My Life as an Exchange Student in Sweden

20 years ago, I arrived in Sweden as a wide eyed 18 year old. This was my first major travel experience, and I was scared out of my mind. I'd never been away from home, and I certainly didn't speak any Swedish. Right away however, I was in good hands. I couldn't have asked for better host families, friends and school. My year abroad opened my eyes to a world outside of Boulder, and I loved every second of my experience. Jag Älskar Sverige!
**People have been asking about where I lived--in a little town called Svedala, and I went to school in Malmö.
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[@tjenad5816]

It's nice seeing Sweden getting the recognition it deserves for being such an awesome country :), I truly thank you Ryan for making this video

[@duzer]

I love Sweden so much, this is my little love letter to sverige!

[@rovhalt6650]

This was back in 1997 though. Today it's a completely different country.

[@JohnSmith-yw4bh]

This sh** right here makes me wanna live life harder.

[@duzer]

For sure John! It re-inspired me as well...so fun to look through all this old footage

[@JohnSmith-yw4bh]

@@duzer wow thanks Ryan. I never seen this comment but I have since cycled across Asia to India before getting locked down. You were one of my biggest inspiration. Currently cycling India and have a youtibe channel called Brady Ballard. Thanks man.

[@KytexEdits]

Damn, as a swedish guy I've gotta say your pronunciation was great in those old clips.

[@duzer]

jaja, tack sa mycket! Heja Sverige!

[@Tomcat721]

Tack för att du delar den här videon.

[@duzer]

tack for att du tittade pa den!

[@brookeballantynescott7775]

So heartwarming! And you were a darn adorable 18-year-old Ryan

[@duzer]

Well shucks :)

[@trailrunningmemories]

Oh come on! Just 5 mins? I wanted more and more about this beautiful experience....great memories never die mi amigo!

[@duzer]

Trail Ru.nning I’m sorry! My old footage was pretty limited...I appreciate you watching!!!

[@mimihapten4601]

Same experience - reversed! As a Swede, spending my high school senior year in NoCalifornia totally changed my life. It has been 38 years now, and I’m still in touch with some of my friends from then. Awesome experience!

[@truenorth365]

Glad att du trivdes i Sverige! Måste vart ett nervöst ögonblick att komma och leva i en helt främmande kultur. Tack för du delade videon. Thumbs up!

[@duzer]

Tack min vän! Det var ett underbart år som utbytesstudent! Sverige är bäst!!!

[@stighw]

Great video! I live in Norway so nice to see you enjoy our neighbours friendliness. Your running videos are great as well. Thumbs up :)

[@duzer]

Thanks Stig! I really want to visit Norway someday!!! Heja Norge!

[@BiancaMirz]

I was born in Sweden at the time you went there and later moved to the U.S when I was ten years old. I haven't been able to visit because of some issues with immigration and seeing this video made me tear up to the max. I might've only been 10 years old, but I remember everything about it including the language & I seriously can not wait to visit again when I am able to!

[@duzer]

Awwww I hope you make it back someday. It's a very special place. Thanks for watching my video

[@schaerem]

As an immigrant to the USA, and having lived all over the world, I can't think of a better way for a young person to immerse themselves into another culture. My family and I have hosted exchange students from China, Norway and currently from Denmark. From those hosting experiences, my daughter is planning to work abroad after graduating high school next year. I love her adventurous spirit and know wherever she ends up will be a rich and life changing experience. We live in an awesome world!!!

[@duzer]

That's awesome!

[@nicorobin6321]

Jag har just kommit tillbaka till Sverige från mitt utbytesår i Nya Zeeland - jag kan inte beskriva hur mycket det förändrade mig och hur mycket jag saknar det. Att se hur utbytet fortfarande finns kvar hos dig och påverkar så många år senare ger mig sann lycka, och att se Sverige, som just nu är där jag allra minst vill vara, genom den magiska blicken av en utbytesstudent får mig att uppskatta detta land lite mer. Tack så mycket.

[@duzer]

Jag verkligen alskar sverige, och mitt ar som utbytesstudent har paverkat hela mitt liv. Heja Sverige!

[@audgester]

Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made. It tested me in many ways and I learned so much from it. Now I want to see everything! 😃

[@duzer]

I agree! I'm trying my hardest to see everything! :)

[@audgester]

well, if anyone is going to make that happen, it's you!

[@andreh8843]

quick qustion, where and what do you did you study?, i wanne study history, but literally everyone hate that decision, so iam looking for ohter stuff that migth be intresting (fun=)

[@pajon82]

You are always welcome back mate! In the video, I can see that you have a heart full of love. That is the meaning of life! :)

[@duzer]

I'll be back this summer!

[@ispbrotherwolf]

From a Swede, thank you man.

[@duzer]

Tack!!! Jag Alskar sverige!

[@ispbrotherwolf]

Same man, take care!

[@FredrikElgstrand]

Jag fick tårar i ögonen. Fantastiskt att du delar med dig, Tack!

[@gerarduspoppel2831]

It is people like you who can really make the America FANTASTIC again. We need more people like you.

[@duzer]

Awww, thanks

[@Mingus8]

Fantastic! Very touching..

[@duzer]

Tack!

[@Jedda666]

Great video to see as a swede, glad you enjoyed it over here. You should have made a video about how you see Sweden today compared to when you studied here, always interesting to see how others think it has changed since.

[@duzer]

Jens Lindmark good idea!!! I’ll do that when I go back. Thanks for watching!

[@MrOutlaw676]

I love your story. You are certainly a part Sweden. I think it is awesome that you had such a great time while being here and that your host family and new friends kept you from getting home sick.

[@duzer]

I love sweden so much!

[@ninaincerti]

I finished a study abroad semester in Sweden a month ago in Lund, 10 min from Malmo. This made me sad. Sweden is such a beautiful country and I get how you feel so connected to the place and I really hope to return soon.

[@amreus]

Amazing. I had exactly the same experience as a Swedish Rotary exchange student to the USA. Exactly!

[@duzer]

Yay!!

[@Shuuuky]

This video made me cry so much. I did an exchange in Sweden last year. It broke my heart to go back to Canada and ever since, I haven't been able to stop thinking about going back. I miss my swedish friends and consider them like my family. It was a beautiful video :)

[@duzer]

Samme J I hear you! Leaving Sweden after my year abroad was the hardest day of my life. I cried so much at the airport:( but...I’ve been back many times, and I sure you will too. Heja Sverige!

[@Shuuuky]

@@duzer Oh, thank you for answering !! It made me happy to see that you managed to stay in touch with your host family. I hope it will be the same with my friends. I will apply to a master's degree there next year, hopefully I'll be back sooner than I thought

[@duzer]

Lycka Till med allt!!

[@peterbense5650]

I was an exchange student in Halmstad 1995-1996, and Örebro in 1998-1999. This video is of course very familiar to me.

[@TEKRific]

Man, I'm sure your host family had a lot to do with your experience of Sweden but I just have to say that you bring a lot of nice qualities to the equation, that we can all see from the mere snippets shown here. You're awesome, that's plain, and with an open mind, determination and curiosity anything can be achieved. Glad you like my country, I do too. Thanks for sharing your video!

[@kennystromberg6059]

This made me smile.

[@duzer]

Thanks, Sweden is very near and dear to me

[@gunnarstalklint2813]

I was an exchange student in USA 36 years ago. I still have contact with my family and have been back to visit them more than ten times. Last time was i January 2018.

[@duzer]

Nice! I love Sweden soo much! Such a special place

[@rickardek4595]

What a beautiful story to share. I didnt want it to end :D Felt so happy for you!

[@duzer]

It was amazing to look back at this footage and relive the magic

[@NorzkenolZn]

Im glad that you got to see so much good things of Sweden! take care!

[@duzer]

Heja Sverige!

[@tigerchuu2148]

You made me cry. This was so sweet. What am I doing with my life

[@lukasandresson3990]

Sweden loves you back!

[@rasmuslernevall6938]

What a wonderful video! It really gave you that magical feeling. This could be a commercial for Sweden. Så tack!

[@duzer]

Heja Sverige!!

[@hemaccabe4292]

What a nice experience.

[@MEgearsensei]

Awesome stuff as always Ryan. My 18 year old son is doing a Study Abroad now in France. He just went back to his host family after a week+ in Sweden. Sounded like he really enjoyed it.

[@duzer]

Very cool that your son is studying abroad and even got to check out my beloved SWEDEN! If I were president, I'd make a year abroad mandatory! Thanks again for watching

[@HappySwedishPancake]

Studying a year abroad should be mandatory in ANY country! :)

[@SprinkleBooks17]

Very very inspiring! Gives me hope that in 20 or so years I will still have the incredible relationships I made in my year in Switzerland!

[@duzer]

You will!

[@johanw1163]

So fun to see man! I'm Swedish and have moved to London for studies and work and can definitely see myself in what you describe as having an extra family and a second home!

[@taceldi]

What a great video! Studying abroad changed my life too :)

[@matsbjuhr480]

Great video! Very well done and I felt the love.

[@duzer]

Thanks! Heja Sverige

[@bjornandreas]

This was great! Thanks for sharing.

[@duzer]

Thanks for watching!

[@snippen1]

Almost brought me to tears, much love to you :)

[@velmad3091]

Ahh thanks for sharing this story. Lovely and you are adorable!

[@duzer]

velma D thanks for watching!!!

[@JBingra]

Just saw your video. I was a Rotary exchange student to Sweden (Hörby) my senior year in HS. I was there 1980-81. Went to gymnasiet i Eslöv. Ended up marrying my Swedish girlfriend. Such a great experience you will have for the rest of your life. My host family did not speak English so I had to learn Swedish very quickly and am glad I did. Thanks for sharing!

[@duzer]

That’s so cool!! Thanks for sharing your story

[@NerdFromNorth]

almost made me cry man.

[@keishalaird9567]

This is exactly what I want to do after this year of highschool!! I wish I could get a scholarship but I don't know how!

[@zensascha8690]

Just one word: Great!

[@CodSlap]

I've seen a fair number of your videos, but I never would've pegged you for one who knows Swedish. :D Bra jobbat - särskilt på den åldern, måste man säga, och en väldigt snygg liten klipp. Hälsningar från grannlandet Finland ... student life over here would've been very similar, but the difficulty level of learning Finnish would've been crazy high in comparison. :)

[@duzer]

Tack sa mycket! Jag alskar sverige och alla mina vanner darifran. Jag har aldrig varit i Finland, men de sager att det ar valdigt fint...och jul tomten ar darifran! Hey tomtegubbar sla i glasen!

[@ElTorroTheMan]

Very nice and heartwarming video.

[@duzer]

Thanks, Sweden warms my heart and set me off on a life of travel and exploring cultures

[@ponyfairy7293]

Awww this is so sweet

[@claespetersson1812]

When you post a video about Sweden you get their whole population in the commentsection, including me of course! ;3

[@machelconsidine7611]

And this is exactly the reason that Rotary Youth Exchange works so well! Making the connections, trying your best, working hard to understand and keeping up the ties that bind. LOVE it!

[@duzer]

Machel Considine I owe a lot to rotary!!!

[@machelconsidine7611]

@@duzer Me too! That's why I joined Rotary when asked, so I'll ask (if you haven't already become a Rotarian)! Wanna join us? Many things have changed and we're updating all sorts of things! I'm a Rotarian of 10 years although I was raised by a Rotarian dad and went as a RYE to South Africa from a small town in Oklahoma. Absolutely changed my life. Glad to see you are setting an example and leading like Rotarians do.

[@andreasgaming9765]

Kul att se att du trivdes i Sverige😊

[@duzer]

Jag älskar Sverige!

[@clairemacfarlane7904]

This is so wholesome!

[@ranellerandles5367]

I LOVE this. Especially the ending!!

[@duzer]

Thanks! I had so much fun going through all the old footage.

[@MacMuskelAttack]

What a wonderful video!

[@duzer]

Thanks!

[@MacMuskelAttack]

@@duzer And of course, instant sub! Btw, what kind of work do you do? Must be kind of flexible hours no? =)

[@duzer]

Thanks for subbing! I work in the world of TV and video...and now youtube...and yes, It's flexible. Thanks buddy

[@whiteaesthetic4680]

I’m off on an exchange year to the USA ❤️ 2020-2021, can’t wait 😊

[@victorsabioni]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@duzer]

Thank you for watching!

[@sebastian920710]

Hi from Sweden!

[@RenVCWorship]

Nice video! From a Swede 💙💛🇸🇪

[@duzer]

Heja Sverige!!

[@JAHinHK]

Exactly what I was talking about in much comment on the last video. Beautiful stuff.

[@duzer]

Thanks! Really enjoyed creating this one, 20 years in the making :)

[@PEGF4MG]

Beautiful :-) very nicely done Ryan! Just wonderful :-)

[@duzer]

Thank you Peter!

[@DavePoly]

I recognize myself so hard in this video!

[@ahrengun]

I dont know why, but this video made me tear up! amazing story! :)

[@duzer]

Awww, thanks! I had a great time going through all my old footage, so many amazing memories. Thanks for watching

[@DB-yf9hk]

I spent a year in Kristianstad in 1979. Best time of my life. Still have friend there and plan on touring there in the future. Keep up the great videos. surlydog cycle

[@duzer]

nice! Sweden is a special place for sure, I wanna go back and ride the length of it someday

[@mr.s.7081]

Bra att du återvänder hit så att du håller språket vid liv!

[@williammacqueen1418]

Not many have a cooler narrative than the Duz!

[@duzer]

Thanks for watching William, appreciate it! Really enjoying writing my narrative day by day

[@Mortac]

Nice video, thank you!

[@duzer]

Thanks for watching!

[@nordgurre1014]

wow i have been to the street at 4:42 many times. This creeps me out the world is so small.

[@duzer]

crazy!

[@Theroadneverending]

I am going to be studying in Sweden next year. My only thing is wanting to get a part time job so I don’t live like a poor college kid

[@LinneaLindstrom]

Dont know where you are from, but if u cant find a job, try grannar.se and put out an ad to teach English. We have a university student teaching our kids once a week :) GL

[@filipolofsson]

Awesome video!

[@DHKUEHNE]

Tack, I was the youngest exchange student to Sweden in 1971 @ fifteen years old. My record has been broken since, but I will be thankful forever to the Rotary Club that sponsored me. Their $15/month was the only money I had for the year. I felt like I had come home when I discovered Sweden. I was poor in USA, but provided for in Sweden. I lived in vastergotland (sorry no swedish keyboards), south of Gothenburg.

[@duzer]

Debbie Kuehne very cool!

[@ssbbwsubliminals8316]

Debbie Kuehne oh i live there now! i’m planning on going to the u.s for my exchange year!

[@suzanfalih3075]

I’m glad you like 🇸🇪

[@duzer]

Jag Alskar Sverige!

[@emilnilssonswe350]

Just face it, your Swedish, kind of hehe. Your storie is awesome and if you get the chance, go to Stockholm and visit the Wasa ship, it's a timetravel 👍

[@Wintermist-SWE]

Vilken skön video! :D

[@duzer]

tack sa mycket!

[@ceciliarichter2458]

Many years ago I was 17 and a Swedish exchange student in Oregon. A few years ago I took my son to visit.

[@duzer]

Very cool!!

[@Zelgo]

Very good video i'm from sweden

[@duzer]

heja Sverige!

[@jorajungs1413]

In two months I will start my exchange year in Sweden, I am a bit nervous.

[@Sandra-fc8pc]

I hope you have a great experience and a great family! Where in Sweden are you going to live?

[@malmo999]

I can tell byt the video you lived in my city Malmö.Great video bro

[@duzer]

Thanks!! I went to school in Malmo, lived in little Svedala

[@juribonett6974]

Broo you made such great video haha as an Swede I just wanted to see more haha

[@duzer]

I love Sweden so much!!

[@KaptenSeptum]

damn this was a great and beutiful video :) thanks man it lighten up my day

[@duzer]

Thanks my friend!!! Glad you liked it, it made me happy putting it all together

[@HansenSWE]

Skåne! That explains everything.

[@duzer]

heja skane!!!

[@TheEvolvedMind]

Great story!

[@ingetallvarligt3303]

jättebra video! :)

[@davidtracey9094]

My stepfather spent many years in Sweden in WW2 and he loved it....

[@senchaholic]

What happened with Therese? Have your host family visited you in the US? So many unanswered questions :)

[@duzer]

Therese is now happily married, and yes, my host family visited me once in the states! Thanks for watching

[@SortenRavn]

I am SO sad i never got to be an exchange student. Would have loved to go abroad to places like the US, Spain, Malta or ...

[@louisahadley7082]

Therese is so sweet looking. Gee, I was 27 in 1998 and living in London.

[@duzer]

She’s a sweetie for sure

[@sunandsmiles9]

Very nice !

[@theheroiccommander8416]

den har videon var jätta bra tack för du delade den har video

[@duzer]

Tack sa mycket! Sverige ar bast!

[@vixikie]

You sounded so danish in the first clips when you spoke swedish haha!

[@duzer]

haha, that southern swedish can sound a little like danish :)

[@thesaintperson5467]

Bra video:)

[@duzer]

Tack sa mycket!

[@kuttebulle]

Åh, vilken trevlig film :D

[@duzer]

Tack sa mycket, sverige betyder mycket for mig! heja sverige!

[@denker032047146]

Riktigt fint av dig att komma ihåg de som tog väl hand om dig. Karma is a wonderful thing :)

[@lennartscooter]

I Am happy for you . it makes mr happy too ear that you love swieden.

[@duzer]

FRANKEN ZA LoL jag älskar Sverige!!!

[@alexfjardedel7098]

Varför blev de här rekommenderat nu?

[@saga3358]

this is pretty fucking heartwarming :(

[@anamira2908]

Aww, where were you? Är det småländska eller skånska? :P

[@duzer]

Svedala!!!

[@makingitchina418]

nice to see=)

[@wowJhil]

Sweet!

[@johnjester6288]

Sweden or canada ? Who is the best in salaries and saving money ? After the tax and the expenses for single guy

[@oskarcedergren350]

Which school did you attend? (or which city, Lund or Malmö)