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Posted by: Raffael89 23.Feb.2020, 08:15 PM

Hello everyone, i applied for immigration to Sweden few months ago and recently my application got accepted. i'm 30 years old, i come from Lebanon, a country that is suffering a lot currently on all levels, so nearly any country in the world is better than here.
I was excited at first, and i started googling stuff about life in Sweden and all that and that's how i found this forum.
However i am very surprised by the negative feedback i found here regarding life in sweden; people complaining about making friends, social life, rules, etc...
is it really that bad?! , in my country social life is probably our main strength since everyone is very friendly and welcoming and any foreigner would feel that immediately.

I will be moving to the south, will try to find a place there, maybe near Lund.
I speak Arabic, french, English and a little bit of Swedish (started learning the language few weeks ago).
I have been working in the insurance field for 9 years (however recently i started studying for IT certifications hoping to switch career), so i will be probably applying for both fields trying to secure a job.
One last thing to mention, i have a minor physical/health problem in my legs, which does not allow me to walk long distances to find a bus or metro station or any of these things, so should i try to get a car as soon as possible to solve this problem? and is that doable? (by the way, i thought that my application will be rejected due to my medical condition but apparently i was wrong, so i'm glad).

your feedback would be highly appreciated.

Thank you

Posted by: Mpf 24.Feb.2020, 12:28 PM

I wouldn't stress too much about the negativity on the forum. People have different experiences moving to new countries and invariably there are differences in culture and things which you are use to. Some people have had bad experiences and vent their anger and frustration but at the same time there are many who have a great experience. Just be aware that it is not always plain sailing and there will be bumps along the road. As for getting a car and driving, I'm pretty sure that, if you already have a licence, the amount of time you can use it before having to take a Swedish driving test will be limited. Getting a Swedish licence, if swapping it isn't an option, can be expensive.

Posted by: ChocOwl 24.Feb.2020, 01:19 PM

You can definitely find forums with less negativity! This forum is pretty skewed. Maybe there are groups on FB with people from Lebanon in SW? https://www.facebook.com/groups/libaneserisverige/
Or try Internations or even Reddit.

Posted by: Gamla Hälsingebock 25.Feb.2020, 03:17 AM

It is definitely not easy to relocate to another country...any where...

This forum has a long history of "Swede bashing" and that is unfortunate as there are many who have adjusted to their new surroundings...Very few happy posters here...

Try to do as much research as you can before you move...

Posted by: Mrs Robinsson 25.Feb.2020, 09:59 PM

Look at this report:

https://cms-internationsgmbh.netdna-ssl.com/cdn/file/cms-media/public/2019-09/Expat-Insider-2019_The-InterNations-Survey_0.pdf

Sweden ranks nearly dead last in: Finding Friends, Friendliness, Liesure Activities, Feeling at Home, Ease of Settling in, Dating.

There is a significant percentage of people who moved to Sweden, hated it (really hated the locals) and moved away. When Swedes are abroad they act a bit more normal like the rest of the world.

Posted by: Gamla Hälsingebock 25.Feb.2020, 11:11 PM

Anything positive to say???

Posted by: Uncle Fred 26.Feb.2020, 05:01 AM

The choice of coffee in great in Sweden.

Posted by: skogsbo 26.Feb.2020, 06:53 AM

So a person in Canada finds a sweden is unfriendly survey. Is that really a reason to change life plans?

Better to come here with a positive attitude and decide for yourself. Life is what you make of it, not what others tell you it will be like.

Posted by: Mrs Robinsson 26.Feb.2020, 06:07 PM

And the fact that I lived there for 5 years, worked as a local, speak the language, and -- moved away from that place (those people) that drain(s) your soul.

Ever wonder why so many bash Sweden? Because they are resentful for the years stolen from them for trying to understand why this population is so unhuman.

Posted by: Raffael89 26.Feb.2020, 06:28 PM

well... will see how it goes and update this thread in few months hopefully.
thank you all

Posted by: Gamla Hälsingebock 27.Feb.2020, 12:47 AM

It is easy to blame others for the negative things in our lives and quite popular on this Forum...

Posted by: Cheeseroller 28.Feb.2020, 04:33 PM

Not if you are Italian, French, German or Spanish.

Posted by: skogsbo 28.Feb.2020, 08:03 PM

We are all different. What one person likes, another dislikes.

Just because it wasn't for you, doesn't it mean it isn't for others.

Unless you're jealous of those who are happy in sweden?

Posted by: bonviveur 29.Feb.2020, 08:45 AM

Posted by: skogsbo 29.Feb.2020, 10:47 AM

As much as the negative posters here would like it, Sweden isn't full of millions of unhappy people. A large number enjoy life. 8am tomorrow, svt1, you'll see 15,000 people who will disagree with you. I'd bet most of the tv viewers too.

I imagine a number of people who weren't happy here aren't happy elsewhere either.

Posted by: ChocOwl 29.Feb.2020, 05:21 PM

Most supermarkets now have self rising flour - a new product for mainstream Swedish supermarkets! https://www.kungsornen.se/produkter/kakmjol-med-bakpulver/

Posted by: Gamla Hälsingebock 29.Feb.2020, 08:16 PM

That cannot be!!!

It is self "raising" flour that is best to use...

Posted by: ChocOwl 29.Feb.2020, 10:32 PM

I absolutely agree but... baby steps. Perhaps self raising flour will be available in a few years

Posted by: Gamla Hälsingebock 29.Feb.2020, 11:10 PM

I have it on good authority that the nonsecular among us...after much prayer and devotion will introduce a "self uplifting" version, immediately after Lent, on the second Sunday in April...