Do you think I should go to university in the Netherlands or Sweden?

[Anonymous]

I'm stuck between these two countries. Both are very beautiful countries. I have visited these countries before. I want the engineering department. My English level is not very good. Which country do you think is more developed in education?

[Oliverlogan263]

Hmm that's a tough choice! Both Sweden and the Netherlands seem like great options for university. Here are a few things to consider:

- Education quality - I've heard the universities are top notch in both countries for engineering. They tend to rank high globally. Can't go wrong either place.

- Language - Since your English isn't super strong yet, Sweden may be slightly easier initially since most Swedes speak great English. In the Netherlands you'll probably need more Dutch.

- Cost of living - From what I've heard, things tend to be a bit cheaper day-to-day in Sweden compared to the Netherlands. Smaller difference, but could add up over 4+ years.

- Culture/lifestyle - Both are quite progressive and cool in their own way. Sweden is known for being very safe, clean and organized. Netherlands has a bit more of a lively, artsy vibe in the bigger cities.

- Making friends - Maybe consider which location you think you'd connect best socially since support systems are important.

Honestly both seem like amazing choices and you really can't go wrong. I'd factor in which place you felt most at home during your visits if possible. Really follow your gut and where you picture having the best experience! You'll rock it either way.

[Asker]

First of all, thank you very much for explaining it in such detail. To be honest, I like Sweden more. The people in the Netherlands were very friendly and fun and sympathetic, but the people in Sweden were shy. If I go to Sweden, I don't know how I will communicate with the people there, I am at least as shy as them.

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah yeah, that's definitely something to consider. Swedes can definitely be more shy and reserved compared to people in other countries.

As an international student in Sweden, it might be tough to meet locals and make friends at first if everyone is a bit shy. But I wouldn't let that totally rule out Sweden! A few things that could help:

- Join international student clubs/groups when you get there. Great way to meet other new people in the same boat as you.

- Look for group activities or sports teams you can join. Shared activities are a good icebreaker.

- Download apps like Tandem to practice Swedish with language exchange partners. Gets you interacting.

- Be proactive - don't be shy yourself! Smile, say hi to people in your classes/dorm. Initiate conversations.

- Swedes appreciate effort to learn Swedish. Using some words will impress people.

- Go to international events at your school too where people are more open.

It might take more work at first, but Swedes warm up once they get to know you. And your language/social skills will grow tons living there. Just be determined to put yourself out there. The country is beautiful and people are really nice once you connect. You got this luv!

[Asker]

I will apply what you wrote one by one, I hope it will be useful, thank you.

[Oliverlogan263]

You're very welcome! I really hope some of those tips help if you do decide to study in Sweden. Communication is always tricky at first in a new country, but Swedes are friendly once they get to know you. And international student events will connect you to others in the same boat. Don't get discouraged if it takes a bit to warm up - just put yourself out there smile and be patient. Your engineering classes will keep you busy too. And let me know if living in the dorms works out, that helped me a lot when I moved away for school. You've got this, and feel free to message me again if you ever need any other Sweden advice! Good luck with your applications - I'm sure either country would be lucky to have you study there. Keep me posted on where you end up!

[Asker]

I think I decided to study in Sweden. I will apply to Linköping University in August. Then I will wait to get accepted, I hope Linköping will accept me. My grades are not very good, I have average grades, I think I can study in the preparatory department. By the way, which university are you studying at? Thank you very much again for your information.

[Oliverlogan263]

That's awesome, Linkoping University is a great choice! Even if your grades aren't the highest, I wouldn't worry too much. Sweden is very keen on giving international students opportunities. And their preparatory programs are a good way to prove yourself and transition into an undergraduate degree.

As for me, I'm actually not studying at university or have plans to. I've been out of school for 3 years now and doing other things but once I graduated high school that’s was it lol I couldn’t stand school. But i know someone who has been thinking a lot about engineering as well and definitely want to go to school in Sweden or maybe Denmark. The education is top notch and the lifestyle seems way better than the intense pressurecooker of American colleges, you know?

All my advice is just from researching these Nordic countries a ton online. I'll have to actually visit someday myself before deciding where to apply. But I'm really hoping Linkoping accepts you! Let me know how your application goes in August. And if you do end up there, maybe I can come visit you after my first year of school and you can show me around. It would be so cool to have a friend already living in Sweden. You've got this - good luck!

[slatyb]

You write this message, so I think your English is good enough to receive instruction. What language is used in the universities in those countries.

[Asker]

I am at B1 level and I have enough knowledge to speak daily. While writing this question, I translated it and wrote it to the best of my knowledge. English and Swedish are used in Sweden, and English and Dutch are used in the same way in the Netherlands.

[Jessica405]

You could try Twente in Netherlands. I lived in Hengelo for a while, and worked in Enschede

[Jessica405]

Twente is famous for engineering.

[Asker]

Thank you so much your idea

[Jessica405]

No worries! Good luck! Our paths might cross if I go back to Netherlands!

[Asker]

Thank you so much hope you

[abc3643]

What country are you from and what engineering do you wish to study?

[Asker]

I am from Turkey and I am studying in Turkey and I am considering aeronautical engineering department.

[abc3643]

Very good! Congratulations! You don't look Turkish. You look Asian and seem to be wearing a nijab, so I'd assume Indonesia. You work in healthcare right now?

[abc3643]

Sorry. Wrong question.

For aeronautical engineering, I'd consider Sweden since they have an aerospace industry and also have significant technological education like "The Lund" (Lund University).

[Asker]

Actually, I was thinking of Linköping University, but if Lund University has an aviation department, that's fine, and I want to study the preparatory department.

[Asker]

No problem

[abc3643]

That's a fine university too.

I was thinking of Lund because, 35+ years ago, I knew a guy who attended Lund for a year. I worked with him in a group which, at the time, was called "Center for Intelligent Robotic Systems for Space Exploration". This group, "CIRSSE", was involved in something called "intelligent control" which seemed a bit weird, but intelligent control was related to adaptive control and the arguably most famous guys in adaptive control were Karl Johan Åström and his student Lennart Ljung, both of Lund University. The guy I knew studied under Åström that year in the mid-to-late 1980s.

www.usnews.com/.../sweden

Now, don't get me wrong, Netherlands is good too.
The famous book publisher of many technical works and journals, Elsevier, is based there.
Also, there is a famous American expatriate in computer systems engineering, Andrew S. Tanenbaum, who taught at University of Delft. So, I expect the Netherlands is fine too.

But, I know that Sweden, via Saab AB, has an aerospace industry. Given NATO's recent addition of Sweden, the Swedish defense industry is likely to pick-up with more Saab fighter planes being built.

[Asker]

Thank you very much for your effort. I will consider studying in the Netherlands. I will apply to universities from 2 countries. I will create my route accordingly, whichever I receive an application from.