A Decolonial View

By Adedoyin Kudehinbu

When I first set an eye on Sweden as my destination for a third degree, it was a mix of excitement and curiosity. Truth be told, I didn’t know much about the country beyond its capital, Stockholm. A city I’d proudly name whenever friends quizzed me on world capitals. My fascination with geography had always been strong, and this new adventure promised to be a thrilling addition to my story. The idea of studying abroad began as a vague dream, but as I delved into researching post-graduate programs, Sweden consistently popped up as an excellent choice.

Encouraged by glowing recommendations and the promise of world-class education, I navigated months of applications, sleepless nights, with anxious anticipation. When the acceptance letter finally came through, I was overjoyed but the reality of moving to a far colder and culturally different country soon set in. Landing at Copenhagen Airport on a calm Friday morning, I felt both exhilarated and exhausted after an 18-hour journey filled with layovers. Despite my fatigue, I knew I had to hurry to make it to Växjö in time for my school’s registration deadline. I booked a three-hour train ride and rolled my bags across the station. The cold hit me like a wave. It felt like I’d stepped into a giant freezer. Coming from Nigeria, a country of warm, sunny days and predictable weather, this was my first real encounter with Nordic winter. It was shocking and revitalizing all at once— a moment I’ll never forget.

Adjusting to life in Sweden has been an adventure. There are countless little joys that make the experience unique. One of the first things I noticed was the emphasis on personal space. You get to have more than one seat space to yourself on the bus. Initially I found it weird, why should a person choose to stand when there is clearly an empty seat beside me? It was difficult to wrap my head around, but I soon viewed it as a blessing, its more leg room and quiet for me anyway!

Sweden’s nature also captivated me. Coming from a two-season climate, witnessing the changing seasons here is awe-inspiring. Watching trees go from bare in winter to bursting with life in spring has become one of my favorite things. Another highlight is the courtesy I have experienced on the road. Seeing cars and buses stop for pedestrians at crosswalks is a refreshing change. While I always make eye contact with drivers to ensure safety, I never forget to wave in gratitude, it’s a simple act of kindness that warms my heart every time.

While life in Sweden has its perks, there are some things I deeply miss about home. One of the biggest is the sense of community. In Nigeria, communal living is part of our culture. There’s always someone around for a quick chat, a shared meal, or a neighborly favor. Here, I’ve often felt the isolation of individualism. It’s not uncommon to go days without bumping into anyone on my floor, and when I do, interactions are brief. Even though I live in a 19-story building I am often by myself on the elevator. Often, I hear my neighbor’s door open after mine has been shut, almost seem like they were waiting for me to exit the corridor to avoid little to no contact, that’s how less intrusive they are. Guess who now does the same. Yeah, you guessed right!

Another thing I miss dearly is African cuisine. There’s something irreplaceable about the taste and richness of Nigerian street food. From spicy suya to jollof rice to pounded yam and egusi soup, how about the locally made rich drinks like, tiger nuts and zobo, our meals are as flavorful as they are comforting. Finding the ingredients to recreate these dishes in Sweden has been challenging, which only deepens my longing for home. 

I equally miss the festive spirit of Nigeria. Back home, December is synonymous with festivities, beach outings, family gatherings, and lively parties. We call it ‘Detty December’, and it’s a whirlwind of joy and celebration. Looking out the snowy streets of Växjö, I know this year’s holiday season will be quieter, but I’m determined to make the most of it. As much as I miss home, I know that studying and living abroad is enriching my life in ways I never imagined. Every new experience, whether challenging or joyful, adds a unique chapter to my story.

Sweden is teaching me to embrace change, appreciate solitude, and find beauty in the unfamiliar. Life, after all, is a journey meant to be explored. And as I navigate the snow-covered streets of this Nordic country, I remind myself: variety truly is the spice of life. To anyone considering a similar leap, I say, pack your bags, keep an open mind, and prepare for a journey that will change your perspective forever. Here’s to new adventures, cultural exchanges, and the memories yet to be made!