network to all its

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Buses Buses are usually the cheapest way to travel, but they are also the most time-consuming. If your budget is tight, check out the bus schedules.

Airfare If you do decide to travel by air while in Europe, there are many affordable airlines (i.e. Ryanair, EasyJet, etc.). Just be careful with hidden fees and strict baggage policies! Often times you cannot bring two carry-ons, and they are limited to less weight than in the U.S. Do your research before you buy that ticket!

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WEB RESOURCES FOR SWEDEN City Kalmar City Guide: https://www.kalmar.com/en Lonely Planet, Kalmar: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sweden/smaland/kalmar Vaxjo City Guide: https://vaxjoco.se/en/ Lonely Planet, Vaxjo: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sweden/smaland/vaxjo Culture Swedish culture and traditions: https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/ Culture of Sweden: http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Sweden.html Country Sweden quick facts: https://sweden.se/quick-facts/ Lonely Planet: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sweden CIA Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sw.html

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CONTACT INFORMATION Linnaeus University Swedish Embassy in the UW-Eau Claire International Office/Office of U.S. Jenna Krosch Student Affairs Embassy of Sweden Study Abroad Coordinator Linnaeus University 2900 K Street, N.W. [email protected] SE-351 95 Växjö Washington, DC 20007 1-202-467-2600 SWEDEN After Hours Emergency

Ph. +46 (0)772-28 80 00 (715)577-9045 [email protected] U.S. Embassy in Sweden Consulate General, United Remember that in most cases, States local contacts are best in local Dag Hammarskjoldsvag 31 emergency situations. SE-115 89 Stockholm, Sweden If you have an after-hours Phone: (46)(8) 783-5300 emergency that can be helped Fax:(46)(8) 6611964 on the U.S. side, please call https://se.usembassy.gov University Police at the number above. Calls can be made to this number 24 hours a day. You may get an answering machine; however, an officer is alerted as soon as you have left your message. Be sure to give the officer the phone number you can be reached at, as well as what type of assistance you require.

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Updated July 2020 jmk

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