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Study in Sweden
Sweden is home to an expansive, clean, and natural landscape. You can take a swim from the steps of the City Hall in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, and pick wild flowers and berries almost anywhere.
“Studying abroad provided me with a second home and a new set of eyes through which to see the world. My experience made it apparent to me once I returned home to the States that I had a responsibility to help other students get the chance to learn and grow the way I did, if for no other reason than to remember that sacred feeling of seeing Sweden for the first time from thousands of feet above ground.”
– Misha
+ More About Sweden
Visit Sweden, the land of 100,000 lakes, pristine national parks, viking traders, sleek furniture, and the midnight sun.
Sweden’s population of 10 million includes immigrants from around the world. Sweden is a staple of Scandavian culture with 2,000 miles of coastline on the Batic sea. Your host family will likely invite you to their summer cabin to hike, fish, ski, and sail. Hockey and soccer are also major national sports, and you will likely watch or play these with your host family. Spending time with family is important to Swedes, especially during festivals such as Midsummer’s Eve, which is held on the longest day of the year.
Students will attend the Gymnasium (the Upper Secondary School) in Sweden. There are two general programs: natural sciences or social sciences.You’ll attend almost all subjects with your “klass” of around 30 students and get to know your fellow students very well.
After the school day is over, Swedish teenagers are usually involved in clubs, sports, and other social activities. Whether it is boating, cross-country skiing, or hiking, there is always an outdoor activity to enjoy. If you love the outdoors and seek a peaceful, progressive, and innovative country to live in, Sweden is the choice for you!
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Sweden:
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
+ Programs & Tuition
Fall Year: $13,995
Fall Semester: $12,995
Spring Semester: $12,995
Applications for Spring/Winter programs must be submitted by October 1 for review. Students departing on a fall program must apply by March 15.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment. To learn more, please visit the Embassy website.
Additional Costs
Students are responsible for school fees like textbooks or class activities and any additional expenses related to materials and instruments needed for the Art or Music programs. Students can expect to take public transportation to school, and any transportation fees exceeding SEK 600 per month will be covered by YFU Sweden. Students are responsible for all costs related to obtaining a residence permit. Program tuition does not include personal spending money.
Important Notice
Exchange students in Sweden may not get transcripts of grades from their school, though some schools can provide a certificate.
Choose Your Program
+ Academic Year Programs
During your time in Sweden, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:
School
YFU students studying on the standard program in Sweden will be enrolled in a gymnasium, an upper secondary school, and attend courses such as languages, math, social studies, history, technology, physical education, geography, or natural sciences. Most YFU exchange students are placed in the social science or natural science track of secondary school. You will likely have the same classmates for all of your classes. You may also find that Swedish schools are non-authoritarian, so this means you will be expected to be able to study very independently and make mature responsibilities when it comes to your studies. Although there are no after-school sports or activities sponsored by the schools, Swedish students get involved in sports, clubs, and other extracurricular opportunities offered within their communities.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
An arrival orientation will take place in one of the Nordic capitals. During this orientation you will meet students on the year and semester exchange programs from all over the world. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Age Requirement
- 2022 Fall Departure: Students born June 29, 2004 – January 1, 2006.
- Students who have recently graduated or slightly overage are welcome to apply. However, students cannot be older than 19 upon arrival.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Year | Mid August | Mid June | $13,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Swedish high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from local staff while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Language
Swedish. Previous language study is not required, but students must be motivated to learn the Swedish language. Prior to departing, students are recommended to use websites and apps for self-study, which is expected before arrival.
Host Family Placement
Students are usually placed in small country towns or medium-sized cities. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers. It is common that both parents in a family work full-time, so students will be expected to help with family responsibilities.
+ Semester Programs
During your time in Sweden, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:
School
YFU students studying on the standard program in Sweden will be enrolled in a gymnasium, an upper secondary school, and attend courses such as languages, math, social studies, history, technology, physical education, geography, or natural sciences. Most YFU exchange students are placed in the social science or natural science track of secondary school. You will likely have the same classmates for all of your classes. You may also find that Swedish schools are non-authoritarian, so this means you will be expected to be able to study very independently and make mature responsibilities when it comes to your studies. Although there are no after-school sports or activities sponsored by the schools, Swedish students get involved in sports, clubs, and other extracurricular opportunities offered within their communities.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
An arrival orientation will take place in one of the Nordic capitals. During this orientation you will meet students on the year and semester exchange programs from all over the world. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Age Requirement
- 2022 Fall Departure: Students born June 29, 2004 – January 1, 2006.
- 2023 Spring Departure: Students born June 29, 2004 – January 1, 2006.
- Students who have recently graduated or are slightly overage are welcome to apply. However, students cannot be older than 19 upon arrival.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Mid August | Early January | $12,995 |
| Spring Semester | Mid January | Mid June | $12,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Swedish high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from local staff while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Language
Swedish. Previous language study is not required, but students must be motivated to learn the Swedish language. Prior to departing, students are recommended to use websites and apps for self-study, which is expected before arrival.
Host Family Placement
Students are usually placed in small country towns or medium-sized cities. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers. It is common that both parents in a family work full-time, so students will be expected to help with family responsibilities.