Living in Sweden
Day 3 – Wednesday 3 July
Today we visited Setterwalls, a prestigious law firm. We heard from two partners and an associate about what it’s like to practise law in Sweden. The students left inspired and full from more Fika (coffee, cake and chat!)
We had a picnic lunch in the beautiful Humlegarden, followed by a visit to the National Library of Sweden. Our students loved exploring the stunning building.
Next was a walking tour of Stockholm, taking in the old town and walking along the three narrowest alleys in the city.
After the tour we climbed to get a spectacular view across the city and the Baltic sea. Finally it was back to the hostel for pizza and games night, with Rhea winning ‘people bingo’.
Day 2 – Tuesday 2 July
Everyone was up and out nice and early to travel by bus to the Stockholm Environment Institute. Latymerian Caspar Trimmer kindly hosted us and gave us all an insight, not only into the work of the SEI, but various aspects of living and working in Sweden. For example, we learnt that both parents can take 14 months of parental leave when they have a baby.
Next we arrived to Fika with pupils wolfing down the pastries and hot chocolate as if this was the first time they had seen food that morning!
We heard three non-natives speak about their journey to work at the SEI. Notably a female data scientist from Brazil who is working in Sweden to effect positive change in her home country with regard to deforestation.
Taking our first tram ride, we travelled to the World Trade Centre in Stockholm to visit the local offices of Stora Enso, the oldest corporation in the world, founded in 1288.
The students were intrigued to find out about the cutting-edge applications of tree products such as a battery made from a tree. Our host told us about the higher levels of gender diversity at senior levels in Nordic companies and spoke of the opportunities availability to the most talented people.
To round off the day we visited a vegetarian restaurant in the old town and we’re looking forward to returning to the area tomorrow for a walking tour.
Day 1 – Monday 1 July
We had an early start, meeting at Heathrow Terminal 5 at 6.30am, and luckily we had a smooth flight to Arlanda Stockholm, and , with a bit of help from some friendly locals, we took an efficient express train to the city centre.
After checking to our hostel we had a light lunch before beginning our exploration of the city. One of the first challenges was to learn to stroll, as opposed to our usual London striding.
The pupils commented that Stockholm was unlike any city they had visited before with parts redolent of Russia, Spain, Paris, Germany and Kazakhstan.
We took the scenic route to our very un-Swedish dinner at an Asian buffet recommended by a Latymerian who we will visit tomorrow. All well fed, we returned to our hostel, looking forward to the day ahead tomorrow.
