Anna Wahl
When I moved to Malmö in early 2024, it was more than a change of scenery - it was reinventing what “home” means. Having previously moved from Brazil to the U.S., I thought I knew what to expect from starting over. But Sweden had its own set of challenges, and more importantly, opportunities.
Reinventing home: A journey of growth in Sweden
The first few months were a whirlwind of learning. From figuring out how to sort my recycling correctly to embracing a slower, more intentional pace of life, I realized that integration isn’t just about big milestones, it’s about the small, everyday moments. The language barrier is real but each new word brings a deeper sense of belonging and understanding.
Finding my village: Building strong friendships
Still, as any international knows, building a life over is not easy. You need more than a place to live - you need a community. That’s why, early on, I decided to create my own “village”. Volunteering with Português.Lund, Interkultur i Lund, has been a big part of that. What started as a project assistant role has gradually grown into something more meaningful—today, I’m involved as both a project coordinator and a board member. This work allows me to sharpen my skills, take on new challenges, and - most importantly - form meaningful connections with others who are also navigating life between cultures.
Learning, adapting, growing: One step at a time
Professionally, it’s been a year of exploration and self-discovery. The Kick-Start Program run by International Citizen Hub Lund gave me valuable tools to navigate the Swedish job market. Combined with my volunteer work, it’s helped me broaden my search and uncover new strengths. I’ve come to realize I’m capable of far more than I initially imagined. That said, navigating a new system takes time and patience. I’m still learning, adapting, and growing. It’s all about focusing on the next right step.
This is just the beginning
To anyone just arriving in Sweden: take your time. Say yes to fika. Find your people. And definitely keep learning Swedish (it really does open doors)! Your story is unfolding and it takes time.
Looking back, my first year in Sweden has been one of deep personal growth. It challenged me in ways I didn’t expect and stretched me far beyond my comfort zone. But it also helped me discover a greater sense of resilience, purpose, and belonging. I’m still finding my way—but I’m doing it with more clarity and confidence than I had a year ago. And it’s just the beginning.
/Anna Wahl
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