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Thanks for sharing such practical advice! 😊 You’re absolutely right, while the salaries might not match American levels, the work-life balance and healthcare benefits in Sweden are hard to beat. Do you think the trade-off is worth it overall, or does it depend on the person’s priorities? 🌍💼🇸🇪

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! 😊 I appreciate your perspective, and it’s true that long-time residents often have a deeper understanding of how a society has changed over the decades. The shift you’re describing must feel significant, how do you think Sweden can address these challenges while preserving its core values? 🇸🇪🤔

Thank you so much, that means a lot coming from someone who knows Sweden so well! 😊 What’s one aspect of Swedish life or culture you’re most proud of? 🇸🇪🌟

Thank you for sharing your story, it sounds like Sweden had a profound impact on your life! 😊 It’s amazing how much we carry forward from experiences like that. You’re so right about Swedish friendships, they may take time, but they’re incredibly strong and lasting. What’s one lesson or value from your time in Sweden that still shapes your life today? 🌟🇸🇪

@SocietyOfExpats being tolerant of others, being tidy keeping my home special and loving pickled herring

The Øresund Bridge is truly impressive-it’s such a perfect blend of engineering and beauty! 😊 Do you use it often, or is it more about appreciating the view and its significance? 🌉✨

That’s amazing, 41 years is a true testament to your love for Sweden! 😊 What’s your favorite thing about living there after all this time?

Thank you for your comment! 😊 That’s such a great comparison. Stockholm can definitely feel like a Swedish Manhattan with all its challenges and high demand. Do you think living outside Stockholm offers a better quality of life?

Absolutely, humility and balance are much more the Swedish way! 😊 It’s one of the things that makes the culture so unique. Do you think this mindset has shaped Sweden’s global reputation?

Thanks for sharing your perspective! 😊 The marginal tax rates can definitely feel heavy at higher incomes. Do you think the public services and benefits balance it out, or is it still a tough pill to swallow? 💼🇸🇪

@SocietyOfExpats I dont think it balances out because most public services top out were the marginal taxes start 😢 like pension, health insurance, etc. Emergency healthcare in Sweden is top notch, the problem is when they dont know whats wrong with you, i call it the investigative healthcare, it doesnt work at all in Sweden with long queues and serious illness like cancer not being detected in time. I think we should reform to private insurances, but not like the US more like the Swiss or the Dutch, you have a basic public funded insurance, and can replace it with a private funded one, difference with todays system would be that the public funded insurance money would go to your private funded one so you only need to pay the difference. Now we still need to pay high tax and pay a private insurance ontop of that. Thats crazy.

Of course! 😂 Romme seems to be the go-to place for first-time skiers. Perfect for falling on bunny slopes and learning the ropes! Did you have your first ski experience there too? ⛷️❄️

@SocietyOfExpats nah, im too old Romme didnt exist when I learnt to skii as a kid in the 80s :) But im going there with my kids, and I get mad on all the beginners sloushing up the powder :) just joking, its fine being a beginner, but I dont understand why they have to be in the black slopes when they clearly cant handle it and just destroys the snow :)

Thank you for sharing your experience 😊 I personally followed the same approach. How did improving your Swedish impact your social life over time? Did it open up new opportunities or deeper connections? 🌟

That’s an interesting observation! 😊 It does seem like people in the south feel the lack of snow and extra gloom more, while up north they embrace winter activities. Do you think the darker winters are easier to handle when there’s snow around? ❄️☃️

@SocietyOfExpats The amount of snow, or lack of for that matter, affects us in both directions. If we hardly have any sunlight, at least we want something that reflects it.

@SocietyOfExpats You can also put into the question that winters in south of Sweden is more humid and thereby the chill is worse. I grew up in the middle of Sweden where we had "real winters" with -5 to -20 degrees C. But I have not fozen more than when I moved to Lund in the very south of Sweden to study: always windy and moist in the air gave a cooling effect that basically no clothes could shield. Then one thing I missed is the fear of conflicts,I think that is the main reason for the personal distance. But a very spot-on analysis!

Thanks for your comment! 😊 You’re not alone in feeling that, it can be tough to break into social circles here, especially at work. But once you do, Swedes can be great friends. Have you found any ways to connect outside of work?

It can be hard even for Swedes moving from one place to another too. A lot of people already have their circle since an early age and there's "no room" for more. One time to get new friends is when you have kids, you get to know other parents during parental leave, in preschool, school or activities.

@SocietyOfExpats oh sure i have, i was born here so it helps with language & knowing what to not do. But frankly i regrer having been born here and want to leave. I will always admire sweden & incorporate some things into my life, habits, values etc. But i need the social factor, americans seem like the starch opposite thankfully.

😊 I’m really glad the video resonated with you. Sweden is such a unique place, and it’s always great to hear that others relate to these observations. Have you lived in Sweden yourself or had experiences with Swedish culture? I’d love to hear your perspective!

Thanks for your perspective! 😊 You’re right, the dark period can feel exaggerated at times, especially with the festive vibe around Christmas to brighten things up. It’s all about finding ways to enjoy the coziness, right? Do you have any favorite traditions or tips for making the most of the winter season?

@SocietyOfExpats What I mean is that talking (whining) about the the dark period exaggerates it. It passes quickly during the holidays, and then we only have the upside, our light summers. What I do complain about a little bit is our long springs. They some times make it feel like the summer is never actually coming.

Thank you for the fascinating history lesson! 😊 Sweden’s journey from a warring nation to a proud and balanced democracy is truly remarkable. The story of Bernadotte taking the crown but not the power is such a unique twist! It’s amazing how history shapes cultural values like freedom and equality. Do you think this historical shift still influences how Swedes view leadership and authority today? 👑

@ absolutly, it’s rooted deep within us and part of the Swedish population even wants to reform the country into a republic because we feel the Monarchy is obsolete. Prob won’t happen in the nearby future though because the royal famely I still very popular despite having a king whom been accused of surrounding himself with prostitutes. We also have a unique history when it comes to reform worker policies. Our unions are amongst the strongest organisations in the world. Workers and employers share power and through treaties decide together the conditions for workers in each and every guild. The government has no say in this process it is exclusively negotiated between workers and employers. We call this the Swedish model and as of now Tesla is feeling the full force of how effective this system is as every Tesla worker in Sweden is on strike since fall last year. And blocking the company from doing any serious business right now.

Thank you for your comment! 😊 You’re absolutely right, there’s often a natural preference for Swedes to connect with fellow Swedes first. It can feel tricky as a foreigner, but once that “coconut shell” cracks, the connections are truly rewarding. Have you found any ways to bridge that gap in your own experiences?

@SocietyOfExpats Socialize with other immigrants too, there are lot`s of us! As a christian is is easyer to get into contact with other christians recadsless nationality. There are alwys subgroups wth a great solidaryty, as canser-survivours (me), different lifestyles or orientalition promoters, people who has tacled mental health issues etc. Depeds on actual real situation.

Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your perspective, greetings to you too! 😊 You’ve highlighted some fascinating aspects of Swedish culture. The strong family ties are indeed surprising in such an individualistic society, and those Christmas gatherings are so central, aren’t they? It’s a beautiful tradition that shows how deep-rooted family values are here. And yes, the alcohol monopoly is a quirky yet important part of life in Sweden! Planning ahead becomes second nature, especially around those red days. Did it take you long to adjust to that, or was it a quick adaptation for you? Would love to hear more about your experiences over the years! 🍷🎄

Nice! I've tried Sweden for 20 years, think I might also move to France, greetings from a Swede

@filiphammerstrom7788 Great! By the way I did not mean to imply I did not like Sweden, I still admire the country!

Thanks for sharing, and greetings to you in the beautiful south of France! 😊 It sounds like you found your perfect fit there, what drew you to make the switch after 10 years in Sweden? Would love to hear how life compares between the two places! 🌍☀️

⁠​⁠​⁠@@cineffectI understood ur first comment, I feel the same. I want to try something new and gain new experiences from living abroad. Most of all I want to meet and make new friends who might have different perspectives! Have a lovely day!

Hi🙂im Swedish😇Happy you found you're paradise 🤔Sweden is not for everybody😐and thank god for that😏I would love if more people living in Sweden to have that mindset😠

Thank you so much for your kind words about the video! 😊 you're absolutely right, the mix of collective but individual in Sweden can take a moment (or several) to truly "get." Your point about "flock/herd mentality" is such an interesting one, I think it ties back to the Swedish emphasis on harmony and collective decision-making, but as you said, it can sometimes veer into less productive territory. And oh, the pride in Swedish culture while avoiding overt nationalism? Spot on! Your example about the flag or critiquing policies is so relatable, it’s like poking a sleeping bear!

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I completely understand your concerns about language barriers and the environment when thinking about studying abroad, these are valid fears that many of us face when stepping out of our comfort zones. The good news is, with a little preparation and an open mind, you can find a country in Europe where the language won’t be a huge barrier. For instance, many universities in Europe, especially in places like Sweden, Finland, Germany, or the Netherlands, offer programs entirely in English, so you don’t need to master the local language right away. Of course, learning a few basic phrases to navigate daily life can go a long way, and locals really appreciate the effort! As for the cultural environment and seeing differences in customs, like hijab, I’ve found that many Europeans are very respectful of other religions and traditions. It’s true that the culture might feel more open compared to home, but that doesn’t mean there’s no space for you to practice your values. What really helps is to understand the culture of your host country while also finding ways to share your own customs with others. This mutual respect and curiosity often lead to deeper friendships and a richer experience abroad, in my opinion. I remember feeling uncertain about how I’d fit in when I moved to Sweden. But over time, I learned that the key is to stay true to yourself while also embracing the differences you see around you. Trust me, this blend of cultures can teach you so much about yourself and the world. So, don’t let these fears hold you back from this transformative journey. It’s okay to feel nervous, that just means you’re about to grow in ways you never imagined.

Thanks Ishtiak for your notes, glad you found this video helpful! I'll cover the financial side of academic investment in Europe in the coming weeks.

Hi! Thanks for your question and for sharing a bit about your background. First off, congratulations on your decision to move to France and pursue a finance course-it’s a big step and an exciting opportunity! Finding part-time work in France as an international student is definitely possible, especially since you already speak French. This language skill is a huge advantage when it comes to both studying and working. That said, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Student Work Regulations: In France, international students are generally allowed to work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week during term time). Make sure your visa allows you to work and check with your school for any specific guidelines. 2. Job Market Tips: Part-time jobs for students often include roles in hospitality (cafés, restaurants, hotels), retail, tutoring, or administrative assistance. Since you’re moving for a finance course, you might also explore internships or assistant roles in finance-related fields. These could complement your studies and build your CV. 3. Cultural and Practical Adjustments: France is a wonderful country to move to, but it’s important to prepare for cultural differences and practical challenges. You mentioned you speak French, which will help immensely in navigating the workplace and integrating socially. Don’t hesitate to join local student groups or expat communities, they can be great for networking and finding job leads. Since you’re asking about work and you still have plenty of time to look for a full time job post graduation, I suggest you to watch the other video of mine which I talk about how to find you desired job. STOP MASS JOB APPLICATION: How Smart Job Seekers in Europe Land Jobs | 6-Step Strategy (Part 1 -th-cam.com/video/bQUInmDODOg/w-d-xo.html)

Coming soon!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I hear you, there’s a lot of "noise" out there when it comes to navigating the job market in Europe, and it can feel overwhelming to figure out what advice to follow. Can you tell me more about what kind of noise frustrates you the most? Is it conflicting advice, outdated information, or something else entirely? I'd love to understand your experience better

No, I did not use any AI tools for creating this video. I'm curious why you thought so?

@SocietyOfExpats I can't speak for OP but your lighting is so clean! That may be why it gave him the impression of AI, since it has a very polished look

@keegster7167 @SocietyOfExpats Absolutely! Everything appears so clean that I initially thought you were using AI to create your videos!

Great question! I love that you’re taking several important economic metrics-GDP per capita, tax rates, and cost of living-and rolling them into one combined ranking. To be clear, my analysis below is illustrative rather than an exact scientific calculation. I used approximate data from various sources (including a bit of AI assistance) to score each country on a 1-to-10 scale for each metric: GDP per capita: 10 = highest in Europe, 1 = lowest Tax Rate: 10 = lowest personal income tax, 1 = highest Cost of Living: 10 = lowest overall costs, 1 = highest Each country’s final rank comes from adding those three scores (max = 30), then loosely converting it to a 1-10 overall rating. Top 10 Combined Scores (Approx.) 1. Romania: Sum = 23 → Overall ~ 7.7 2. Bulgaria: Sum = 22 → Overall ~ 7.3 3. Czech Republic: Sum = 20 → Overall ~ 6.7 4. Hungary: Sum = 20 → Overall ~ 6.7 5. Estonia: Sum = 20 → Overall ~ 6.7 6. Lithuania: Sum = 19 → Overall ~ 6.3 7. Slovakia: Sum = 18 → Overall ~ 6.0 8. Poland: Sum = 17 → Overall ~ 5.7 9. Latvia: Sum = 17 → Overall ~ 5.7 10. Switzerland: Sum = 17 → Overall ~ 5.7 11. Luxembourg: Sum = 17 → Overall ~ 5.7 If we focus strictly on the sweet spot of “High GDP + Low Tax + Low Cost of Living,” interesting results pop out. For example, Switzerland and Luxembourg have incredibly high GDP but get pulled down in the final score by high living costs and not-the-lowest taxes. On the other hand, Romania and Bulgaria score well on taxes and cost of living, even though their GDP per capita isn’t as high. Important Caveats: - This doesn’t mean Romania or Bulgaria are the “richest” places in Europe. It just shows that under these specific weightings-where low taxes and low cost of living are valued as much as high GDP-they come out on top. - If you emphasized GDP per capita more heavily, or factored in things like healthcare, infrastructure, or wages, the list would change. - Europe’s tax systems are complicated with multiple brackets, allowances, and social contributions. - Cost of living varies by city or region, so the country-wide score may not reflect your personal experience (e.g., living in a capital city vs. a rural area). - These numbers change year to year, so treat this as a fun methodology demo rather than definitive fact. Do you think prioritizing low taxes and cost of living can sometimes be more important than having a super high GDP? Would you ever move to a place with lower taxes and cheaper living costs, even if average salaries are lower? Let me know your thoughts!

Thank you for recognizing the importance of the 'why' factor, it's the backbone of any successful move! 🎯 What do you think is the most overlooked 'why' for people relocating to Europe? ...your perspective could inspire others navigating their own journey!

“Passive income”…Americans are so empty.

Mark, I assume by passive income you mean investment in real estate, businesses etc. In that case, that would fall under the "investment pathway" category. Some European countries offer Golden visa programs for express entry in return for significant investment in the economy of those countries. If you are interested in that pathway to Europe, I've reviewed and assessed all European countries that offer the Golden visa programs in another video of mine.

You bet!

Thanks!

Thanks

Thanks for the reminder 😅

Ah, you've got a sharp eye! And you’re absolutely right, the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program linked to Portugal’s Golden Visa has indeed been terminated. I appreciate you calling it out; I’ll make sure to update my content to reflect this change. As for the 'AI-generated' part, well, I’m actually here live, in the flesh, giving you the latest insights based on extensive research and experience! That said, I’d much rather sound like a knowledgeable guide than a 'bad cartoon,' so thanks for the heads-up on the NHR update! If you’ve got any other corrections or insights to share, feel free to drop them, I’m here to learn and improve, just like everyone else! 😊