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Moving to Sweden, but...

Inquiry about Sweden

Raffael89
post 23.Feb.2020, 08:15 PM
Post #1
Joined: 23.Feb.2020

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
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Mpf
post 24.Feb.2020, 12:28 PM
Post #2
Location: Stockholm
Joined: 5.Jul.2006

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.
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ChocOwl
post 24.Feb.2020, 01:19 PM
Post #3
Joined: 17.Jan.2011

QUOTE (Raffael89 @ 23.Feb.2020, 08:15 PM) *
i am very surprised by the negative feedback i found here regarding life in sweden; people complaining about making friends, social life, rules, etc...

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.
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Gamla Hälsingebock
post 25.Feb.2020, 03:17 AM
Post #4
Joined: 21.Dec.2006

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...
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Mrs Robinsson
post 25.Feb.2020, 09:59 PM
Post #5
Location: Canada
Joined: 25.Jan.2012

Look at this report:

https://cms-internationsgmbh.netdna-ssl.com...ns-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.
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Gamla Hälsingebock
post 25.Feb.2020, 11:11 PM
Post #6
Joined: 21.Dec.2006

Anything positive to say???
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Uncle Fred
post 26.Feb.2020, 05:01 AM
Post #7
Joined: 16.Apr.2008

QUOTE (Gamla H?lsingebock @ 25.Feb.2020, 11:11 PM) *
Anything positive to say???

The choice of coffee in great in Sweden.
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skogsbo
post 26.Feb.2020, 06:53 AM
Post #8
Joined: 20.Sep.2011

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.
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Mrs Robinsson
post 26.Feb.2020, 06:07 PM
Post #9
Location: Canada
Joined: 25.Jan.2012

QUOTE (skogsbo @ 26.Feb.2020, 05:53 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. L ... (show full quote)


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.

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Raffael89
post 26.Feb.2020, 06:28 PM
Post #10
Joined: 23.Feb.2020

well... will see how it goes and update this thread in few months hopefully.
thank you all smile.gif
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Gamla Hälsingebock
post 27.Feb.2020, 12:47 AM
Post #11
Joined: 21.Dec.2006

It is easy to blame others for the negative things in our lives and quite popular on this Forum...
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Cheeseroller
post 28.Feb.2020, 04:33 PM
Post #12
Location: Germany
Joined: 10.Apr.2007

QUOTE (Uncle Fred @ 26.Feb.2020, 05:01 AM) *
The choice of coffee in great in Sweden.


Not if you are Italian, French, German or Spanish.
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skogsbo
post 28.Feb.2020, 08:03 PM
Post #13
Joined: 20.Sep.2011

QUOTE (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 ... (show full quote)

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?
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bonviveur
post 29.Feb.2020, 08:45 AM
Post #14
Location: Värmland
Joined: 12.Oct.2015

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skogsbo
post 29.Feb.2020, 10:47 AM
Post #15
Joined: 20.Sep.2011

QUOTE (bonviveur @ 29.Feb.2020, 08:45 AM) *
looks like it is you who do not see facts found by researchers...

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.
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