The 1st Lecture

As I was sitting in the lecture hall listening to how the class was to be structured, what books/articles were to be read and the papers that had to be completed, I had a small 'Why am I here again?!' moment.  Luckily, after class as I was speaking with other students, I quickly realized I was not the only one feeling a little overwhelmed!

Its really quite funny how when you realize others are in the same boat you are, you no longer feel quite as overwhelmed.  My guess is that it is due to the fact that you know there are others there to either help buoy you up or sink with you.  Either way your not alone and that feels good!

On a side note... Something that is really different with this graduate program compared ot my undergraduate is that it is much more theory vs practice.  There is also a lot more self study expected as opposed to the traditional sitting and listening to the professor lecture.  I guess after a few weeks I can let you know which method I prefer.  However, this will be interesting for a change.

Absolutely Beautiful

Today I went on a quick walking tour through Stockholm City, followed by a boat tour with fellow Graduate program students.  It was great getting able to know those I will be studying with over the next couple years.  Everyone was very friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed their company.  As far as seeing Stockholm, it seems like no matter how many time I go through the city, it beauty always amazes me! I just love all the water and greenery that is all around. It is truly a spectacular site.  Pictures never do it any justice, but here are a few to give you an idea...

78 Degrees of Perfect

Since this was the last weekend that I do not have to officially worry about school, I decided to take it easy. I went down to the coast / pier here in Nynäshamn and enjoyed ice-cream, candy, a sailboat race, and touring some old Swedish Navy Ships. The weather was a perfect 78 degrees, slight breeze with a few clouds in the sky.  Really, if Sweden had this type of weather everyday, it would be just as pleasant as San Diego!

Down by the coast in Nynäshamn.

Notice the ice cream shop in the foreground.

One of the Military Ships I went on - HMS Spica T121.

A selection of 'lösgodis' that I have been enjoying.

30 Minutes of Heaven

Well, after registering for my classes today It just dawned on me how much reading and writing I am going to have to do over the next few months.  I have to admit that the thought was slightly depressing.  To cheer myself up a bit I decided to order one of my favorite Swedish fast foods (besides hot dogs and mashed potatoes) - Kebab Pizza.  It is a conglomerate of Kebab, Thin Crust Pizza, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Chilies, and a white Garlic Sauce.  Add a small side of 'Pizza Salad' (Cabbage cut finely mixed with a special vinaigrette & spices) and you have yourself quite the treat!  For the next 30 minutes I was in Pizza Heaven.

Swedish Kebab Pizza & Pizza Salad

As far as the apartment search goes... since renting is looking like quite the extreme challenge, I am starting to investigate some other options.  One of these is buying.  It turns out that if you get far enough outside of Stockholm, housing is actually quite affordable.  The catch is that you are required to put 15% of the homes price as down payment.  So, while I am out apartment / home hunting, maybe my stocks can finally take a turn for the positive...  One can only hope and stay positive!

Ups and Downs

  So, today I had the chance to explore the campus a bit and figure out public transport, etc.  It turns out that the Masters Program I will be in is located in its own section of the University called the Kräftriket.  It's right next to the water and has walking/jogging trails all around the shoreline and through the wooded areas - very picturesque.

Stockholm University - Kräftriket

So far the Ups have been the scenery, ease of public transport, and helpfulness of the University staff.  As far as the downs go, there has only been 1 - Housing.  Student housing is few and far between and not offered to Graduate Students.  This means that I have 2 options.  The first is to buy a place (which I am not in a position to do) and the second is to put your name on rental lists for regulated apartments.  The down with this is explained well in a newspaper article I read:


'The wait for a rental apartment in Stockholm averages 104 weeks, rising to as much as 20 years for attractive areas, according to a new report published this week.' - The Local (Swedish Newspaper)


So, looks like I will be able to get in an apartment just after I graduate! :)   Now there is a third option, which is try to network and find an individual that owns a property which they are trying to rent or share a home with someone (you rent 1-2 rooms in the home and share the bathroom and kitchen).  I am going to try for the 'find a privately owned residence and rent option'.  Will keep you posted!

So it Begins...

So, leaving behind friends, family and a good job I have decided to pursue a Masters Degree in Stockholm, Sweden. 
The degree is:   Masters of Management Studies
The timeline is:  Aug. 2011 - June 2013
This blog will follow not only my studies and experiences at the University, but also the sights and culture I will experience while here in Sweden. And so it begins...

Stockholm in the Summer