28 June 2015
| Last updated on 19 July 2015The Expat Swede who Likes a Boost of Home
I’m living in:
A bit about me:
I knew when I was quite young that I was meant to travel and explore. I first moved overseas at 19 and have travelled and relocated extensively since then. I’ve lived for extended periods of time in the US, the UK and my native Sweden.
How long have you lived there?
I first arrived to Australia in February 2010, but moved to Melbourne in December 2010 after travelling around most of this gorgeous country.
Why did you move?
I found the climate in the UK too rainy for my taste and I’ve always been curious of Australia. When a good friend of mine was made redundant from her work and decided to go travelling I quickly decided to take the opportunity and join her.
Why I like living here:
Melbourne is a great, cultural and fun city. Always lots to do here and it’s been voted the world’s most liveable city quite a few years now. The sporting events (tennis, football, rugby and Formula 1) keep a steady flow of tourists and travellers, which I love.
Accommodation Options?
Melbourne has a good mix of suburbs with proper houses or townhouses as well as apartment blocks closer to the city. The housing market is quite pricy to buy, but for expats looking to rent there are plenty of options.
What do you enjoy doing with your time?
I love running and there are plenty of parks as well as organised running events. I also love my coffee and good food, which there is plenty of all around Melbourne. Being a small business owner and entrepreneur I also enjoy the women’s networking opportunities in Melbourne.
SEE ALSO: Guide to Living in Australia
What top tips do you have for anyone considering a move?
1) Find temporary accommodation and wait to decide on a more permanent area to live until you’ve arrived. It’s hard to read or look at pictures to get a feel of what a place is like. Sometimes just simply need to go there and feel the atmosphere.
2) Don’t focus all your energy on your practical checklist. Get really clear on why you are making this move and what opportunities and challenges it’s going to give you. There is so much support available in the expat community, especially amongst women. Make sure to utilise it!
What do you wish you’d known before you moved?
That you can’t have everything organised before you go. It’s stressful to move, but sometimes it’s most important to do the few ‘must do’ items and leave all the ‘good to know’ things until you’re actually there. It’s never what you expected when you land anyway!
What’s the best thing about being an expat?
The variety in the places you get to see and the amazing people I’ve met from all over the world.
How do you keep a little bit of home with you as an expat?
I’m pretty big on keeping traditions and food from home. Being a Swede I love making Swedish meatballs for my friends at Christmas. I also love going to Ikea for a little boost of Swedish food from time to time.
Anything else you’d like to share with us about your expat experience?
It’s not always been easy, but it’s been totally worth it. I would have never had these amazing experiences if I’d never ventured out in the world and gotten hooked on all the amazing things to see far away from that beautiful little country where I was born.
