Interested in studying abroad? Then I might be able to convince you to select Stockholm as your next destination.
Studying Biochemistry at the Free University of Berlin involves planning and organizing multiple research projects. While these projects can be organized in one of the department’s research groups, the program also allows working in research groups all over the world. Although Berlin offers a broad selection of research groups and companies, I was aiming to also explore the scientific landscape abroad. Growing up my family and I often spend our vacations in south Sweden, so my love for this country starts early. When I was planning my studies and internships, Sweden was thus a preferred destination for me. During my Bachelor studies, I developed a great interest in cancer research and worked in one of the university’s research groups. While searching for a suitable working group in Sweden I came across Professor Foukakis’s group at the Karolinska Institute. Therefore, I have previously worked in his group and was offered the chance to return for different projects. Due to my very pleasant experience in his group, I decided to return during my master’s studies.
As a Biochemistry student, I worked in different groups focusing on basic research. To expand my knowledge of translational research, I planned another project with Professor Foukakis. Throughout the planning of my internship and the application, I received support from my department’s ERASMUS coordinator and our ERASMUS office. In addition, I received helpful advice from Prof. Foukakis and his colleagues. Traveling to Sweden is easy as an European citizen and does not require special documents such as a visa. Recently, there has been a train departing from Berlin to Stockholm, however, the train does not operate all year round. Therefore, I decided to travel by plane. When arriving at Arlanda airport in Stockholm you have different options to go to the city center. The cheapest option is offered by Flygbussarna, shuttle buses that drive from and to the airport. If you arrive late and no shuttle buses are available, you can take the Arlanda Express but might need to take an additional bus to your destination. The third option is to take the Pendeltåg which can be less reliable sometimes. Your last resort should be a Taxi as they are extremely overpriced.
While traveling to Stockholm is easy, you might have difficulties finding accommodation. Prices can be high, or the location might be less ideal. If you study at Karolinska Institute, however, you can try to apply for accommodation in different regions of Stockholm. In this case, it is important to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of receiving an offer. Even if your accommodation is not close to your workplace, Stockholm has a great infrastructure, and you can use the metro or the bus to travel almost anywhere. Lastly, as a student at Karolinska Institute, you can further apply for a temporary student ID with which you can save money as many stores offer a student discount.
Stockholm is a versatile city with beautiful nature and many places to explore. In contrast to other major cities, however, I would describe Stockholm as a calm place. Working in Sweden differs from my experiences in Berlin. While people take their work seriously, they also pay great attention to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You can spend your afternoons walking in beautiful parks or drinking coffee in one of the many coffee shops available around the city. If you decide to grab a sweet treat for Fika, the time of the day when Swedes have cakes, Stockholm is the right place for it. Although there is a great variety of baked goods, cardamom seems to be a popular spice in Swedish pastries and if you dislike it as much as I do, you might want to have a closer look at the ingredients beforehand. Going out for drinks is expensive in Sweden and alcohol can further only be bought in dedicated stores.
Everyday life in Stockholm is rather peaceful and if you are lucky even sunny. Even though temperatures rise during summer, I would argue that they are rather moderate compared to other countries. If you decide to travel to Stockholm during summer, then you should consider taking a dive in the sea to cool down. And according to recent news, you might even be able to observe Aurora lights. But if you are less lucky like me a double rainbow might also do the job. If you visit Stockholm during any other season you should pack warm clothing, a raincoat, and an umbrella. But if the weather is gloomy, you have one more reason to take a FIKA break.
When it comes to the more serious topic of working on a project, I can say that I very much enjoyed this opportunity given to me. My supervisor and colleagues in his group have been very welcoming and finding my routine has been easy due to my previous experience here. Everyone is treated with respect and kindness irrespective of their position. Working on a more medical topic, I realized, although initially scary, I can also contribute as a Biochemistry student.
All in all, I can only recommend Stockholm as a city for your upcoming stay abroad. You will have the opportunity to explore wonderful nature, meet incredible people, and improve your scientific and personal skills.
Tips for other interns
Preperation
Get to know your study program and find out where you can integrate an internship abroad. For Biochemistry students this is quite easy as we have multiple internships we must take. Sometimes you can do a semester abroad or integrate a voluntary internship into your studies.
Visa application
Not needed if you have an European citizenship.
Internship search
For scientific internships start by taking notes of what areas you are interested in, then start investigating different research institutes. Maybe you would also like to do an internship in industry, you can easily find companies that are localized in your country of interest. Then start writing emails. Contact as many research groups and companies as possible because you will inevitably receive many rejections. But this should not discourage you as you will find a group willing to take in students. After you receive an acceptance get in contact with the research group and then discuss different projects and communicate the skills you already have and skills you would like to acquire. A small tip for the rejections is to always respond to them and thank them for taking the time to review your application. You can add that you would be happy to work with them in the future.
Apartment Search
Get in touch with other students from your university, sometimes you will find someone who has visited the same country as you and can give you valuable recommendations. I found my accommodation through my professor in Stockholm.
Insurance
DAAD offers very nice insurance packages made specifically according to ERASMUS requirements.
Telephone/Internet connection
Some German providers also enable the use of you telephone abroad within the EU, so make sure to check that out first. You can buy a card in Sweden, however, as I didn’t need this, I cannot provide a lot of information on this. If your phone has an e-SIM function you might also want to check out Saily, which you can download in the play store (android phones). They offer different data plans for travel abroad.
Usually, you will have access to the internet almost everywhere for free. At universities, institutes and some coffee shops.
Bank/account opening
Usually not needed if you are doing an internship unless you get paid for it. I unfortunately don’t know much about it.
Going out options
Sweden has beautiful nature. You should take a ferry ride for a little money and check out some of the islands e.g. Djurgården. Since Stockholm is a usually calm city this is the perfect place to take relaxing walks. You can enjoy sweet treats in many bakeries but if cardamom is not one of your favorite spices you might want to double-check what you are buying, as Swedes love it. The old-town might also be a good place for a night out, however, alcohol is very expensive in Sweden.