The move gave the family an everyday life close to nature

Five months after the move, Linda and Sabesan enthusiastically talk about their new daily life – in fluent Swedish. They took an online language course while still living in the Netherlands and have received intensive training through Linda's employer since arriving in Värmland.

– We speak Swedish with everyone we meet – if I don't understand, I ask again, says Linda.

– It is very important to know Swedish to quickly become part of the community, make friends, and be able to talk to the staff at the children's school and day care, continues Sabesan.

Activities in nature

The family is active and takes every opportunity to go out for activities in nature. Their daughters are four, seven, and ten years old. These were exactly the opportunities they dreamed of when planning their new life.

– Nature is beautiful in the Netherlands too, but here it is more magnificent, always close by, and it's easier for us to get out, says Linda. During the winter, we have been to the mountains and skated with new friends on natural ice here in Hammarö.

It was a big decision to leave their home country and seriously start looking for a new place to live. They made many contacts in Norway and Sweden, and then in both Dalarna and Värmland, which they think are at a reasonable distance to maintain close contact with family and friends in the Netherlands.

– We wanted to live near a larger city and preferably not have to commute by car. The whole family likes to cycle to work, school, and activities. At the same time, it was important to have close to nature even in our daily lives, says Sabesan.

Position as a general practitioner

The choice ultimately fell on Värmland and Hammarö, mainly because of the warm reception Linda received in her contacts with Region Värmland, which showed great interest and commitment. For the past five years, she has held a position as a general practitioner and was offered a similar job in Sweden.

– I was invited to a study trip organized by the region and had the opportunity to visit several different health centers, she says. After the first trip, I returned once more for an in-depth discussion with two workplaces.

– Now I work at the health center Vårdcentralen Västerstrand in Våxnäs, Karlstad, continues Linda. I had a great connection with the manager and met several nice future colleagues. Later in the afternoon, one of them called and invited me for coffee to show me Hammarö. I really felt welcome!

Sabesan, who is a marine engineer with a background as a department manager in the Dutch defense, was on the same study trip and had the opportunity to visit some interested employers. He eventually accepted a job offer at Saab Dynamics, a company specializing in defense and security solutions, with operations in Karlstad and Karlskoga.

– I work as a program manager and am involved in several exciting projects, he says. During my introduction period with an intensive Swedish course, I work one day a week. It is a very nice workplace and I feel very welcome in the team.

In international recruitments, Region Värmland collaborates with the company Ny i Värmland, which offers practical relocation services, advice and assistance with necessary government contacts, active support for a relocating partner, and tailored study visits to potential employers.

– We have received fantastic help both before, during, and after our move to Sweden, says Linda. They have supported us in everything from which insurances we need to advice when we were buying our house. It has made things much easier for us.

Their new home is just a few hundred meters from Hammarlundens school, where the two oldest children have been welcomed with open arms, and the youngest daughter's daycare. The family's first experience of the Swedish school system is entirely positive, and they particularly appreciate the focus on encouraging cooperation among the children, creative activities, and outdoor play.

– The children are outside in both snowy weather and mud – our daughter loves it! I am so happy when I pick her up and find out that she has played outside almost all day.

Just like their parents, the children have quickly picked up the new language.

– They have it easier than us with the pronunciation, laughs Sabesan.

1. Visit Värmland on a vacation and travel around to different places.
2. Take the opportunity to learn more at the emigration fair in Houten, which is held in the Netherlands every spring.
3. Go on a study trip to visit employers with interesting offers.
4. Talk to as many people as possible who have made a similar life change.
   
5. Accept all the support offered by regions, municipalities, and employers.
6. Learn the language as quickly as possible – speak Swedish with everyone you meet!

Text: Katarina Averås

Bilder: Øyvind Lund