new comer!!

[bosse_s]

Tatiyana! I would say that Swedes are quite open towards strangers, but in a Swedish way. You see, Swedes have a lot of integrity which makes them – generally, and not specifically to foreigners – look a “hard-to-reach” for many foreigners. The trick though, is to wait for the Swede to “open up”, and then you will notice that you will feel good about it and you will know that you will not be “back-stabbed”.

On the other side, Swedes like to speak English, so might find what I write totally untrue.

I visit Hungary quite frequently, and I feel a warmth and openness there which is great. On the other hand, I know that their society is quite different from ours – they are continental and their history gives them a certain way of being, which is warm and friendly, but a society which is quite protective of what is “Hungarian”, and quite a failure when it comes to caring about those who are not ethnic Hungarians. You will hardly feel that you are being treated different because you are a foreigner, but you might find that it takes a while to adjust to the special character of the “Swede”.

I hope I don´t confuse and/or scare you with this said. I am just trying to give you an honest and open perspective of what you might encounter. My short version of an answer to your question would be: No, people will not look down on you, but you might have to fight to get through peoples barrier of integrity.

[Tatiyana]

i understand what you mean. i just though the Sweds were nationalistic or something, but the fact that you got to give people time to adjust is a normal thing i think in every country. i know i have an american accent and people are more used to the England, but i think its not that bad. i don't want to bring race into this, but maybe it will help that i'm white. on the other hand my husband, well he is from St. Petersburg as you know so he is bound to stand out with a russian accent, but maybe it wont be as noticable there because Swedish language i think is a little bit harsher then American...
well Geology awaits...keep writing everybody

[lolly]

Originally posted by bosse_s
Tatiyana! I would say that Swedes are quite open towards strangers, but in a Swedish way. You see, Swedes have a lot of integrity which makes them – generally, and not specifically to foreigners – look a “hard-to-reach” for many foreigners. The trick though, is to wait for the Swede to “open up”, and then you will notice that you will feel good about it and you will know that you will not be “back-stabbed”.

My best friend is swedish, which is why i hang out here, to understand a little more about the way swedes think.

I have to admit when he actually told me, that he considered me to be his best friend, I almost cried, I was surprised and honoured, because 1: He's a man, and getting men to admit anything is a feat, and 2: He's swedish, which makes everything twice as hard :P

He keeps everything close to his chest, and whilst we've known eachother for a long time, and talk alot with him - he didn't tell me this little gem until we've been friends for more than 3 years!

[Tatiyana]

cool i'm glad to see that guys actually admit to stuff that is pretty rear, but what about the accent remark i made earlier ? if both my husband and i are light skinned but have accents, i have american he has russian, would we stand out a lot in Sweden?

[bosse_s]

No, you would not stand out!

And if there is one thing that you will find that Swedes are not, relatively spoken, is nationalistic and/or patriotic.

[Tatiyana]

thank you!!!! you made my day i'm soooo glad to hear that Sweds are not nationalistic. its just i had this feeling that ALL European nations had a lot fo pride and disliked outsiders...you proved me wrong, cool! well now i'm going to start looking for internships in NY that have a part of their company in Sweden, so in 2 years when i graduate, i can move with my job to you guys....

[Cowshoes]

Entertain me please.

[bosse_s]

Heck, we don't even celebrate our National day!

[Tatiyana]

well in NY not a lot of people even know there is a national day, like flag day or presidents day is just wierd holidays, no one cares or celebrates them, but at least we get some more days off
what about a proffession in long distance truck driving, is that a needed job in Sweden?