Guest of the week: Jennifer Sandström, living abroad here and there

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Jennifer Sandström is only 24 years old, but has already lived in many different countries. She has studied and worked abroad, including in New Zealand, India and Germany. Today she lives in Helsinki where she has found love.

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We asked Jennifer about culture clashes and experiences of living in other countries. We also took the opportunity to ask for tips for other young people who are keen to get out into the world and work or study. If you want to follow Jennifer's everyday life in Finland, you can read her blog. Jennifer Sandström.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do for a living?

Twenty-four years old, somewhat restless and confused, and always eager to discover something new. Growing up in Lapland among the mountains, he has always longed for new cities and countries further afield.

Apart from the world, I love everything related to the internet and marketing, and of course writing. This is what I do most of my waking hours, both at work and in my spare time. Mixed with my everyday life filled with hanging out in cafes, blogs, books, pull-ups/yoga/running, I like to travel spontaneously in search of something foreign and not typically touristy.

When did you first move abroad? Where was that move and how did it happen?

The first "move" took place when I did my first semester abroad from my programme at Jönköping University in spring 2012. I went to Victoria, which is located on Vancouver Island off the west coast of Canada. It was only 6 months, but those months were definitely the foundation for future stays abroad. After having lived for a while in both Canada and New Zealand, it seemed natural to take the next step to India.

You have lived in several different countries. Where did you like it best and why?

Then I have to answer Auckland and New Zealand - oh my god, it's a fairytale country and my six months there today feels more like a dream than a reality, it was so beautiful, all of it. And if any country, it is the one that has stuck in my heart, it feels a bit like I almost belong there ... However, it is so extremely far away, but maybe I get the chance to move there for a year anyway? If that opportunity arises, I will not say no.

What are the best and most challenging aspects of moving between countries?

The best thing is that you get to discover something new, small and large, much more often than you do at home in your safe environment that you know inside and out. And through this you become more tolerant and accepting of differences.

The worst thing is the friends - the best friends (and family) at home and scattered that you are far away from, and then all the new ones you meet along the way that you first struggle to get to know and get close to and then have to say goodbye to. Holy shit, that's what really gets me. But is there an alternative? Not really, some sacrifices you simply have to live with when you follow your heart and stuff like that.

Can you tell us about any culture clash you experienced while living abroad?

Being an outspoken and independent young woman in India is probably my biggest culture clash. I got into some heated discussions with men, was told off by the police on a train for sitting with my bare legs in a guy's arms, and had a hard time accepting that you couldn't kiss in public... I had a hard time living in India, yes, but I love the country and the people!

What are your best tips for other young people who want to try living abroad for a while?

Write it down as a goal! Not at all concrete but I really think it will make you consciously and subconsciously look for opportunities that can take you abroad. A semester abroad during a programme is great and something many universities offer. Paid internship abroad during/after your education is also something I recommend - there are many companies looking for Swedish skills (google!).

Talk to other people who have moved/been abroad for a long time, look up Facebook groups, read blogs and take in information from different sources. I can honestly say that for me it felt almost impossible to get a job and move abroad, I didn't know how to go about it - but I knew I wanted to do it and so I did!

Where do you think you will live in the future and why will you live there?

I hope to live in a few more countries and get to know a few more cultures, such as Spain, Italy, Holland, the US and the UK. And just like my blog's slogan Forever abroad, always at home - Sweden will also feel foreign and never quite home again, even though it may be where I end up one day. But those leaves are still unwritten, I don't have and have never had a fixed plan, but always followed the flow - that's how I ended up in India as well as in Finland.

Finally, a question we ask everyone we interview: What is your dream destination?

Right now, I'm mostly dreaming about Italyhave never been there and really just want to go there, hiking in the mountains and on cliffs along the sea, eating their food and studying the Italians. And yes, the dream is also to live there for a while, there or in the Spain. Living in a country (even if only for a few months) is so much cooler than just travelling to it.

Thank you Jennifer Sandström for sharing your experiences and thoughts!

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