Following the advent of Web 2.0 — using the internet as a means to enhance creativity, interaction and collaboration between users — the new community site offers effective means to get in touch, and stay in touch with friends and contacts in Sweden as well as the rest of the world.

SwedenInTouch.se is a network for international students, scholars and professionals.

“It’s about enriching their ‘Sweden’ experience by putting them in touch with others who have similar academic, cultural or social interests,” says Maureen Hoppers, Project Manager of SwedenInTouch. The essence of the communication is two-fold. “We want to enable them to network as well as create a platform where we at the Swedish Institute can easily communicate information about relevant news and events,” she adds.

Maureen Hoppers, project manager for SwedenInTouch.se. Photo: Anna-Lena Ahlström

“In today’s society, we know people spend lot of time online, and our international students tell us they prefer web-based communication,” Hoppers says. “From our experience, we also understand that our international students can feel lonely when coming to a new country. And those that have returned home often want to keep up their links with Sweden.”

That’s where SwedenInTouch.se is a useful tool. Interactivity is key, and content is meant to be largely user-driven. All members have the opportunity to blog and use the discussion forums to make comments and ask or answer questions. Anything goes — from sharing tips and practical information to debating a hot topic. You can also keep up-to-date with Swedish happenings at home and abroad via the official events calendar. And personalization allows you to receive RSS feeds when there’s an event that matches your profile.

Read messages on the bulletin board at www.SwedenInTouch.se. 

The Swedish Institute has collaborated on the project with Swedish universities as well as embassies abroad. “Universities sometimes have their own networking sites,” Hoppers says. “But the problem for international students is that these can be difficult to navigate due to their size as well as being in Swedish.”

Hoppers wants members who use the site to get the maximum value from their study experience in Sweden, whether they are at the beginning, middle or end of their journey. “And just as we can share experiences with them, they can share experiences with us,” she adds. “We would love to see pictures from their scholarship period as well as pictures inspired by Sweden from their home country.”

SwedenInTouch.se is still in its early stages as a beta version under development, but is open for registrations. Welcome to www.SwedenInTouch.se.

Christine Demsteader