Our term in Sweden kicked off the THINK Global School experience by immersing students in the old-world charm, forward-thinking technology, and futuristic eco-initiatives that have earned Stockholm the dual monikers of World’s Most Intelligent City and the First European Green Capital. While the archipelago city’s history is apparent everywhere, from 16th century churches to cobbled lanes, nearly every citizen from young to old enjoys high-speed internet, and initiatives are well underway to protect the surrounding waters of Mälaren Bay and build the world’s largest wind farm.

A partnership with host school Young Business Creatives put students in the center of it all in Stockholm’s Sickla neighborhood. There, we learned about Sweden’s history, ecology, and unique culture in the context of our larger curriculum, and had ample opportunities to explore the city and its outskirts.

During the term we also traveled deep into the Scandinavian Mountains to Åre, just 220 miles south of the Arctic Circle. We learned about the folkways and survival techniques of the indigenous Sami culture and went snowshoeing and dog sledding in a beautiful winter wonderland. This meditative trip to the top of the world was also a great opportunity for literary reflections: it’s a good thing there are so many words that rhyme with “cold!”

Welcome to Sweden

Get a warm welcome to this northern nation via student and staff writing and visual impressions.