Spending a winter in Växjö – my first months as a volunteer
It’s spring 2024 and my highschool graduation is on the horizon. Just a few more weeks and I’ll be done with school. Before my life will be once again taken over by academia when I start university I need to experience something different.
I knew I want to travel while also contributing to a good cause. So, I decide to register on the EYC platform and apply to projects all across Europe. I’ll just take my chances and see where I end up.
Fast forward to almost a year later and I’m sitting in my room in Växjö, Sweden. Through my window I can see the first flowers blossoming. Spring is finally arriving and I’m excited to bike around the lakes and maybe stop by a bageri for a Kanebulle or Semla. Yes, the pastries and the whole ”Fika culture” are an absolute highlight.
While this does sound quite idylic and I have high hopes for the summer, the previous months haven’t always been easy.
When it was time to board the night train and leave home in the end of November I was torn between the exitement for my adventure ahead and not wanting to leave everything and everyone behind. Saying goodbye for a whole year felt strange, knowing that everything will be different when I come back even more so.
Arriving in late November meant short, dark days and an office set in christmas mode with things already slowed down before the holidays.
Since I had just arrived I didn’t travel back for Christmas like everyone else. I suddenly had my social calendar that used to be filled to the brim wiped clear and had to occupy myself somehow. But I took it as an opportunity to rediscover old hobbies.
I did some crafting, journaling, lots of reading and visited the swimming hall – on Christmas day I built a Pippi Longstocking gingerbread house.
In bright bold 2025 things also started to look up. I got settled at work, discovered the perks of a small town life and started going to Swedish classes.
Unexpected little moments—like walking across a frozen lake or catching an incredible sunset—made everything feel worthwhile.
Since then I also got to travel to Oslo, Gotheburg, Stockholm and Kopenhagen. All of these cities have quite unique characteristics and I loved them all. I have to admit Scandinavia was never really on top of my bucket list and for that very reason I’m extremely glad to have ended up here – experiencing things I otherwise never would have.
I feel like I’ve grown up quite a bit in my time here in Växjö so far and wouldn’t miss it for the world. I now have my favorite go-to spots and found routines I like. And honestly — where else would I find cinnamonbun-flavored oat milk if not in Sweden?
I hope you liked my little recap – Sarah (:
