Beatriz Castanheira Facio
"So, returning to the point, If I could give a tip, I would say: I am not the first one having these feelings and you will not be either! Remember we do not need to be here by ourselves. Talk to your partner if you have one, but, mainly, talk to other people (Feel free to reach out me on linkedin or another social media). Allow yourself to explore the city, go to events, socialize! It helps in a deep way."
Hej! My name is Beatriz, I am Brazilian and I moved to Malmö at the end of August 2021, because my husband, Pedro, got a job here. Yeah, we are pretty new here!
A really beautiful city
My first impressions could not be better: a calm, flat and really beautiful city, full of parks and green areas! Also, I received support from a consultancy, which made my beginning here quite easier. Quite because, you know, there is a bureaucratic path (personnummer, Swedish ID, and Bank ID) to “become a person” here and, at some point, waiting is the only possible thing to do. If you are wondering how far I am to achieve this whole package, I can, fortunately, say that I got it!
Kick-Start Program and fika
Another special thing, of course, was the Kick-Start Program! I feel lucky for getting an opportunity to join it as soon as I moved and I am incredibly grateful for all the rich information and support that I have received. Moreover, International Citizen Hub Lund has a warm atmosphere and helps with other important issues when you move abroad: networking and friendship. There (and also by other ways) I found many other expatriates (Brazilians too, yay!) facing similar challenges as me, trying to settle in a new country/culture, to find a place, and to get a job... We have connected with each other, shared experiences, had "Fika", and vented out.
Moving can be hard and overwhelming! I felt sad and lost many times, had lived plenty of hard days here, but I can tell that it has been a good experience so far. Even in this current early darkness - I confess I am excited to see the winter times. It is my first time here, so makes sense, right?!
Talk, talk and explore
So, returning to the point, If I could give a tip, I would say: I am not the first one having these feelings and you will not be either! Remember we do not need to be here by ourselves. Talk to your partner if you have one, but, mainly, talk to other people (Feel free to reach out me on LinkedIn or another social media). Allow yourself to explore the city, go to events, socialize! It helps in a deep way.
For the future, I expect to be able to speak Swedish and to get a great job. Also, I wish to feel like home in here.
To conclude, I would like to say we are told Sweden has this coconut culture, but here seems like a welcoming country (or city at least). There are several places/services to support new residents. And, I have even met smiling Swedish people! Do not you believe me? Pay attention to the ones with pets or kids, try them! (Photo: Perina Torbarina)
/ Warm regards,
Beatriz Castanheira Facio
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