I’ve been really enjoying my time here in Stockholm and at work, despite a few challenges along the way. The city is incredibly clean, safe, and beautiful. In many ways, the work culture has been relatively easy to adjust to. Having more independence in my role than what I’m used to in the U.S. has pushed me to become more resourceful and better at managing my time.

Swedish culture (at least in Stockholm) isn’t drastically different from that of the U.S., but there have definitely been a few adjustments. One notable area is public transportation. While Swedes generally come across as respectful, quiet, and composed, I’ve found their behavior on public transport surprisingly aggressive. There’s often very little regard for personal space, people will pass by with just an inch of separation, even when there’s plenty of room. The same applies when standing in lines, where people tend to stand uncomfortably close. Boarding trains can also feel chaotic. Passengers frequently crowd the doors before they open and rush to get on, sometimes cutting in front of others. It can even be difficult to get off the train due to the lack of space given to people exiting.

Another area of adjustment has been the food. Restaurants in Stockholm, even at fast food places, can be quite expensive, so I’ve had to cut back on eating out. While I’ve definitely had some good meals, I’ve learned it’s important to check reviews and photos beforehand, as the local interpretation of certain dishes can differ quite a bit from what I’m used to in the U.S. For example, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve gotten something labeled ‘spicy’ at a restaurant or the grocery store, only for there to be not even an iota of spice present.

Finally, the workplace environment is a huge adjustment as well. In the U.S., we tend to sandwich negative feedback with something positive to take the edge off. The work culture here places a strong emphasis on efficiency, even at the lowest levels. Feedback tends to be mostly constructive, which can sometimes come across as overly critical, but it’s simply the norm and part of how things operate. Adjusting to the more relaxed hierarchical structure has also been a big change. Having casual conversations with my managers over lunch can feel a bit intimidating at times, but it’s also given me the opportunity to get to know them on a more personal level.