New Country, New Language, New Education – The Unspoken of Moving to a New Country
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"Observe how long we remember our victories and how soon we forget our defeats
memory is the menial of will"
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Moving to a new country is like stepping into a kaleidoscope: vibrant, unpredictable, and sometimes overwhelming. The last time I left India, I was closer to my 20s than this time around, the pandemic hadn't yet struck, and people were still careless with their hugs and handshakes but more importantly, the last time I left India, I had an excitement that exceeded my own desires for self but this time when I left for Sweden, I knew I was embarking on an adventure that would shape my life in unimaginable ways. But no amount of research or preparation could truly prepare me for the challenges (and rewards) - of a new country and of navigating a new environment, language, and culture. I've traveled and lived in many cities and countries now but each time, the journey is a little more different, each time I've felt a little wiser and a little older but each time the twist in the influence the journey will have on me is almost always dependant on the crowd I find. This journey was not just about academics; it was about reshaping my identity and adapting to a life filled with both wonder and hardship.
The Cold: A Frigid Welcome
As an Indian, I've found myself accustomed to warmer weather for most of the year (except during my time in Scotland), but the Swedish cold hit me like a wall. Uppsala during the winters feels like landing on another planet. Snow blanketed the city, and the air was so crisp it almost stung my lungs. The temperatures often dipped below -10°C, a stark contrast to the balmy 28°C back home.
The cold wasn’t just a physical sensation; it seeps into the fabric of daily life. Dressing in no less than 3 layers became a ritual, and the thick winter coat, gloves, and hat became an indispensable routine. Learning to navigate icy sidewalks without slipping was a challenge but cycling on the icy sidewalks is the stuff of daredevils. I remember my first fall vividly: a mix of embarrassment and humor succeeding almost instantaneously after I lost the inevitable tryst with gravity, and yet as I struggled to get back up each step outside felt like a test of endurance, and even short trips to the grocery store required strategic planning.
Yet, there was a strange beauty to the cold. Over time, I began to appreciate the quiet charm of winter. The frost-covered trees, the glittering snow under streetlights, and the coziness of candlelit cafes created a magical atmosphere. I even started to look forward to the "fika"- Sweden’s beloved coffee breaks where a steaming cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun became my antidote to the cold. It was during these moments that I realized winter wasn’t just a season; it was an experience to embrace. Often times I have found myself correlating the strange cycle of life to the 4 seasons and contrary to my dislike for the darkness, the cold does hold an important place in the grand cycle of existence, for the trees, the ducks, and many just like me.
The Darkness: A Shadow Over the Mind
If the cold was a physical challenge, the darkness was a psychological one. In Uppsala, the sun barely rises above your eye level during the depths of winter. The days are short, with just a few hours of dim light, and the nights feel endless. For someone like me, coming from closer to the equator, where sunlight is not just abundant but an essential element of daily life, this lack of light was disorienting.
The darkness affected my mood and energy levels. It was difficult to stay motivated, and the gloom often triggered feelings of loneliness and homesickness. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common phenomenon in Sweden, and I quickly learned why. The unrelenting darkness seemed to amplify every small challenge, making even mundane tasks feel monumental.
To combat the darkness, I adopted some coping strategies. Light therapy lamps, which mimic natural sunlight, became a part of my daily routine. I also made it a point to go outside during the limited daylight hours, even if it was freezing. Physical activity, like brisk walks or trips to the gym, helped improve my mood. The Swedes’ knack for creating a sense of coziness and warmth inspired me to fill my living space with soft lighting, warm blankets, and comforting aromas. These small adjustments made a significant difference, gradually lifting the shadow that the long nights cast over my mind. All of this is in addition to taking a prescribed dosage of Vitamin D daily.
By the time spring arrives, with its longer days and bursts of sunlight, it will feel more like a reward for enduring the winter than anything else. The joy of seeing flowers bloom and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face was indescribable (but you didn't have to read this line to know this was coming, your mind already knew the spring = blooming flowers;). It will be as though the world has come back to life, and with it, so will I.
The Language: More Than Words
Learning Swedish was both a necessity and a challenge. While many Swedes speak excellent English, integrating into the local culture requires at least a basic understanding of their language. From reading signs at the supermarket to navigating bureaucratic paperwork, Swedish quickly becomes an essential tool for survival. It wasn’t just about understanding words; it was about connecting with the people and the culture. I would likely tell travelers visiting and staying in my home state to lean and understand basic Malayalam to integrate effectively into society back home.
Initially, the language barrier was intimidating. The unfamiliar sounds, grammar, and vocabulary felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Ordering food at restaurants or asking for directions often involved a mix of broken Swedish and hand gestures. There were moments of frustration and even embarrassment, but I was determined to learn.
I enrolled in Swedish language classes offered by the university and supplemented my learning with apps like Duolingo. Watching Swedish TV shows and listening to local radio also helped me pick up colloquial phrases and improve my pronunciation. It is a slow process, but with persistence, I started to gain confidence. I remember celebrating small victories, like correctly pronouncing a tricky word or understanding a joke in Swedish. These moments reinforced my commitment to mastering the language.
One of the most rewarding moments will be the first time I have a full conversation in Swedish. It might be far from perfect, but it will be rewarding to finish the conversation in no other language but Swedish. I've been told that it opens doors to deeper connections with locals, speaking their language shows respect for their culture, and it often leads to more genuine interactions. Over time, I can only hope that the Swedish I learn and master, will go from being a barrier to a bridge.
The People: Finding Connection
The Swedes are often described as reserved, and this stereotype initially rang true. Coming from India, where warmth and hospitality are ingrained in social interactions, the Swedish demeanor felt distant, cold, and blunt. Striking up a conversation with a stranger wasn’t as common, and small talk seemed almost non-existent. Social gatherings felt quieter and more subdued than the vibrant chaos I was used to back home.
However, I soon realized that the Swedes’ reserved nature wasn’t coldness; it was respect for personal boundaries. Once I understood this cultural nuance, I started to appreciate their quiet yet polite way of interacting. Building friendships took time, but once a Swede considers you a friend, the bond is genuine and lasting. These friendships were built on trust and authenticity, qualities that became increasingly valuable to me.
University life played a crucial role in helping me find my community. Uppsala is known for its vibrant student culture, with numerous nations (student organizations) offering events, parties, and activities. Joining these groups allowed me to meet people from diverse backgrounds and form connections. Whether it was a casual pub crawl or a lively concert, these interactions enriched my experience and broadened my perspective.
I also found solace in the Indian community in Uppsala. Celebrating festivals with fellow Indians provided a sense of belonging and eased my homesickness. Sharing stories, food, and laughter reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey. These moments of cultural familiarity became a lifeline, grounding me in a foreign land. But the one thing I enjoy the most is the pot-lucks where I get to experience authentic cuisine from a different country as I try to salvage the reputation of a good Indian dish in a foreign land. Safe to say, I have succeeded thus far, the Parottas will have to wait though.
The Education: A New Way of Learning
The Swedish education system was vastly different from what I had experienced in India and in the UK. The emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application was both refreshing and challenging. Classes were more interactive, and professors encouraged open dialogue and independent research. There was a sense of equality in the classroom, where even the shyest student was encouraged to share their thoughts.
Adjusting to this new academic environment required me to unlearn some habits. Memorization and rote learning were replaced by analyzing, questioning, and problem-solving. Group projects were common, and working with peers from different cultural and academic backgrounds taught me valuable teamwork skills. These experiences enhanced my academic knowledge and prepared me for a global work environment.
The workload was intense but manageable, thanks to the Swedish concept of lagom or balance. The university placed a strong emphasis on mental health and work-life balance, encouraging students to take breaks and enjoy life outside of academics. This holistic approach to education was a revelation, and it inspired me to prioritize my own well-being alongside my studies.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Moving to Uppsala wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was a journey of self-discovery. The challenges I face, adapting to the cold, navigating a new language, and building a life from scratch - teaching me resilience, adaptability, critical thinking, and independence. The tough position and conditions from where I come seem to reinforce strength in me as I embrace discomfort and turn it into growth. Each obstacle is a new opportunity to learn more about myself and my capacity to thrive.
Perhaps in an alternative universe things are working differently, perhaps I am elsewhere and not here. But if truth be told, I would rather be nowhere else right now, writing the last words of this blog than here; for in defeat, hardships, solitude, and loss have I learned more than in successes and the company of shallow opportunistic men
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"The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
- "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening", Robert Frost
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