Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Price | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August | July | $73,800 | 15.8-18.8 |
Sweden is one of the most egalitarian societies on earth. An extensive social welfare system cares for the population in terms of health, education and retirement. The economy is very prosperous due to the high degree of industrialization, the modern distribution systems and an educated workforce.
The landscape in Sweden is varied and includes mountains, huge forests, tens of thousands of small lakes and little islands, and a long coastline. Nature is very important to Swedish people, many of them have a chalet in the country where they spend their free time and a stay there can be a rewarding experience.
Swedish design, a fusion of form and function, excels in glassware, ceramics, tableware, furniture and textiles. Another specialty is the formidable feast known throughout the world as smorgasbord.
The climate of Sweden is unpredictable- summer is most often warm and sunny, but can also bring rain and wind. The far northern regions enjoy the special “midnight sun” period during summer, when over a few weeks the sun doesn’t set at all. November to April sees snow falls in the northern regions, while the south sees only a few snowstorms.
AFS in Sweden
The Swedish AFS organization was founded in 1959 by returnees. AFS programs in Sweden are administered by the AFSIU, with its members consisting of former ASFers and their families.
Host Schools
Many young Swedes travel abroad a lot so they are interested in getting to know exchange students at their school. At Upper Secondary School, students choose the program they want to study – there are 16 national study programs with aims directed at further education or the job market.
A school year consists of 40 weeks from the middle of August to the beginning of June. There is an extended Christmas holiday from the end of December to the beginning of January and one week holiday, intended for winter sports in February or March. There are also days off for national holidays in the Spring and Autumn.
Many young Swedes devote their spare time to a hobby or sport with many clubs and associations to join – all leisure activities take place out of school hours.
Host Families
In Sweden there are many types of families, with two parents, one parent, with or without children, married or unmarried.
Swedes are meat and potato lovers, but their daily diet also includes fresh vegetables, fish, cheese and fruits and some families may be vegetarians. Most families try to eat dinner together in the evening, and everyone is expected to help out.
Children can seem to be quite free in Sweden but are expected to manage school work, obey family agreements and assist in household chores. Household chores are usually democratically divided among Swedish family members, regardless of gender or age. Students are expected to find out what their responsibilities are and what is expected of them.
For the official website of AFS Sweden, please refer to the front page.
