One of the biggest adjustments I have experienced during my internship in Stockholm has been learning how communication differs from what I am used to in the United States. Before coming to Sweden, I had heard that Scandinavian countries valued directness and efficiency, but I did not fully understand how those values would affect everyday interactions in both the workplace and social settings. Looking at communication on the scale from low-context to high-context, I would describe Sweden as leaning toward the low-context end of the spectrum. People generally communicate clearly and directly, expecting that what is said is exactly what is meant. While this approach makes conversations straightforward, it also required me to adjust my own communication style and expectations.
In the United States, communication is also considered relatively low-context, but I have noticed some important differences in Sweden. Americans often balance direct communication with enthusiasm, frequent small talk, and expressive body language. In contrast, Swedish communication tends to be calmer, more reserved, and intentional. People usually avoid speaking unless they have something meaningful to contribute, and conversations often include comfortable moments of silence that are not viewed as awkward. At first, I interpreted these quieter interactions as signs that people were uninterested or distant. However, as I spent more time with my coworkers and the people around me, I realized that silence simply reflects respect for others and a preference for thoughtful communication rather than constant conversation.
One communication difference I noticed almost immediately was the way feedback and opinions are shared. During meetings at my internship, everyone is encouraged to contribute, but people generally wait until they have carefully considered their ideas before speaking. Rather than interrupting or debating loudly, discussions are collaborative and respectful. This was different from some classroom and workplace experiences I have had in the United States, where brainstorming sessions can be fast-paced and people often speak over one another in their excitement. Watching how my colleagues communicated helped me become a more patient listener and reminded me that thoughtful contributions can be just as valuable as speaking frequently.
Although I have not experienced any major communication conflicts, there have been a few situations where misunderstandings occurred because of different expectations. One example involved scheduling and deadlines. In the United States, it is common to send multiple reminders or follow-up messages about projects. During my internship, I initially expected the same level of frequent communication. Instead, my supervisors often trusted that once expectations had been discussed, everyone would complete their responsibilities without needing constant check-ins. At first, I wondered whether I should ask for more updates or clarification, but I eventually realized that this independence reflected the high level of trust within the organization. I learned to communicate proactively by asking questions when necessary while also becoming more confident in managing my own responsibilities.
Another small adjustment involved interpreting people’s reactions during conversations. Because Swedish communication is generally more reserved, facial expressions and vocal tones can appear less enthusiastic than what I am accustomed to. Early in my internship, I sometimes questioned whether my ideas were being well received because coworkers responded calmly instead of with obvious excitement. Over time, I realized that their thoughtful responses and follow-up actions demonstrated genuine interest, even if they did not express it in an outwardly enthusiastic way. This experience reminded me that communication is not only about words but also about understanding cultural norms and avoiding assumptions based on my own expectations.
Working for Self Leaders has also introduced me to communication within an international environment. Since the company works with organizations and professionals from different countries, many conversations involve people with diverse cultural backgrounds. English serves as the common language, but everyone brings different communication styles shaped by their own cultures. This has encouraged me to be more mindful of how I explain ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback. Instead of assuming everyone interprets information the same way, I have learned to communicate more clearly, summarize key points, and confirm understanding when necessary. These habits reduce confusion and make collaboration much smoother.
Outside of work, I have also noticed communication differences while exploring Stockholm and spending time with friends. Whether visiting museums, using public transportation, or interacting with restaurant staff, people are consistently polite but generally value personal space and privacy. Customer service interactions are friendly but often brief and efficient. At first, this felt different from the more conversational style I was used to in the United States, but I have come to appreciate how respectful and organized these interactions are. As I have become more familiar with Swedish culture, I have found it easier to adapt my communication style depending on the situation.
Overall, my internship abroad has strengthened my intercultural communication skills more than I expected. Learning to recognize the differences between communication styles has helped me become a better listener, a more patient collaborator, and a more adaptable professional. Rather than expecting people to communicate the way I do, I have learned the importance of observing cultural norms and adjusting my own approach. While there have been a few minor misunderstandings along the way, each one has become a valuable learning opportunity. These experiences have shown me that effective communication is not simply about speaking clearly—it is about understanding others, respecting different perspectives, and building trust across cultures. I know these lessons will continue to benefit me throughout my future career, especially as I hope to work in project management and collaborate with diverse teams around the world.
