Trevor Muzzy is a 3rd year UCSD undergraduate, majoring in Interdisciplinary Computing in the Arts - Music. He took advantage of UCSD’s Study Abroad program and studied in Sweden at Lund University from August through December, ’05. He shared his thoughts on that experience after his return from Sweden.

1. Why did you choose to study in Sweden?  

Muzzy: I had always been interested in visiting Sweden - I have many Swedish ancestors. I had also heard great things about Sweden from other people who studied there. And, since everyone speaks English, I knew there wouldn’t be a language barrier like most students experience when studying abroad.  

2. What was your impression of your host country?  

Muzzy: Everything that I had heard about Sweden was absolutely true. Swedish people are very reserved yet friendly and interesting to talk to. The landscape is absolutely beautiful, though I was only able to see a small portion of it. The country is about the size of California but has a population of only nine million, so much of the land is still untouched. Nearly everyone in Sweden speaks fluent English so communication was not difficult. I ended up learning quite a bit of Swedish but I could have gotten by without it. Many Swedish students preferred speaking English with the exchange students, partially for the practice and partially because it is such a universal language. Attending Lund, I found myself communicating with other exchange students from all over the world because they all knew English. The Swedes were pretty amused to hear us learning Swedish, though.  

3. Would you recommend the study abroad experience to other students, and what advice would you give to them about it?  

Muzzy: I would definitely recommend study abroad to others. The best piece of advice I can give is to remember why you are abroad: to experience a new environment and give yourself a new perspective. Many exchange students from California spent their time with other UC students instead of finding Swedes to hang out with. The living situation puts you in a corridor with about a dozen other Swedes, so meeting people isn’t difficult. I don't see the point of studying abroad if you are only going to try to duplicate the UC experience. Instead, you should use it as a chance to see new things and meet people who are from different backgrounds.  

4. What did the students in that country think of America and Americans?  

Muzzy: The Swedes that I met usually had a positive view of America and Americans. Overall, Swedish people have a sense of respect for America, even if they have different social norms or don’t agree with our foreign policy. As an English-speaking country, Sweden is a large consumer of American TV shows, movies and other media, so this is the main way that they learn about us. I met very few Swedes who have personally visited America but those who had were surprised by the giant cars we drive and the massive amounts of unhealthy food that we consume. Sweden is definitely a country of moderation. In Swedish, there’s a word that has no synonym in English: lagom. It means an amount that is just right, not too much or too little, but sufficient.  

5. Did you meet any students who were planning on studying in or visiting America?  

Muzzy: Yes. One student that I talked to wanted to study at a UC so that he could better understand the U.S., since it is such a major influence on Sweden. The California weather was a motivation, too. Another Swede came to California last year to visit friends and was shocked by the treatment he received as a visitor. One of the questions he was asked upon entry to America was, "Are you planning to assassinate the president?” After this, he was photographed and thumb-printed. All foreign visitors are treated as potential terrorists now, which is definitely a deterrent for the Swedish students I spoke to.    

6. Has your experience of UCSD changed since you've returned from Sweden?  

Muzzy: Yes. The educational system in Sweden handles grading in a different way, giving only High Pass, Pass, or Fail grades. Students in Sweden work very hard, but don’t let their education stress them out. I’ve had to readjust to the competitive environment of the UC system. And it wasn’t possible to take major-specific courses at Lund. Here, I’m studying in the ICAM program (Interdisciplinary Computing in the Arts - Music Major), which is very specialized. Although I did take UC-approved courses while I was there, it is nice to be able to take courses for my major again. It's good to be back at UCSD but there are many things about Sweden that I will miss for a long time to come. 

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