Embracing Change: Navigating a New Country and Mastering Self-Discovery

On August 17th, 2022, as my feet touched the ground at Arlanda Airport, I realised that I was embarking on my first journey outside of India. With a mix of excitement and a sense of fear of being in a new place, I embarked on my journey to Borlange, fully aware of the challenges that awaited me in an unfamiliar place. Little did I know that this would be the start of a life-altering phase in Sweden. It’s astonishing to realize that almost a year has passed since I began my master’s degree, and during this time, I have undergone significant personal growth.

Having never experienced living alone before, this marked my first time being far away from my parents’ comforting presence. While I wasn’t entirely prepared, I couldn’t contain my excitement about immersing myself in a new environment and embracing the challenges that lay ahead. It was this enthusiasm that continued to fuel my journey to this day. I had unwavering conviction in my decision to pursue my master’s degree in Dalarna, Sweden(Why I chose Sweden and Dalarna for my Master’s Programme) and I never entertained any doubts or second thoughts about my chosen path.

I consider myself fortunate to have had a wonderful roommate who played a significant role in helping me adjust to my new surroundings during the initial days. He guided me through the process of obtaining a Swedish ID, opening a bank account, and familiarizing myself with the area. In the days leading up to the start of the semester, I took the opportunity to explore my surroundings, allowing me to become acquainted with the place(Hiking my way in the heartland of Sweden). I also had the chance to meet some seniors who generously shared their insights and ideas on study planning, as well as some delightful cooking recipes.

Within my course, I had the pleasure of interacting with a diverse group of international students spanning different age groups. The friendly atmosphere allowed me to forge friendships with many of them. As time went on, I formed strong bonds with a few individuals who not only aided me in my academic growth but also contributed to my personal development. Together, we organized events and shared lunches(Socializing via Food) to combat the challenges of the dark winter months. Despite hearing about the potential difficulties and loneliness associated with winter, I can honestly say that my experience was incredibly enjoyable and memorable, all thanks to the presence of these remarkable individuals.

Drawing from my engineering background, I found myself able to adapt well to the rigorous pace of study in my master’s program. The education system in Sweden offered me valuable opportunities to delve into practical concepts and apply them to real-life situations(My Experience Studying in Sweden). I was generally content with the courses I enrolled in, and even when minor issues arose, I appreciated the chance to provide midterm feedback. It was reassuring to observe that feedback was taken seriously, and appropriate actions were taken in response to address any concerns.

I decided not to go home for the summer break, because I thought of exploring Sweden and planning for my next year and getting prepared to apply for jobs(How I’m Preparing Early for a Career in Data Science). I learned that planning things ahead helps a lot in Sweden, and I have to cope with that and also I thought of learning the Swedish language to understand their culture better and to get acquainted with the work culture. 

The past 11 months have been incredibly rewarding, and I hold hope that this positive momentum will carry into the next year and beyond. I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with genuinely kind individuals and have even acquired the skill of cooking through self-teaching. Anticipation builds as I eagerly look forward to my final year of the master’s program, where I anticipate meeting a myriad of new people and learning from their experiences. This upcoming period presents an opportunity to further explore the wonders of Sweden and broaden my horizons.