File :-(, x, )
Swedish Hopeful
Hello /trv/, I've got a few questions for you, and I don't want to pay a lawyer to answer them, which was what I was suggested to do.

I'm seriously looking at moving to Sweden from the US. I have looked over many things, such as employment, and finding housing before I go over.

What my question is, with all of the different Visas and permits, what do I actually need to move there and start on obtaining citizenship? Should I apply for a work visa? Or is there something I am overlooking? Should I just speak to the Swedish Consulate and ask them?

I'll give out information as I remember it, and as I am asked.
>> yarr
yarr i moved here a year ago. It is really really hard to find a job here without swedish language skills. I ended up coming here as a student. the university's are free and easy for an american to go to if you have a bachelors. many masters are in english.
>> Anonymous
>>65680
I'll have a certificate licensing me as a Veterinary Technician, I understand I'll be making 150 Milljonen SEK a year.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65681
That's me, whoops.
>> yarr
no, I dont think it will pay that well. I have a master of architecture and am working on a second masters. I can get a starting salary of 24,500 SEK a month. the wages are basically set by the different unions for each field. 150 million a year would put you way above reality.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65683
Perhaps I read it incorrectly then, it was just a figure I stumbled upon.

Is it atleast a decent salary to work as a Veterinary Technician/Assistant in Sweden? It's what I'm studying right now, and if it continues to be work I enjoy, I plan on pursuing my DVM.
>> yarr
>>65685
for immigration info try www.migrationsverket.se
for pay info and such look up the vetrenarian union or the goverment body on this (sorry no idea what it is).
for jobs these are possibilities:
www.ams.se
www.academicwork.se
www.adecco.se
www.stepstone.se
www.thelocal.se
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65687
Thanks, I looked at that site a bit, but from what I saw, it only mentions visits, and work Visas. Would I need to procure a Work Visa and employment then start work to obtain my citizenship?

I keep thinking that there is a form specific for immigration for purpose of citizenship, but I might be wrong.

Also, what about a "going on vacation and never coming back" scenario?
>> yarr
fuck I miss posted.
you will need a job to stay so either find one before coming, come over as a tourist and find a job then fly apply for the work visa/residence permit. but the easiest is to apply for a higher education at masters or phd level as they love having amerifags. keep in mind you will need a sock full of money to even consider any of these plans.
>> yarr
>>65688
ya that happens, but you will be in a shit scenario. you need a civic number to do anything...get a phone, internet, cable tv connections, rent an apartment, open a bank account, rent a movie or most importantly work at a real job.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65691
Of course, I do not plan on immigrating being a poor asshole, that's unfair.

I can apply for all that while I am in country? I would be absolutely willing to get a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree in Sweden, but I don't know how much tuition would be...

Isn't that education covered by the state? Or is that just for citizens?

Thanks for all the info so far, by the way.
>> yarr
>>65693
ok, before i answer any more why sweden and where in sweden ect?

tuition is free if you get in, I pay about 40USD a semester to the student union and thats it at KTH. of course living expenses are very high but students can get dorms from sssb.se and sb.se but you need to sign up and get credits you use in an auction to get a room so sign up today.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65696
I've spoken to a few Swedes, and they all make mention of what a nice place it is, and that started my interest, along with my curiosity for the old Norse Futhark, which Sweden still has Standing Runes.

After hearing a bit, I started to ask him questions, such as what the weather is like, how are the people? Their views on politics, etc.

It all started to come together for me... They're politically neutral when it comes to wars. They don't meddle in other people's affairs. They worry about themselves.

Their views on things that the US sees as taboo, is openly spoken of, and not given as much weight. They are more direct as a people when you ask for information, or so I've been told.

The scenery is lovely, and their Literacy rate is very high. I am growing tired, very quickly of the ignorance of the American Lifestyle.

I want to go to a place, where, instead of going to a supermarket for some McMeat, or McProduce, I can actually visit a farmer's stall set up in a town square to purchase produce. But that might be a bit too dream-y, I think.

MY first thought of where to go would be Stockholm, since it's the capital. I don't have much knowledge of the surrounding cities.
>> yarr
>>65697
It is not as good as all that. there are many idiots, food is fucking expensive, but it is a beautiful city. how much cash do you have and how old are you? If your not going to school then try to set up job interviews come over for said interviews. they suck at answering emails so email then call a few days later to try to set up interviews. what else?
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65700
I'm in school right now, at a Medical Institute to get certified as a Veterinary Assistant.

Right now, I am ass poor, since I took out a student loan to pay for school. I don't have any money besides a few dollars here and there. Once I actually get working, I will set an amount to save up before I actually prepare to leave.
>> Anonymous
>>65697
>I want to go to a place, where, instead of going to a supermarket for some McMeat, or McProduce, I can actually visit a farmer's stall set up in a town square to purchase produce. But that might be a bit too dream-y, I think.
You can do that in the US.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65703

Yes, however that is only one straw in a haystack of complaints.
>> yarr
>>65702
ok, work for a year save, apply for school.
apply now for a dorm account on at sb and sssb.
there is 1 catch, you will need to show you have about 24,000usd to get the student visa so you will have to borrow it from someone (parents?) then return it to them after you get the visa. this is bascally what everyone does. unless you can find a job.
>> Anonymous
>>65704
I understand completely. I left last year as well.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65705
That doesn't sound too bad, I think a career in Vertinary Medicine would be atleast slightly needed in the country. I also hear that they're having an issue looking for young people (Under 25?). I fit the bill, consider myself very educated, and am willing to work hard, always have been.

Thanks for your help, I think that might be all of the questions and concerns I have for right now...

I DO have a Passport, do I even need a Visa before I leave the country, or can I pick one up in Sweden?
>> Anonymous
Norfag here.

Sweden is probably one of the best countries in the world you could migrate too.

The general standard of life in Norway is higher, but I imagine it's fucking hard to get started out here.
Everything is probably around twice the price compared to sweden.

If I were you though, I'd take a closer look at denmark.
Their much more relaxed when it comes to stuff like Visas, having proper civic number to get jobs and shit like that.

If you're aiming for working as a veterinarian you probably have to sort that shit out though...

Another idea would be to actually get the job BEFORE you move, and let the company you are working for hook you up with an apartment, internet, tv, etc.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65706
Where did you go to?

My main complaint is with the people, being ignorant, lazy, and arrogant. That goes along with my hatred for the political system that the US employs, as well as other things.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65708
Thanks for the input! Sweden is my general "mark" although I have looked into Norway and Denmark.

Thanks for the tips on squaring all of this away, the more info the merrier.

I am absolutely interested in hearing more about Norway.

Infact, if any of you would like to contact me through MSN/Yahoo, my address is:

gagetruelove@yahoo.com
>> yarr
>>65708
I agree with this man/women/cleaver squirrel. except that i have also lived in denmark. they have way shittier immigration rules for non EU folks, but more need for vets I suspect if you dont mind pig farms. denmark is way nicer though as far as capitals go more nightlife and culture in CPH.
>> yarr
also I have failed to get a job in 1 year here...
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65712
Nightlife I'm not too big on, being a bit reserved/shy.

My main focus of Veterinary work will probably be with Horses/Dogs/Cats, since those are the species I enjoy being around the most.

Of course, if need be, I'll do whatever needs to be done.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>65705
Wow, I didn't even think about that route. I want to go to the University of Helsinki in 3-4 years, so borrowing whatever they need to see from a bank and giving it right back would be awesome.
>>65708
>Another idea would be to actually get the job BEFORE you move, and let the company you are working for hook you up with an apartment, internet, tv, etc.
This is also good advice. A lot of times, companies will actually pay for the residency process for you.
>>65709
I left for those same reasons. I live in the Dominican Republic now and will be here for another 1.5-2 years and we'll see where to go from there.
>> Anonymous
>>65718
I'm signed up on http://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=en

I have not submitted my application yet, because I am not quite ready to move or receive calls from employers.
>> yarr
>>65718
This is also good advice. A lot of times, companies will actually pay for the residency process for you.

not in sweden. but the process is straight forward and not too expensive 1000 sek (150$)
>> Anonymous
>>65722
Good, good, I read on a site that some Swedish employers DO help.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65724
>>65720

That's me.
>> yarr
>>65725
maybe some do but i have not heard of any. But im in the engineering, sustainability, construction/architecture industry so my options are limited here. Im going to look for work in Copenhagen and NY after graduation. To be honest I have had a bad go at the job thing here and my funds are too short to enjoy this city IT IS FUCKING EXPENSIVE.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65727
NY? As in New York?
>> yarr
>>65729
yes. If I dont find work after graduation here in stockholm.
my GF and I know people in cph and NY so it makes sense and there are more firms to apply at there. I would prefer to stay in North europe though. I may also look in norway for work if stockholm is a bust.
>> Swedish Hopeful
>>65731
That sounds a bit backwards though, since I'm looking at moving to Sweden, and you're trying to get to the US.

I still think it's a good idea, but are you leaving just because it's hard to find a job?
>> Anonymous
>>65675
hey guise, I am also a hopeful swede.
i am getting my bachelors degree in advertising, and maybe getting involved in marketing or getting my teaching certification.
im also planning on learning swedish
what are my options?
>> yarr
>>65733
mostly jobs yes. I fucking need one. also, most of my friends here are fellow students who will move after school. I have not meet many swedes here oddly enough. also, for architects stockholm is not exciting.
>>65734
there are allot of marketing agency's here mostly tied to graphic design, lots of fashion company's from everywhere had agency's here also.
>> Anonymous
If you want markets and going to farmers for meat etc you really shouldn't go to Stockholm since its like any city with 1.000.000+ citizens, no farms or markets there.
You probably should choose to live in southern Sweden for that domestic country feeling with horses and stuff.
If you want to go to the University you probably should go to Gothenburg or Lund since they are probably the best cities for students.
Also not only are the schools free in Sweden but you also get money for attending (2500SEK or est.416 USD) not much idd but you can also get student loans with pretty much no intrest at all which adds up to around 9000 SEK (est. 1500 USD) per month while you are studying. that makes it possible to study without having to get extra jobs, although you probably should get a job if you want more than the necessary since most apartments cost atelast 4000SEK (est. 666 USD ^^).
And also, you probably should start learning swedish as soon as possible if you're planning to work as a VET, even though pretty much everyone speaks English, when it comes to important things such as your animals health and such you always want to know whats going on.
>> Anonymous
>>66279
Is that stipend valid for foreign students as well or just locals?
>> Anonymous
>>66290
I'm new to this thread, but I sure as hell haven't got any money from Sweden for going to school here.

I also want to say this thread is quite accurate. If you want a job in Sweden, you need to speak Swedish. It's expensive to live here compared to the US. Housing is hard to find (not TOO hard, but the student housing is in the best locations for the best price and THAT is hard to get). If you want to meet Swedes, you won't see many in your masters program. My program is 10 or 15% Swedes. Apartments in gothenburg are about 3000 SEK/month.
>> Anonymous
>>66326

Uh, yes you do, it's called Studiebidrag and everyone gets it if they study (until they are 22 I think).

Too all the dudes thinking of coming to Sweden to study, you sure should. It's an awesome country with awesome people, sure the towns are small and there isn't a lot of life but for the studying part of your life this is the perfect country.

Any questions you have, I'll do my best to answer, so shoot.
>> Anonymous
>>66326
uhh, that's not even $450/month. My apartment in the US was $675 a month. Maybe the EU isn't as expensive as I thought... Do foreign students qualify for student housing too?
>>66334
I'd be going for a master's degree, so I'm a bit over 22. What would be the real difference between studying in Sweden and the University of Helsinki in Finland? I have a math degree and would like to go for either more math (zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz) or something IT related, since it's my field. I wouldn't mind getting into some program where I could play with Cisco routers.
>> Anonymous
>>66338

First of all, you could get a Studentbostad (apartment for students) if you study at a Swedish University. Also, you'll still be able to get student loans which you'll only have to pay back 75% of.

The difference between Finland and Sweden I can not tell you because I do not know.

Also, we have a lot of IT here in Sweden and I'm currently studying IT in the 3'rd grade of my Gymnasium (I'm 18) and looking towards a Uni. We have a lot of networking to study and I'm currently on my third Cisco book so that I can get a certificate.
>> Anonymous
>>66334
I think most people are looking for a masters degree (undergrad aren't typically offered in english) and so are 22 or older.

>>66338
All students qualify for student housing, but there just isn't enough. Sign up as soon as possible (unless you want to be like me and live a 25 min tram ride from campus in some ladies house who doesn't have internet)

I'm willing to bet your apartment in the US was better than your average student apartment. It more other stuff that is expensive. a book is 15 USD, and for example, McDonalds is almost twice as expensive. No idea how the Scandinavian countries vary.
>> Anonymous
>>66338
$675? That's barely above public housing level in terms of what you get for it where I am.
>> Anonymous
>>66343
>>66345
Can you guys post some links to good universities in Sweden? I'm not married to the idea of U. of Helsinki and would definitely consider other options in Scandinavia. I want to live there for a couple years, because it would be a new climate zone for me, I'd come out of it with a free master's degree, make a lot of new contacts, have the opportunity to travel Europe, etc.
>> Anonymous
>>66346
>Apartments in gothenburg are about 3000 SEK/month.
That's like not even $450. Are those sub-public level housing?
>> Anonymous
>>65675if you get your teaching certification what subjects will you be teaching?
Anyways I dont know about marketing but as a teacher you will be able to get a job for sure.
And yes you need to learn pretty good Swedish if you're not planning to teach Spanish or something
>> Anonymous
>>66353
No, just very basic. Anyone can look it up. Here is a representative student housing complex next to Chalmers university in gothenburg.

http://www.sgsstudentbostader.se/item.aspx?id=618

If you scroll down, you can see the floor plan and what they cost. I think there is about a 200 SEK charge for internet and other things not listed bringing the basic single room, shared shower/kitchen to 3000 SEK. Keep in mind this is the preferred housing and if you didn't get it (likely possibility), you probably have to pay more and live farther away.

>>66347
You'll have to look that up yourself.
www.studyinsweden.se
www.studera.nu

I think you can search by program from the second link, but i'm not positive.
>> Anonymous
>>66361
Made of win. Thanks!
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Re. FRA
>> Anonymous
Well thanks to recent public demonstrations etc the FRA will soon have to get a court order to listen to your internets, and if you're not a potential terrorist or spy you wont get listened to. And if they would like to listen to normal peoples internets, well it would be quite a waste of recources imo