A Tica in Sverige
To start talking about my experience in Sweden is not so simple. There are many things that I would like to talk about, but I do not have enough words to express it. Even now, I am still processing things that I lived; things that I look back and I see them in a different way now. Nevertheless, I will try to share some things that I will remember forever.
This was my first time living in a different country, and I have to admit that I did not know anything about. I did not have many expectations so I think that made the experience more intense because everything was new and interesting. Even though I had to face different challenges, they just helped me to grow up more and to learn more about myself. For example, at the beginning of the trip, it was very difficult for me to be without my friends, especially because in Costa Rica we always have company. But little by little, I started enjoying this privacy. Also, I was making new friends, and with no doubt this is one of the main things that remain with me. All these marvelous people were open to know me and that were interested to know about my culture, my language, etc. In addition, I was living with a family and that was an amazing experience because they helped me a lot to understand the Swedish culture and to adapt better. Also, they helped me to love cats.
Also, I have to say that working in PeaceWorks was more than just a volunteering experience; it was like a professional practice. I was developing a research about international volunteering; however, I also helped in festivals and different activities to spread what PeaceWorks is doing and motivating people to become a volunteer. Also, I was working in a Library to update the database and helping them to organize different events. Not only, was I able to learn a lot about the work of NGO´s in Sweden and their work with the youth, but also had the opportunity to work with a great team-work that really loved what they do.
Besides, it was great to be in a country where you can learn not only about the Swedish culture but also about many other different cultures. It is simple great to take the tunnelbana and see so different people, listen to so many different languages, and even meet some of them. In Sweden, I learned about other traditions, languages, histories, and food. One of the most interesting things for me was to meet people from many countries that live in Sweden and that are helping this country to be more multicultural and supportive every day. I met many people that are fighting to have a better place to live and not only for themselves but for their people in other continents, which is just admirable. It was interesting to me that I had to go to Sweden to meet my Latin American brothers and sisters.
Also, in my position as a Latin American person, it was great to come to Sweden and know a different reality in many spheres but also to erase stereotypes and prejudices that we have towards “developed” countries or that Swedish people have towards Latin American countries. For example, just by clarifying that we are different from Puerto Rico was a big achievement for me. That mistake is ok because most of my relatives still think that I was in Switzerland instead of Sweden because of the similarity of the words in Spanish (Suecia vs. Suiza). When you travel and see other realities; you become more aware about your own reality and learn to appreciate more your own culture, taking with you the positive things that you learned from this new place.
Finally, I have to say that after this volunteering experience, I am more motivated to continue working for building a better world to live. I want to get more involved in international volunteering. Also, I am visualizing my own social project to contribute a little bit in the society.
I really enjoyed this experience and living in Sweden for 6 months allowed me to see this country and PeaceWorks as a second home where I can comeback. J
