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I'm from the Uk and moved to Sweden with my partner who is Swedish 6months ago. I'm a graduate in marketing managment and still can't find any type of work. The main disadvantage is the language barrier. I upto now only have a basic understanding and ability to speak swedish but it has proved much more difficult than originally thought to get work in the most basic of places.
Unless you actually have a job opportunity don't move!

Really? In the official Swedish embassy website it says there that almost all swede speak fluent English and there is no language barrier. Hahaha. must be a move to entice people. Anyway, is the cost of living really that high? And I read that the benefits are really good, is that true?

Thanks for the advice StacyMahon!

Hi Irics,
I'd have to agree with Stacy, it is massively difficult to find work in Sweden as a foreigner, unless you are okay with hotel-cleaning or bar work. Even then it's not always that easy. It seems like the whole employment system here is based around having contacts who can get you a foot in the door. I'm from the UK too, a University graduate, learnt Swedish at one of the SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) courses (if you do come over, DEFINITELY get your 'Personnummer/national ID number' and enrol on a SFI course right away, maybe even see if you can fix a place before you leave Manila.
A lot of people do speak pretty fluent English, but in the majority of cases you'll still lose out if you can't speak Swedish.

Depending upon your situation in Manila, why not give Sweden a try? Just be careful to save enough money in reserve for a return flight if needed, it's a far lonlier experience than I ever imagined it would be and more than half of all my friends made through SFI and the follow up courses have since moved away from Sweden again.

There are lots of positives of course, don't get me wrong, but it's quite a test.

Sorry I can't really offer any advice on benefits, not had any experience of them...I have the impression that they are good compared to other countries, but the cost of living can really be insane depending upon where you move to.

All the best
Stuart

irics wrote:

Hi, my name is Miguel. Can anyone here help me or give me advice. I am currently living in Manila, Philippines. I have heard a lot about the equal job opportunities given to foreign workers in Sweden. I have been working here in Manila as a middle school teacher for almost 7 years already. I am really interested in working in Sweden. The same or a different career. I have visited the website work.sweden.se to look at the step-by-step process. Is it really that hassle free? I hope that you guys can give me advice in what to do and where to start? Your responses will be very much appreciated. Thank you!

Why Sweden?

Thanks for the very detailed advice, Stuart! Much appreciated, cheers!

Hi Miguel,

Yes it's true that most swedes speak very good english, however if you want to work as a middle school teacher you kinda need to know swedish. Unless you teach in an english speaking school.

If you have a job opportunity ready here in Sweden, I think you should go for it. If not, I advise you to try to find something before you move. Just like the others above are writing, there is a language barrier. Perhaps not in the everyday life, but there is definately one when getting a job.

For more information you can visit the Swedish Employment Agency (Arbetsförmedlingen)


Good luck!

Dani

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