This is the second interview out of a series of interviews with our alumni, people who have participated in Swedish for Professional’s courses. Today we are meeting Sanket, the engineer from India who ended up working in a big Swedish bank.
Meet Sanket
Hej Sanket! Hur mår du? (How are you?)
I am fine, thank you. (Jag mår bra, tack.)
Tell us a little bit about yourself: what is your background and what brought you to Sweden?
I am Indian and I have taken education in engineering. Born and brought up in Mumbai. Came to Sweden on an official assignment and worked here on behalf of my Indian IT organization and later on was hired.
What was your first impression of the Swedish culture and people?
Swedish culture is quite OK and the people too are good.
Has that expression changed over time?
Not exactly over time, but over place, I find people from small cities or towns are friendlier and open as compared to that of big cities.
What is the best thing about living and working in Sweden?
The working policies towards employees are quite good and working is quite flexible too. I don’t see a lot of stress situations over a continuous period of time.
Do you have any fun or interesting experiences of culture clashes that you would like to share with our readers?
Yes, I do see quite a lot of cultural differences. In most of the Asian countries, the culture is of close-knit family and mostly stable married life, which is not the case I see or feel here.
So, what are the key things people should know before moving here?
You get a good opportunity to maintain work and personal life balance and this directly or indirectly helps keep the relations in much better status.
Do you have any smart “hacks” for everyday life in Sweden and interacting with Swedes?
I feel that Swedes are a bit shy, but can start talking if you start discussing the weather. 😉
Swedes are known to be good at English. What made you decide on actually learning Swedish?
To get involved more with the Swedes, it’s good to know the local language and get connected. 🙂
Do you feel that learning Swedish has been important for understanding the Swedish culture and society?
Yes, I feel so. Language too has an important role in understanding the culture.
How much do you feel that knowing Swedish has helped you to better integrate into society?
I have experienced it to some extent and am sure it will help me better.
What has been your main challenge with learning the language?
The pronunciations and the grammar.
What was the best part with the classes at Swedish for Professionals?
Good attention and teaching methodology from the SFP staff and also some self-study.
What are your three best tips for learning Swedish fun, fast and efficiently?
Practise, practise, practise and talking with the local Swedish people
Do you have anything else that you would like to say to our readers?
If you are seriously looking for learning a new language, you need to dedicate some time, which at times is hard to find, but should manage somehow.
OK, cool. Nice talking to you Sanket! It was great hearing about your experience and I am sure that our readers gained some new insights and inspiration. Thank you for your time and good luck with your future endeavors!
Facts
Name: Sanket Wavhal
Born in: Mumbai, India
Languages spoken: English, Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit and Swedish (beginner)
Places lived: Sweden, Denmark and Finland
Years in Sweden: 7-8 years
Current occupation: IT Architect at a Swedish bank
5 short answers
Småkakor (cookies) or kanelbulle (cinnamon bun)? Kanelbulle
Coffee or tea? Tea
Top 3 things to see or do in Sweden: Be here in summer, enjoy Stockholm, enjoy with the Swedes 🙂
Favorite Swedish word: Fika 🙂
Describe Swedish for Professionals in one word: CLASSIC!
