Sweden (Summer in Scandinavia) – Maymester 2026
Sweden is known for fika (pronounced fee-kuh), often translated in the United States as a “coffee break.” But what does a coffee break look like here? A rushed trip through a drive-thru? An iced latte ordered on your phone and picked up on the way to class? That’s not much of a break—and it’s certainly not the Swedish custom that has helped make Sweden one of the happiest countries in the world.
Spend a few weeks on the Brian Lamb School of Communication’s Summer in Scandinavia program in Stockholm, and you won’t just experience fika, you’ll discover how to bring its spirit, along with other meaningful cultural practices, back home with you.
At its core, fika is about connection. It means intentionally setting aside time—often multiple 15–20 minute breaks throughout the day—to slow down and engage with others. During our time in Sweden, we create opportunities for students to do just that, while introducing them to influential elements of Swedish culture, both past and present.
For example, on our 2026 program, students explored Stockholm’s historic Old Town and toured one of Sweden’s royal palaces. Walking in the footsteps of kings and queens, surrounded by grand architecture and sweeping gardens, they gained a deeper understanding of the country’s rich history. On the modern end of the spectrum, students toured Sweden’s parliament, the Riksdag, where they examined the current political system and compared it to those back home.
Students also had the rare opportunity to connect with Purdue alumni living and working in Stockholm, broadening their perspectives on global career paths. With support from the Purdue for Life Foundation, we hosted a luncheon where students and alumni bonded over shared experiences and international connections. That event led to a visit with alumnus Nakul Virat at his workplace, Candela, a Swedish company pioneering electric boats for global markets.
There, students learned how Candela is reshaping marine transportation through hydrofoil technology that lifts boats above the water, reducing drag and energy consumption. The experience went beyond observation—students climbed aboard and rode through Stockholm’s harbor, seeing innovation in action.
This focus on interactive, experiential, and collaborative learning is the heartbeat of Summer in Scandinavia. Whether developing health messaging concepts on a hike through an ancient forest or creating short-form video in a Swedish cooking class, students move communication beyond the classroom and into real-world contexts.
They leave not only with increased confidence and cultural awareness, but also with unforgettable memories and compelling stories that resonate with future employers.
If you’re looking for a transformative experience that blends culture, connection, and career-building, explore the Lamb School’s Summer in Scandinavia program. In just four weeks, you can earn six credits while experiencing Sweden’s unique lifestyle firsthand.
