Life in Sweden – Lisa George-Svahn ’98
- MH European Alum Council
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
We are delighted to share our new Global Lives feature, for a light and fun exploration of living and working in different cultures and countries. To get us started, we are heading to northern Europe!
Let's visit Stockholm, Sweden, with Lisa George-Svahn class of 1998 as our guide:
A Mount Holyoke alum, Lisa George-Svahn reflects on living in Stockholm, Sweden, where she moved for love and stayed for its social equality...
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am originally from Connecticut, my parents are from India. I met my now-Sweden-based husband in Mexico while studying Spanish in 2000 and moved to Stockholm in 2002.
What first brought you to Sweden — and what made you stay?
Love brought me to Sweden, the social equality kept me here!
How did your MHC experience help shape your life or dreams?
Mount Holyoke opened me up to working for social justice and speaking up, even when it's deeply uncomfortable.
What’s something surprising or special about living in Sweden that people might not expect?
Sweden is very culturally diverse - most people expect it to look like Frozen here, but Sweden has historically had a very open immigration policy which leads to a wonderful multicultural Stockholm.
Favourite local tradition, food, or custom you love?
I love Swedish fika - the tradition of taking a break to drink coffee and eat something sweet. Fika is coveted here, both in the workplace and as a way to socialize.
What’s a “typical day” like for you — and what part of it feels extra Swedish?
The part of my day that feels very typically Swedish is riding my bike to work - biking is a very common way to commute to work. I however chicken out in the wintertime but many people here just put winter tires on their bikes and bike year round.
What’s one small thing about daily life there that you truly appreciate?
I appreciate the Swedish emphasis on nature - that nature is revered and cared for, even in cities there are plenty of green spaces.
What are your top 3 reasons for staying in Sweden?
My top reasons for staying in Sweden: time with my children (6 weeks of paid vacation), legal and paid right to be home with sick children and overall safety of society (extremely low levels of violence).
Do you miss anything from your home country?
The only thing I miss about the US is my family and friends.
Do you have a special tip for alums who wish to visit Sweden?
Come visit Sweden in the summer is my only tip, anything you do will be magical.
Answers collated and edited by Delia Youssef ’15 & Silvia Maulini '80
Please get in touch if you would like to share your country, or would like to suggest a feature!
