Before you say hej to Sweden, it's good to know this: it’s (for most) all about balance here. Expect a generally slower pace of life, with work-life balance as the golden rule. Of course there's a vibrant city life and hard working-culture in the bigger cities, like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, so there's something for everyone here, even the more high-pace individuals.

The cost of living? Not exactly a bargain and there's a housing shortage in most cities, driving up the costs for housing. Taxes are... well, taxes, and in Sweden they are at high levels, but you’re paying for a well-oiled society where “lagom” (just the right amount) is the mantra. Punctuality for most Swedes is non-negotiable, especially when it comes to work, and while Swedes speak great English, learning some Swedish will definitely make life a lot easier. For your first couple of months, English will be more than enough to get around though.

Also prepare for the seasonal changes - the first early signs of the long awaited Swedish spring, the crunchy snow (or not-so-crunchy "slask") under your feet during winter walks, those long warm summer nights where it never gets dark, and the amazing colourful autumn vibes. And yes; Swedes tend to talk about the weather - a lot!