Tell us about you!
Where are you studying abroad?
Stockholm, Sweden.
How did you choose your study abroad location?
I wanted an American school in Europe, and DIS was a great option with courses I liked and did class trips around Sweden and to other countries! They have a school in Copenhagen and in Stockholm, and I chose Stockholm for the culture and classes offered.
Do you speak the local language and had you been out of the country before studying abroad?
No, but everyone speaks English!
Did you have any concerns about traveling with food allergies?
Yes, I knew I would have a kitchen while in my apartment, but for traveling on the weekends, I was more concerned. I added Google Translate into a folder ahead of every trip and would sometimes eat at a grocery store with packaged foods or in vegan restaurants to be able to eat. I also researched each restaurant ahead of time to see if I thought I could eat something. I was also worried that I would not be able to try some of the local cuisine, but extra research for accessible restaurants and overcommunication made sure I could eat everything I wanted to!
Did you plan anything ahead of time?
I looked up different foods I loved in America and saw if they were available in Sweden. I told my school about my allergies and created a favorites folder in my camera roll with Google Translate.
What airline did you fly? How did you handle accommodations and airplane food?
I flew Delta and brought my own food because I don’t tend to like airplane food.
Where did you live and how were meals handled?
I stayed in an apartment and bought my own food in the grocery store next door. I still made sure to eat at many restaurants in the city, too!
What other places did you visit during your trip?
Helsinki in Finland, Gothenburg and Uppsala in Sweden, Oslo in Norway, Liechtenstein, Zurich in Switzerland, Malta, London, Dublin, Brussels, Amsterdam, Marrakech in Morocco, Rome, Venice, Copenhagen, Budapest in Hungary, and Istanbul in Turkey
Is there any food your study abroad location is known for that you were able to have safely?
For all the Swedish pastries, Kafe Plattan was the best for me to be able to try them all!
In the other cities you’ve traveled to, what were some of your favorite safe places to eat?
For anyone with a sweet tooth, were there any special sweet finds like ice cream shops or bakeries?
Pichler Chimney Cake and Gelato, VeganWaf, Rodeo Doughnuts, and Saint-Jean Amsterdam.
Besides the food, were there any fun experiences or favorite things you did?
There are so many museums (an entire island of museums!), and I would recommend checking any of those! Also, going around gamla stan and seeing the old town! Södermalm has the best and most unique food options!
Any tips you have?
I would recommend just doing your research and preparing ahead of time so that you can go abroad confidently!
Were there grocery stores that you felt you could safely shop at?
ICA is a massive chain all over Stockholm that I mainly shopped at, but also at Hemköp and Coop.
