Yesterday was the first American Women’s Club lunch after the summer break and it was very nice to meet new people and hug old acquaintances.

It was also very nice to see my friend Angela run her first successful luncheon as a new board member.

Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

Democrats Abroad Sweden is having a mingle and voter registration on Wednesday 15 September from 6-9pm.

Even if you are registered to vote in the US mid-term elections and have requested your ballot it is the perfect occasion to come and be social with other Americans as we roll into Fall.

A while ago I completed two online Swedish classes at Dalarna Unversity but for some reason my registration for the 3rd class kept getting messed up. But to my relief I am now in the 3rd class and coupled with my intensive Swedish program maybe I will be able to reach my goal of speaking, reading, and understanding a decent level of Swedish by the end of the year. That would be nice.

Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

What started out not nice turned out to be nice in the end. After experiencing delays on two journeys on SL, (the Swedish national train system) this summer I contacted SL via Twitter to see if they would give me financial compensation. I only thought about it after reading about an SL train from Stockholm to Gothenburg that experienced a horrendous delay during unusually high heat that resulted in at least one person going to the hospital (SL refunded everyone in that case and gave them compensation).

Sure enough SL tweeted that I should go to their website and apply for a travel guarantee refund which I did and I was issued a refund based on the length of my delay for each instance.

That was very nice. Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

For more details and information on how to obtain an appointment, please visit the U.S. Embassy’s website: http://stockholm.usembassy.gov/gothenburg-visit.html. Please note that appointments will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Umeå University welcomes students from diverse backgrounds; international students from all over the world, and domestic students from the whole of Sweden. What they all will find is a broad range of academic opportunities with English language instruction, including an exciting campus life and valuable support services.

During my last week in DC I learned that I had been accepted into the first of four web design classes at Umeå University. That was really nice.

But it just got nicer today after accepting the registration and accessing the course information, I learned that we have a total of 5 assignments that require approximately 40 hours of reading/work each that must be completed before January 16th. That is nice to know. I love being able to plan.

And what is the nicest thing about the course so far is that we do not have any scheduled meeting times but the young and not bad looking instructor will set up a meeting space for student discussion if that is what most participants want/need.

I am siked about finally learning web design, at my own pace, on my own schedule. That is super nice. Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

Happy Hour at Lounge 201

I think Will is looking great.

We didn’t limit our visit just to my hometown, we also visited Norfolk and Virginia Beach in Virginia (as well as Petersburg and Appomatox), and New York City.

Nice things happen to me in Sweden and especially in Washington, DC.

Bisca is another company doing business in Sweden with excellent customer service response time to email inquiries. They are based in Denmark. I sent an email late Friday asking for info and they came back to me the next business day. Since this in the Nice things happen to me in Sweden series I won’t harp about the other companies that just never respond. That is a list for a different blog.

I love excellent customer service and it was very nice to be treated well by Bisca. Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

Another Swedish company with good customer service

Another quick response from a Swedish company. I emailed them on Saturday for an ingredients list and received it on Monday. I had forgotten to ask about the nutritional make up and got that response in 5 minutes. Companies with excellent customer service make marketing research a lot easier.

It was very nice to get that help. Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

Family and old friends

It was very nice to be with “family” and old friends. Nice things happen to me in Sweden

My Swede's childhood friend and his wife

My how the girls are growing!

Roasting marshmallows. Not sure why the oldest girl looks so short here.

It was very nice to see two childhood friends together talk about the past. Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

They have great customer service

I managed to work a little during the vacation in Frillesås and while doing my marketing research I discovered that I couldn’t read the ingredients on the label of a new product: Vitamin Well Water. While the company website lists all of the vitamins, etc in the water, they don’t list the ingredients.

So I wrote an email to their customer service and to my delight, within 24 hours I had a response:

Vitamin Well Focus has the following ingredients:
Water, fructose, niacin (vitamin B3), Patothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium, sodium citrate, citric acid, green tea extract with 35% L-theanine, caffeine, preservatives, elderberry juice and black currant aroma.

It was very nice to get a quick response and the drink tasted very nice. Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

A little bubbly

A cooling beer after boat ride and swim

Playing kubb

Watching the guys loose kubb

Part of the winning team strategizing

Taking a breather

Crayfish, shrimp and schnapps

More crayfish, shrimp and schnapps

Crayfish party song

Desert and Irish coffees with a view

Frillesås day 1

We arrive at the summer house yesterday for our week here. We share the time we spend here with my Swede’s mother and brother. We took advantage of a sunny period with a drink with a neighbor in the “back yard” on what I call “The Rock”.

That was very nice. Nice things happen to me in Sweden

Visby beach club

Sea view

On the street with lots of roses

Botanical Gardens

We have too many photos and videos to share them here but you get the idea that the trip to Visby was very, very, very nice. Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

After a extremely nice week in Visby I took the train from Stockholm to Halmstad yesterday and had cut my timing really close. I boarded the train with only a couple of minutes to spare. A little short of breath I struggled to place my heavy carry-on bag above my seat. All of the storage places on the floor were taken. After one attempt the young woman behind me asked if she could help me, to my pleasure and relief, and together we placed my bag on the rack.

That was very nice. Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

This free slideshow design personalized with Smilebox

Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

While ensuring that my business address has been changed following our move over mid summer I discovered a website that will replace certain current resources (Blogsverket, Skatteverket and Tillvaxverket) for those future and current entrepreneurs in Sweden. Verksamt, at first site, seems to be well organized and easy to navigate and more good news is that all of the information on the site seems to be available in both Swedish and English. However access to log in the site and see Your Page is only available in Swedish.

Under 5 categories (Considering, Starting, Running, Developing and Closing down) here is some of what information is available:

Accounting, Appeals, Bank loans, Being an entrepreneur, Buying a business, Consumer complaints, Different types of taxes, E-commerce, Employing staff, Financing growth, Financing your start, For foreign citizens, Franchising….etc. You get the picture. A list of topics from A-Z.

which was very nice;

indulged in some antics at the swimming pool;

which was very nice;

toasted marshmallows over the grill on America’s Independence Day affectionately known as the 4th of July with a great mix of people at Daphne’s annual shindig;

which was very nice;

Observed the human tank at Tylosand Hotel before going to our first after beach concert;

it actually was nice inbetween the periods of hot sun and cooling clouds;

and enjoyed our first grill of the year in the sand dunes,

which was very nice. Just remember to fend off the sea gulls who will attack the grill.

Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

We moved into a big apartment (very nice); my Swede’s cousin was visiting from Maine (very nice); and helped with the heavy lifting (very nice).

We had our first dinner party in the new place (very nice); our first drink of wine on the balcony in the Swedish heat (very nice); snagged some great bargains at IKEA’s Circus sale (really nice); and for the first time since she started I hung out at school with the girlfriend I told about the intensive Swedish class (really nice).

Nice things happen to me in Sweden.

I emailed and asked for the ingredients and immediately got an auto response saying my email was received:

from int.contact.sweden@beiersdorf.com
date Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 12:52 PM
subject NIVEA.se contact form: Frågor|Produkter|Dusch och tvål

Vi har tagit emot din förfrågan och besvarar din fråga så snart vi kan. Svar på vanliga frågor kan du hitta på hemsidan under sektionen Kontakt.

Uh-oh, I thought. An automatically generated response isn’t good.

The nice thing that happened was a personal response the same day with little delay:

Consumer Service SE /BDF GOT
sender-time Sent at 3:50 PM (GMT+02:00). Current time there: 10:27 PM. ✆
date Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 3:50 PM
subject FW: NIVEA.se contact form: Frågor|Produkter|Dusch och tvål
mailed-by beiersdorf.com

Hi (my first name) and thanks for your email

Diamond Touch Shower contains:
Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Parfum, Helianthus Annuus, Diamond Powder, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Laureth-4, Polyquaternium-7, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-4, Laureth-2, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Salicylate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, CI 16035, CI 42090

Hälsningar NIVEA

The three hour turn around was very nice. It allowed me to finish my report without delay. I am STILL waiting to hear from L’Oreal months later. How can a company that ignores emails from customers stay in business?

On Tuesday, that was the nice thing that happened to me in Sweden.

My Swede’s aunt called from Maine to say she was watching and when I called my Aunt in Chicago she told me it was on there too.

What was especially nice for me was that we made a romantic day of it with candles, soft cheeses and nibbles, wine, champagne, cake, sherry and lots of hand holding and sweet kisses.

Free picture slideshow generated with Smilebox

The new Prince’s speech at the wedding was brilliant. You can read it here, some of the nicest parts are in English. Watching the royal wedding with my Swede was a very nice thing that happened to me in Sweden.

The American Club of Sweden invites club members, their families, and other members of Sweden’s American community to join us for a fun-filled July 4th celebration.

Date: Sunday, July 4th, 2010
Time: 11:00 am to 5:00pm (rain or shine)
Place: Fågelöudde Beach – Elfvik, Lidingö
Food/Beverage: bring your own (BYO)

Editor’s note: For those of you expecting a sandy beach; don’t. You can find those on the west coast of Sweden.

It’s time for the Democrats Abroad Sweden’s annual 4th of July picnic. Please join Democrats Abroad Sweden from 3-7pm on Sunday, July 4, 2010, for a great time here in Stockholm (bus number 1 from anywhere on its route through Stockholm, e.g. Fridhemsplan) with potluck, hotdogs, beer, and soft drinks.

Date: Sunday, 4th of July

Time: 3-7 pm

Place: Gammelgårdsväggen 52, Stockholm (Stora Essingen) (Bus number 1, Flottbroväggen). When you get off at Flottbroväggen continue in same direction as bus to the first crossroads, turn right and follow the road to the water. http://kartor.eniro.se/m/pw9mP

Potluck! Please bring salads, desserts, or snacks.

Hot dogs, buns and beverages will be available for purchase. There will also be games for kids (and adults), face painting, and Voter Registration Assistance. Don´t wait until the last minute to request your absentee ballot!

RSVP: judy.furberg(at)gmail.com by Wednesday, June 30, 2010 and let us know how many are in your party, and what you are bringing (salad, dessert, or snack). We would also appreciate help with setting up (come at 2pm) and cleaning up and we need volunteers for face painting and leading games.

See you there!

Your contribution to defray expenses for this event and voter registration drives for the US midterm election this fall would be greatly appreciated: http://www.democratsabroad.se/donate-to-democrats-abroad/

That was the very nice thing that happened to me in Sweden today.

I’m a casting assistant in New York for a popular show about people relocating outside North America. It’s called House Hunters International and airs on the Home & Garden cable network (HGTV). We are casting people for this show right now in Sweden and I was wondering if you or anyone you know would be interested in participating.

Our show tells the story of a family or couple who have purchased property outside of their native country . The purpose of the show is to demystify the process of moving and living abroad. You can learn more about our show and watch episodes here: http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/show/index.html or here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hety7cF7k0g

Putting together an episode with you would be a real treat for our audience and it’s a lot of fun for you too. Contributors to the show get a nice keepsake shot in HD video and also receive compensation for your time and efforts.

If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more, please contact me directly. Thank you in advance for your prompt feedback on this. Have a wonderful day!

Best Regards,

KRISTEN LOMBARDO
CASTING ASSISTANT LEOPARD FILMS USA
127 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10010. +1 212 843 2821
kristen.lombardo@leopardfilms.com
www.leopardfilms.com

I’d do this in a heartbeat if I fit the criteria, mainly because my mother loves these type of shows: people buying property overseas. If you fit the bill contact Kristen for more info. Or if you know someone who fits the bill, pass on the info!

The other day I stumbled across a website for Edinburgh (I know, I live in Stockholm, what good is a site for Edinburgh to me you may wonder). I like to be in the know and I actually get contacted by lots of women who are moving to Europe or are knew arrivals to Europe. So I often find myself sharing information about laces I may never have visited not to mention lived or worked in.

Touch Edinburgh is loaded with reviews from satisfied (or not) customers so you can read what others have experienced and make an informed decision.

So here are two tips for Edinburgh. If you say, getting married or otherwise want to have a party to celebrate a big or little occasion and don’t want to buy and cook the food yourself, you can try Edinburgh Caterer to find the right caterer for you. And if you need an accountant to take care of the books for your business or come tax time you don’t have to engage one without knowing a bit more about them from third parties. Just try Edinburgh Accountant and feel a little less vulnerable.

Here are the photos and videos. It was very nice to see her reach this milestone and to celebrate it with my man’s family and friends. We had an after party which was also very nice, and I was really glad to see my Halmstad friends.

Customize a picture slideshow

Well our new teacher sucked. We were back on page 6 even though our class had been on page 100 something. Our new teacher didn’t want to be called back from retirement (and who can blame her), she complained that our class was too big and she bailed before the week was over.

Students complained to the program head in person and by email while I was calm, thinking that what could it hurt to go back over some of the basics? I surely don’t know all of the basics.

Monday we were told we had no teacher and given a practice National Exam for our level and I only missed 4 answers. I felt really good about that but the week got better. On Tuesday the program head came and talked to us and told us that we would be back with our old, excellent teacher and that the school would compensate us for the chaotic week we had. She’s even coming to talk to us again today in case we have any questions.

And to top it off we had a class trip to the Swedish Midieval Museum and I got to talk to a lot of students that are new to my class, and I found the museum interesting.

So it was very, very nice to know that my Swedish education is back on track.

Love 2010 Stockholm

So we went to the Love 2010 Stockholm festivities near the castle in town including visiting the IKEA built Haga Slott showcasing what could be as they made a replica of the place where Princess Victoria will live with her husband. We also listened to live music (I actually think it was a dress rehearsal for the 8pm broadcast)/ We walked across the newly built (and I’m sure temporary) Love Bridge and watched a crowd taking samba lessons. There was an older couple (I’m guessing in their very late 70′s) having a great time.

Young at heart - learning Samba

That was extremely nice to see and quite romantic. In fact there were lots of couples out today. Corny as it may sound, love was truly in the air. Then we walked across a permanent bridge and watched to kayakers and then on past the Operan and listened to bagpipers. We walked past the Grand Hotel to more of Love 2010 Stockholm and finally back to the last day of the Taste of Stockholm.

On Love Bridge (with kissing swans in the background)

I wonder how many people were out on the streets today. It was so nice to literally feel love in the air (I promise you I am not kidding). That was the nice thing that happened to me in Sweden today.

Our transportation

The boat ride was lovely as it was a gorgeous day. We passed Drottningholm Slott (where the royal family lives) and had great conversation on the boat to accompany the wine.

Our destination

I met a friend’s sister who came in her place with her brother-in-law because my friend was running in the Stockholm marathon the next day. It was really nice to connect with her. She had been an expat in two countries so we had lots of shared experiences. And I could relate in many ways to her Canadian husband, even though we didn’t meet.

The boat ride, the dinner, and the after meal conversation all combined for a very nice evening. That was the nice thing that happened to me in Sweden on Friday.

We sat across from a couple who turned out to have been married for a while and she didn’t mind me asking her about her traditional Swedish engagement ring and wedding band – which are identical. That gave my Swede the opportunity to say, “see, I wasn’t lying”, because I have told him we will be blending traditions and my wedding ring will look more like what a nice American lady would expect, or hope to get, in an engagement ring.

The man in the couple went on to say that it is not traditional for the father of the bride to walk the bride down the wedding aisle, as the king will do when Princess Victoria gets married. He confirmed that was American style. We all agreed that it would be smarter to watch th wedding on TV than to go and be in the crowd.

My Swede and I walked back home and then sat on the balcony and and I called my father. It was really nice to have had a lovely evening with my man and a lovely conversation with the first man I ever loved – Daddy.

That was the nice thing that happened to me in Sweden yesterday.

SO grab your shades and go hungry to:

A Taste of Stockholm: 2nd – 6th of June 2010
Opening hours:
2nd – 5th of June 11.00-23.30
6th of June 11.00-22.00

Part of Stockholm Green Week.

Where: Kungsträdgården (a park in the city of Stockholm)
A wide selection of Stockholm’s best restaurants will participate
serving more than 200 different dishes. Food from 25 SEK.

The stage: will present a wide variety of entertainment from
Big Band Music to Sixteenth Century Ballads to Rock´n Roll.
Price: No entrance fee, but you do have to pay for what you eat and drink.

FIVE YEARS AGO…

…I traded in my corner office for a room with a view.

In 2005 I left my job as Head of Human Resources Development in a major ad agency to establish my own training and coaching company – Creating Tomorrow: The Leadership Consultancy.

“Creating Tomorrow” – the name itself reflects the enormous Leap of Faith this step represents in my life!

As you can imagine, the road has often been rocky – filled with its fair share of both joy and frustration. To commemorate the challenges I’ve faced on my journey thus far, today – 1 June 2010 – I am launching a project that is very near and dear to my heart: Uncaged Birds™.

Why “Uncaged Birds”?

Inspired by Maya Angelou’s seminal autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Uncaged Birds™ honors the realization that simply opening the door to our proverbial cage isn’t enough. Each of us must make the decision to step through the door take flight. This confidence- and skill-building program is designed to reflect the specific needs, heritage and history of women of African descent living in Europe. It is also a vehicle to foster intensified dialogue between women of African descent in the Americas and in other parts of the world; esp. Europe.

“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” – Maya Angelou

With Uncaged Birds™ I provide support for women of African descent as they more effectively tap into their innate individual and cultural strength, and utilize that strength as a powerful springboard to personal and professional success – in a safe, stress-free environment that respects our heritage and history.

Let’s be our own role models!

Uncaged Birds™ addresses the specific needs of women of African descent committed to succeeding both personally and professionally, despite the added challenge of living and doing business in cultures that are still not used to seeing people of color in a positive, non-stereotypical light. After having lived and worked for more than 30 years in Europe, I designed the program I would have personally wanted and needed for support and motivation as a young expat and woman of color making her way in Europe.

“Nothing will work unless you do.”–Maya Angelou

The launch portfolio will expand throughout the year offering a variety of individual and group coaching, training and communications platforms.

Let’s Get Started!

Are you a woman of African descent living in Europe? If so: be a part of TableTalk: The Virtual Round Table!

This Year’s TableTalk will be a 3-part series of 90-minute interviews taking place in July!

“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.”–Maya Angelou

15 July 2010
The Expat Talks or “What’s a nice (Black) American girl like you doing in a place like this?” – A group of five Black American expats share stories and experiences about living and working in Europe, and tell how leaving America has affected the way they see their country – and themselves.

22 July 2010
Europe in Black, Brown and Beige or “No, where do you really come from?” Five Afro-European women come together to discuss issues of national and cultural identity, and compare and contrast how those issues are viewed differently from country to country.

29 July 2010
What We (All) Know or “The free bird thinks of another breeze.” A mixed group of African-American expats and Afro-European women come together to combine their insights about living, loving and working in Europe.
I will act as moderator/facilitator for this series, motivated by my own personal expat experience after living in Germany for more than 30 years.

What’s Left?

Visit the site and let me know what you think!
• What do you think of the launch portfolio?
• Are you interested in being a part of TableTalk?
• What do you think would be a relevant topic for the upcoming CoachingHives™?

Uncaged Birds™…

…was created to support you when and as you need it, so you can more confidently wing towards – then embrace – your own brand of personal and professional freedom!

Find out more: http://uncagedbirds.wordpress.com/

Creating Tomorrow:
The Leadership Consultancy
Tel.: + 49-176-548 208 35
Mail: info@creating-tomorrow.com
Web: www.creating-tomorrow.com
Blog: www.creating-tomorrow.com/blog

Dear Madam or Sir.

Thank you very much in advance for taking a few minutes for considering my message.

My name is Tobias Luzius and I do currently work as expatriate at Freudenberg Household Products AB in Norrköping, Sweden. Besides my employment I am studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Liverpool, and I am currently preparing my final dissertation (master thesis). The dissertation requires, besides extensive literature research, an empirical part for which I need to collect and analyze primary data in form of a survey. This is also the reason of my email today.

The topic of my dissertation is “Influences of national culture on the leadership style of expatriates in Sweden”, dealing with the following research questions:
- What leadership styles do make a leader effective in Sweden?
- What influences does the Swedish culture have on the leadership style of expatriates in Sweden?
- How susceptible are expatriates in Sweden to local leadership styles?
- Does the influence remain with the leaders after they return to their home countries or do they fall back to previous behavior?

For the collection of primary data I do a survey among expatriates in Sweden (those currently working in Sweden and those who might have moved back not too long ago), ideally from different industries and different nations of origin. The aim of the dissertation is to understand the cultural influences and their impact on the effectiveness of expatriate leaders, thus providing basic research for supporting the effectiveness and success of these expatriates.

In order for my empirical research to be meaningful, I need a considerable amount of data. Therefore I am contacting you today kindly asking for your help.

At https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Expatriate_Leadership_in_Sweden%3E you will find my online survey. The survey will take about 15 minutes to respond. All information, including the statistical data, will be anonymous, respondents will not need to provide their name or company information.

The results of my work, which I finish in September, will be made available to all participants who leave their email address at the end of the survey.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact me at any time:
Via Email: tobias@luzius.de
Via Telephone: +46 70 684 7939

Thank you very much in advance for your time and your kind support.
Best regards
/Tobias

Tobias J. Luzius
_________________________
IT Manager Nordic
Freudenberg Household Products AB

P.O. Box 608 (visiting address: Mäklaregatan)
602 28 Norrköping
Sweden

Fon: +46 (0) 11 19-7939
Mobil: +46 (0) 70 684 7939
Fax: +46 (0) 11 19-7905
Email: tobias.luzius@fhp-ww.com

Where the Stockholm politicians meet. Meetings are open to the public.

Matilda from the Stockholm Expat Meet up group invited members to a free tour of the Stockholm City Hall (Stadhuset) as part of her training as a tour guide. I had never toured the City Hall, only been up in the tower to admire the view of Stockholm, so I took her up on her offer.

Me and my girlfriend enjoying the tour.

I invited my girlfriend to go with me and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour! We were impress with what we learned about the history of the building, which functions it houses, the architect and the beautiful rooms. This was a very nice thing that happened to me in Sweden today. Actually nice is an understatement.

We loved the Gold Room!

I highly recommend the tour and if you can find out when Matilda is giving a tour (she’s great) you would be lucky to have her.

Matilda (L) our excellent tour guide

First, a young lady in my Swedish class saw my Friskis and Svettis (F&S)gym membership card and exclaimed that we could work out together! I thought that was nice because it’s fun and important to have a work out buddy: keeps you motivated and honest. She thought that F&S members could work out at any gym. I wans’t sure but said I would check today as I had booked a weight lifting class that evening.

Secondly, I ran into a classmate who hadn’t been in school in several weeks. I was worried about her and even wondered if she had failed the national language exam. Student in the Swedish program for lawyers and MBA’s only have one chance to pass the national test at the D level. So when I saw her we hugged which was very nice. We exchanged contact information and I learned that she had passed the test. That was also nice. I’m glad for her.

Thirdly, I got an SMS from my girlfriend telling me that she had been accepted into the Swedish program and she thanked me for telling her all about it. Wasn’t that nice?

Fourthly, my sweetie met me at the gym for the weight lifting class which was a mix of aerobics and good ol’ pumping iron. It was so much fun to work out together and really nice to start working out again.

And lastly I asked if I could visit different F&S locations to work out and she said that I was welcome at any location in Stockholm. Sweet! So that was nice to learn that I will be able to work out with my classmate as there is a location near our school.

FREE fitness bootcamp class takes place in Humlegarden park this Saturday.

Who says nothing is for free here in Stockholm??

Well this class is!

The instructor is an internationally recognised personal trainer from London and Spain now expanding his fitness business here in Stockholm.

If you want to get fit, look and feel great this summer than come and join in for some fitness and fun in the super weather.

Class starts at 11- 11:45am. All levels welcome. Don’t worry its not to hard, you can take your own pace. We train hard, get results and have some fun at your own level.

Humlegarden park is in front of Scandic Park Hotel.

IMPORTANT: This class must be booked due to having to limit the numbers.

www.totalfitnessnow.com

What was nice then was that my neighbor went with me and helped me find the clinic and sign in and she waited for me. After the procedure she showed me the places where she shopped for clothes and then we went and had a glass of wine.

Now that I recently registered myself in Stockholm the letter came again announcing my appointment time. What was nice this time is that I was in and out of the medical clinic in 10 minutes and there was no cost.

That was a nice thing that happened to me in Sweden.

So I sent an email to the consumer contact and asked for that information and said that I needed it today. Then I saw that their contact line was open for another hour so I called and got the nicest man on the phone (Lars M. from Konsumentkontakt at Skogaholm) and he gave me all of the ingredients. He also explained why they were used, and he gave me the UPC code I needed.

I just saw that he also answered my email and asked if I was the person with whom he spoke on the phone.

I thought that was really nice. By contrast I contacted the people over at L’Oreal a couple of months ago and still haven’t heard back from them.

So that was the nice thing (so far) that happened to me in Sweden today.

This means the school dance is coming and the young ladies will want to have their best face forward for these occasions. And so will their mothers, and aunts, and grandmothers. With this is mind Zuzy, which is the exclusive distributor of Sascha Cosmetics in Sweden, has created a special offer to its Facebook members:

Because you are special; you will get 15% off all our make up products, in Skärholmen Centrum and in our webshop www.zuzy.se. Please use the discount code; facebook, to receive the discount at www.zuzy.se.

Soon its time for pram (studenten) and I know you want to be the bell of the ball. Therefore ONLY members of the zuzy group gets a 50% discount on pram make-up. You pay 250 kr instead of 500 kr!

Please make reservation through facebook to be the best looking at the pram!

Join the Facebook group today!

I was accepted into an interesting online Masters degree program at Malmö University for Communication for Development.

A fellow American expat suggested I take the course. She’s in the course so I thought why not apply?

So now depending on what else happens with work, and Swedish class, etc., I may be starting on yet another educational adventure. But this time fee free.

NOTE:
Sweden introduces tuitions fees

The Swedish government has presented a bill proposing the implementation of tuition fees in Sweden for students from outside EU/EEA and Switzerland from autumn 2011.

Read more about tuition fees.

We are starting up an art collective in what will become the hippest street in Vasastan with shop window galleries, the art collective Detroit Sthlm nextdoor and cooperations with many unique antique dealers.

Share space with six different artists become inspired, fired and exhibit @ swop art. There is lots of exciting things to come such as collaborative workshops, videoart/kroki nights and exhibition parties. The rent is less than a thousand kr. Tell friends that can be interested if you’re interested send a message to mariam@swopart.se

Join the Facebook group.

She had never heard of it and pulled out the Museums in Stockholm 2010 guide map and we couldn’t find it listed. She also gave me an additional map for Stockholm with the hopes that I would find it there. I thanked her and went over to a table and proceeded to look and see what I could find. A few minutes later the Postal Museum employee called out to me and told me that she had found the Economic Museum for me.

She took the time to do an Internet search and found the National Museum of Economy which is located across the street from the castle on Slottsbacken. Then when I was walking to the museum, map in my hand, someone stopped and asked me if I needed directions. He told me how to get to my destination, pointing out that Finland and Russia were on my right and that I would pass the inlet to Stockholm.

After an interesting visit to the museum I visited the Swedish Book Store connected to the Swedish Institute. I asked the sales person if she knew where the narrowest/smallest street in the world was. It’s supposed to be in Gamla Stan. She couldn’t remember where it was or what the name was, so she looked it up for me and wrote it down on my map. It’s on Ma(a with the small circle on top)ten Trotzigs Grand.

That was three nice things that happened to me in Sweden, a hat trick!

Promo:

This is something you won’t want to miss -The Yale Alley Cats performance.

Perfect for kids. Perfect for students. Perfect for music lovers of all ages. Perfect for singing enthusiasts, lovers of a Capella groups, your neighbors, your friends.

Sponsored by the American Women’s Club and the International Women’s Club, one of the United States’s most renowned a Cappella ensembles will sing and delight us on Thursday, May 20. Tickets available at the door: SEK 100 for adults, children under 14 are free and all other students are SEK 50.

The Yale Alley Cats find their roots in jazz, but their repertoire includes Motown, pop, classical, and many more genres. Their diverse song list and acknowledged musical excellence allows them to perform at a host of different venues, from jazz clubs to embassies, from the set of NBC’s The West Wing to the main stage at the Dresden Music Festival, from the beaches of Hawaii to Martha Stewart Living, and from Parisian squares and Spanish boulevards to the hallowed halls of Yale university.

Nice things happen in Sweden

NOTE: I saw the Yale Alley Cats in a performance today and they were absolutely delightful. I can highly recommend them to put a smile on your face. That was a nice thing that happened to me in Sweden today.

Another nice thing is that I visited a new doctor today and found him to be very thorough and easy to talk to. I am sure it helped that I was prepared with a list of questions and background info. That too was another nice thing that happened to me today.

So I decided to take learning Swedish seriously and happened upon the information about Swedish Intensive for Academics. In sum it is a new program in Stockholm for people with a high level of education (at least an undergraduate degree) with a background in business, engineering, law, etc.

It starts from the C (out of A-D) level of Swedish for Immigrants, the notoriously famous free Swedish courses for newcomers to Sweden that, at best, gets mixed reviews and runs through the advanced level.

Additionally this experimental program is run inconjunction with an institution of higher learning in Sweden and pairs students with a mentor from their respective career-track union and a guidance counselor.

In sum, this program aims to get us immigrants with education into the Swedish workforce as soon as possible.

I applied and was accepted and am now studying feverishly. It is SO MUCH WORK! I have met very interesting and funny people in class, taken a couple of trips around the city I hadn’t made before, and am actually up and out by 7.30am each day. I was so used to working from home.

But this was a very nice thing that happened to me in Sweden.

I have always figured that my personal life is (1) personal, and (2) not more interesting than anyone else’s personal life. I think we all have interesting, complicated, exciting lives!

However, when one moves to a new country it is tempting to focus on and share stories about the negatives things that happen whether it is something small like not finding your favorite brand in the store to the quirky habits of the locals.

So I have decided to start sharing the good things that happen to me. And by good I mean the positive aspects from the seemingly trivial to the major accomplishments.

Of course I will do this in a way that maintains my privacy so I won’t name names, and send public shout-outs. But I will throw in a photo or two like I have always done.

Now there have been tons of nice things that have happened to me since I’ve been in Sweden but I won’t do a re-hash of those (unless it is related to a new nice thing that happens). I will try and share something nice weekly under the heading “Nice things happen to me in Sweden”.

This came to me in an email from a dentist in Washington, DC. I tried tip #4 and it worked here in Sweden. However tip #3 did not work for me. Could just be my phone. But I thought these tips were interesting so I decided to share them. I stored the free information directory number in my phone for my trips to the US, and the global emergency number for future reference.

Email text from dentist:
For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.
FIRST – Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find
Yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an
Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to
Establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112
can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND – Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:
If you lock your keys In the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other ‘remote’ for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk). Editor’s Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!’

THIRD – Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH – How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone

To check your Mobile phone’s serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

And Finally….
FIFTH – Free USA Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don’t have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now. This is sponsered by MacDonalds.

Note:

This came to me in an email from a dentist in Washington, DC. I tried tip #4 and it worked here in Sweden. However tip #3 did not work for me. Could just be my phone. But I thought these tips were interesting so I decided to share them. I stored the free information directory number in my phone for my trips to the US, and the global emergency number for future reference.

Email text from dentist:
For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.)
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.
FIRST – Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you findYourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is anEmergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network toEstablish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND – Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:
If you lock your keys In the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other ‘remote’ for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk). Editor’s Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!’

THIRD – Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH – How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone

To check your Mobile phone’s serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

And Finally….
FIFTH – Free USA Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don’t have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now. This is sponsered by MacDonalds.

Registering to vote is simple and easy to do. Many states and local governments have websites that can help you register to vote. For more information on this, go to www.fvap.gov.

If you need help in the voter registration process, the Embassy is sponsoring a Voter Registration Fair at the auditorium of the Embassy in Stockholm on Monday May 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Volunteer voting assistants will be available to answer questions and assist you in registering to vote. Attendance is by pre-registration only. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail your name to either Sandy Mansson, Democrat’s Abroad Sweden, at sandy.mansson@gmail.com, or to Tom Kelsey, The American Club of Sweden, at Monark540@yahoo.com by Wednesday, May 12th. Please include your U.S. Passport number, name on the passport, and your date of birth with your request. Don’t forget to bring your passport or other ID in order to be admitted to the Embassy.

Wednesday, May 12th is the final day to submit registration information.

Finally, the Consular Section at the Embassy in Stockholm will conduct an On-line Voter Registration Fair between 2 and 4 p.m. from Monday, May 10 through Friday, May 21. During these two weeks, consular personal will be standing by to answer your questions about voter registration procedures and take requests for registration applications. Between 2 and 4 p.m., we will be available by phone at (8) 783-5300 extension 5462, or by e-mail at ConsularStockh@state.gov. When e-mailing, please include “VOTING” in the subject line of your e-mail.

With three different ways to get information, there’s no reason you can’t register to vote!

Sincerely,

American Citizen Services
Embassy of the United States of America
Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31
SE-115 89 Stockholm
Sweden

Email: stkacsinfo@state.gov

Website: http://stockholm.usembassy.gov/consulate/am_cit_index.html

Our regular telephone hours are between 1 PM and 3 PM, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at phone number +46 (0)8 783 5375.

As part of the Love theme celebration surrounding Princess Victoria’s wedding in June Skansen is having a drop in wedding day on June 12th. Here’s my rough translation of the plug:

Take your loved one in hand and take the plunge! Welcome to the Drop-in marriage June 12 at 12-16 at Tingsvallen.

You can also renew your vows or have a blessing. A civil and religious marriage registrar is provided as well as two witnesses.

Any civil ceremony takes about 10 minutes. The religious ceremony will take about 20 minutes and that includes a mandatory conversation between the priest and the bride and groom before the wedding.

For both the civil and religious marriage ceremonies there are requirements including a certificate of marriage that you order from the Tax Office, which takes about a week. Do not forget to have them with you on the wedding day! Free admission for the two to be married. Other wedding guests pay regular Skansen entrance.

If you want music, you can choose a nice song from our repertoire that our musicians are playing on the spot.

Binding of the bridal bouquet and Corsage available for cost. A simple wedding menu / tasting menu is available for purchase at Skansen’s restaurants.

WASHINGTON — Amid mounting frustration over taxation and banking problems, small but growing numbers of overseas Americans are taking the weighty step of renouncing their citizenship.

“What we have seen is a substantial change in mentality among the overseas community in the past two years,” said Jackie Bugnion, director of American Citizens Abroad, an advocacy group based in Geneva. “Before, no one would dare mention to other Americans that they were even thinking of renouncing their U.S. nationality. Now, it is an openly discussed issue.”

The Federal Register, the government publication that records such decisions, shows that 502 expatriates gave up their U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status in the last quarter of 2009. That is a tiny portion of the 5.2 million Americans estimated by the State Department to be living abroad.

Still, 502 was the largest quarterly figure in years, more than twice the total for all of 2008, and it looms larger, given how agonizing the decision can be. There were 235 renunciations in 2008 and 743 last year. Waiting periods to meet with consular officers to formalize renunciations have grown.

Anecdotally, frustrations over tax and banking questions, not political considerations, appear to be the main drivers of the surge. Expat advocates say that as it becomes more difficult for Americans to live and work abroad, it will become harder for American companies to compete.

American expats have long complained that the United States is the only industrialized country to tax citizens on income earned abroad, even when they are taxed in their country of residence, though they are allowed to exclude their first $91,400 in foreign-earned income.

Read the full story on the NYT website.

When: 4 May 2010 17.30-19.30

Where: Scandic Malmen – Atrium
Götgatan 49–51
102 66 Stockholm
+46 (0)8 5173 4700
Latitude – 59.314592
Longitude – 18.072992

Who: XING Stockholm group members and their colleagues and friends

Why: Offline business and social networking

Bonus: We will take a light-hearted look at the importance of language, culture and communication in an ever-shrinking world with a presentation by XING Stockholm group member Miles Avison of the AVISON Language & Communication Agency. Visit AVISON Language & Communication’s website to get an idea of their services: http://www.avison.se

Super bonus: Miles will give away a free translation, of any kind of document, in any Western European, Eastern European, Middle Eastern or Far Eastern language, of up to 750 words (over 2 A4 pages) and worth 1,500kr! Bring your business card to enter to win at the event.
Agenda:
17.30 – Networking
18.30 – Greeting from XING Ambassador, welcome from Scandic Malmen General Manager, and “Language & communication in a global market place; lost in translation?” presentation from AVISON Language & Communication Agency
18.50-19.30 Networking

Planned opening of Treehotel in Harads – Saturday 3rd July 2010!

Treehotel at Brittas Pensionat
Edeforsväg 2 A
960 24 Harads, Sweden
+46 928 10403
http://www.treehotel.se/

The concept

A new concept based on cooperation from well-known designers and architects. The result gives us an unique collection of hotel rooms. The concept “live in a treehut” is given a new experience dimension. As our guest you will have a memory for life. Created in harmony with nature and ecological values. We live in the land of forest and try to refine the local basic conditions. “Dig where you stand”.

It is also built on a philosophy to find another way to experience the forest value than cut the trees for industrial use.

What we are offering is a new experience living close to nature in a place of great natural beauty. Where the joyful childhood memories can now be relived in a more comfortable and sophisticated environment.
The Tree Hotel will be open all year round, which means our guests will be able to benefit from either of our lovely hot summer with few windy days or our beautiful winters where we can get up to 100cm of snow and the temperature outside can be as low as -30°C although the normal everyday temperature during winter season is around -10°C to -15°C. However each Tree Hotel will have an electric floor heating system which will be delivered from an eco-friendly source of electricity.
We aim to open all 6 Tree Houses on the 3rd July 2010 and

Our inspiration

Our idea inspired from the documentary film “Trädälskaren”(Treelover)

Is a documentary film by Jonas Selberg Augustsen. It is a story about three men from the urban environment who seek their roots and built a tree house together. It is also a philosophical film about what the”tree”means for human beings in history and culture. They recorded the film in Harads. The film was shown on Swedish TV and in cinema. Over the last year we have been able to allow our guests to rent the Tree House that was built for this documentary and that is where the inspiration came from for our project for the Treehotel.

The tree room

There are 6 completely unique themed Tree Houses, created by 5 separate architects. In addition to the Treehotel there will be a sauna and a conference / breakfast room which will seat 12 guests comfortably. This will be the first Tree Hotel in the world with a Sauna. There will also be a briefing room with disabled access and facilities.

The rooms will vary from 15 – 30 square meters and they range between 4-6 meters from the grund. We use mainly wood material and one with a glass facade. All of the Tree Houses we be constructed in pine trees

The rooms can be accessed by either a ramp or sturdy stairs. Two of the rooms will have electric retractable stairs.

Every Tree House will have its own living and sleeping areas. 4 of the Tree Houses will accommodate 2 beds and the remaining 2 Tree Houses will have 4 beds which would be ideal for family’s. Each Tree House will be equipped with its own state of the art eco-friendly incineration toilet and water efficient hand basin, which means there is no artificial plumbing. The interior of each Tree House will be uniquely designed with its own furniture and lighting to complement the individual theme of each Tree House by the architect.

We are working to introduce a green concept in the construction of the Tree Houses and in the daily running of them which we feel is an important value for us and our guests.

Why Harads?

We are fortunate enough to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Northern Sweden, surrounded by natural forests and what better way to make use of the assets on our doorstep.

Treehotel is a development of Brittas pensionat which we starts 5 years ago.

The pensionat has 12 double rooms, restaurant / bar and a sauna with an area to relax in. Brittas Pensionat will now be incorporated into the new Treehotel Company.

Brittas pensionat is a listed building of The Swedish National Heritage Board. Preserve environment and design from the 1930s -1950s.

Next step

Our goal is to continue to build a total of 24 over a five year period. All of the new Tree Houses will be created by national and international architects.

We welcome new architects and designer to join us in next step when we build 6 new room 2011-2012.

Putting together an episode with you would be a real treat for our audience and it’s a lot of fun for you too. Contributors to the show get a nice keepsake shot in HD video and also receive compensation for your time and efforts. Please contact the casting team at househunterscasting(at)leopardfilms.com for more information.

Dozens of ships that had been trapped in ice in the Baltic Sea off Stockholm, have been freed.
Some of the vessels had been stranded for several days with hundreds of passengers on board. Maddy Savage reports (click on the photo below to view the video).

New Law Makes Absentee Voting Easier for Overseas Americans

On October 28, 2009, Congress enacted the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act. This legislation amends existing law regarding overseas voting in federal elections, and should make voting easier for overseas Americans.

New Procedures for 2010 Elections

Beginning with the November 2010 general election, and for all subsequent general, special, and primary elections, states will be required to mail out ballots at least 45 days prior to an election for a federal office. This requirement may cause some states to select earlier primary dates in order to comply with the 45 day mailing deadline, or to request waivers due to special circumstances.

In addition to mailing ballots to overseas voters, the states will be required, at the voter’s request, to provide registration forms, absentee ballot request forms, and blank ballots via fax or email. However, each state’s laws determine whether ballot requests or voted ballots can be returned via fax or email. The new law prohibits states from rejecting marked ballots based on notarization, paper size, or paper weight requirements. The witnessing requirements of individual states remain in place.

Overseas Absentee Ballot Requests

Effective immediately, states will no longer be required by federal law to continue to mail election materials to overseas addresses (even when they are determined to be invalid) for two complete general election cycles on the basis of a single ballot request. It will now be up to each state to determine how long to continue to send out election materials before requiring overseas voters to submit new ballot requests. This change, sought by local election officials, should greatly decrease the volume of voting materials sent abroad to addresses where Americans no longer reside.

State Department Recommendations

In light of these changes, the Department of State recommends that all U.S. voters residing abroad request absentee ballots from their local election officials at the start of each calendar year, and whenever there is a change of address, change of e-mail address, or change of name, by completing and sending in a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). To locate information on your specific state’s requirements, and to obtain an on-line version of the FPCA, please visit www.fvap.gov. Voters may also pick up a hard copy of the FPCA from any U.S. embassy or consulate. FPCAs may be mailed to your local voting officials in the United States via international mail or from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Many states allow U.S. citizens overseas to submit the FPCA by e-mail or fax.

The Department of State strongly encourages all U.S. overseas voters to provide email addresses or fax numbers on their FPCAs to enable local election officials to transmit election materials in the fastest manner available, which should then allow sufficient time for the return of voted ballots. For information regarding your specific state, please visit www.fvap.gov.

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency ballot for the November general elections for federal offices, although some states also permit its use for elections for state and local offices. Beginning in January 2011, the new law allows use of the FWAB for primary, special, and runoff elections for federal offices. Voters who request an absentee ballot in advance of their state’s ballot request deadline, but who fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials in time to vote, should complete the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot and send it back to local election officials in time for it to be counted. An on-line version of the FWAB, together with instructions for its use, is available at www.fvap.gov

.

Questions?

The official U.S. government website for overseas voters is the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at www.fvap.gov.

The U.S. Embassy in Stockholm is also available to answer questions about absentee voting. Telephone hours are between 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at telephone number +46 (0)8 783 5375. The Embassy is closed on Swedish and American holidays. You can also email your inquiries to stkacsinfo@state.gov.

I discovered a free interactive tool for learning languages and want to share it with you. It’s called Live Mocha.

Here’s more good news! If at least three of you sign up for a free course via my link (you can take as many courses as you want. For example I am using Live Mocha to maintain my French, improve my Swedish and as a support for the Arabic course I am taking) we will all get a free Travel Crash Course (regular price $9.95) in the language of your choice!

The Travel Crash Course is available for English, Portuguese, Mandarin and Spanish speakers learning English, Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, German and French.

Here’s my link:
http://www.livemocha.com/invite/r:emS5jJGJ

Tällberg Foundation

For nearly three decades, the Tällberg Foundation has been deepening our understanding of issues related to leadership and change in society and business. The Foundation’s main focus of activity is to gather leaders from around the world and from a variety of backgrounds for discussions and reflection.

Main activities

- Annual Forum at Tällberg, Sweden, and in 2010, the Rework the World summit
- Other workshops and seminars
- Projects
- Studies and research programs
- Leadership development initiatives
- Publishing

Office location:
Blasieholmstorg 8
111 48 Stockholm

Joining the Tällberg Foundation “Rework the World Team” as a Volunteer

Overview of the Project

Rework the World – the 5th Global YES Summit is a global event taking place in Leksand, Dalarna from 2-5 June, 2010. The summit is tackling the global youth unemployment crises from a systems perspective. With the confluence of the global ecological, social and economic crises, getting young people into employment will not be enough. We also need to rethink how to generate growth and develop the new programs, technologies and business models for sustainable prosperity. In other words, we need not only work; we need to rework.

The summit brings together the best local ideas from around the world for the creation of jobs that are economically, socially and ecologically sustainable, with the global capital and corporations that are able to take these ideas from visions to scalable impact – with the aim of creating new sustainable employment opportunities all over the world.

Rework the World is developed in partnership by YES Inc, with its youth led networks in fifty-five developing countries, and Tällberg Foundation, with its high level global networks of decision makers.

We are seeking mature individuals who will be hands-on and have the ability to work well independently to get things done. The atmosphere is a busy one where lots of priorities need to be juggled at the same time alsoit is also warm, friendly and supportive.

Volunteers for projects and content build-up:

Projects at the summit
To anchor the summit in tangible action, it takes its starting point in actual projects gathered from around the world. These illustrate the emerging new business and organizational models we need for tomorrow. The initiatives are diverse but each one illustrates ways to combine the necessity of structurally transforming our economy with the social imperative of providing opportunities for the younger generation through effective job matching and educational initiatives.

The projects are gathered under 5 themes: water, land-use, energy, cities, people. At the summit, each project will receive a 2 hour workshop slot intended for 20-30 people. Some slots may contain more than one initiative. The workshops will be run by a moderator whose role is to manage the translation between specific projects and the more diverse audience. The moderators should help develop a relevant faming of the project and bring out the strategic issues blocking its full potential.

Participants will be offered the opportunity to engage on-line with the projects and the entrepreneurs prior to and after the summit.

The work in each theme area will be introduced by a smaller plenary discussion that lasts roughly 2 hours. These discussions take their starting points in the projects represented in each theme area.

Preparing the Rework the World project briefs and project workshops
The volunteer will be covering a wide range of topics that are closely connected. While specific activities have not yet been detailed, we expect the volunteers to become a very valuable part of several areas, including providing support for the program area leader and project brief coordinator in the preparation of the project briefs, related workshops and plenaries by helping to identify, communicate and coordinate with participants contributing to the work around the briefs, by facilitating and moderating the online community, as well as coordinating content in the projects database. The volunteer will also have the opportunity to help with the complex and logistical challenge that is the Rework the World Summit.

The volunteer must be fluent in English. Swedish is helpful but not required.

Tasks can include:
- Reviewing lists/books of projects and social entrepreneurs and invite those needed to
complete the Summit program
- Assisting with the contents of the participant handbook
- Providing support for the planning and communication of seminars
- Building-up and helping to coordinate the”hub”, which will be a space during the Summit for
spontaneous meetings, materials/posters etc.

Applications
Karin Bruce, leader of the Program Area for the RTW project, will be the supervisor to the volunteer during the spring – June 2010. Please send your CV and letter of motivation to karin.bruce@tallbergfoundation.org ASAP.

———-
Volunteers for participant and logistics process:

The participants are the heart and sole of the Summit. Some of the participants have long histories with the Tällberg Foundation and have been part of the network for nearly three decades while others are coming to one of our events for the first time. Others are long-standing members of the YES network.

They are leaders both young and more mature; they are from all corners of the globe and have varied professional backgrounds. Each of the 2000 participants have a role to play in the outcome the Summit, whether its participating in a plenary, or moderating a workshop, or presenting a project, or simply being engaged in the conversations and asking the right questions. Each person must be made to feel welcome and supported in the logistics process.

We are therefore looking for volunteers to help with participant communications which will include:
- Sending out electronic invitations
- Following-up with invitations sent
- Inputting content and updating the participant database
- Assisting with paperwork for the visa and travel process
- Helping to answer participant questions by e-mail and telephone
- Coordinating efforts with our logistics partner VisitFalun
- Updating the information for the FAQ section of the web

The volunteer must be fluent in English. Swedish is helpful but not required.

Applications
Sara Ekman, leader of the Logistics Area for the RTW project, will be the supervisor to the volunteer during the spring – June 2010. Please send your CV and letter of motivation to sara.ekman@tallbergfoundation.org ASAP.

———-
What do volunteers receive for their hard work and efforts?
- Interaction with a network of leaders from around the globe.
- A letter of recommendation from the Tällberg Foundation whose reputation and brand is well established in Sweden and globally
- Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the global challenges the world is facing.
- Experience in organizing and implementing a large international event.
- Opportunity to be present at the Summit and participate in a wide variety of activities as time permits.
- Learn about the Tällberg process and model

This is an event for all the family with story-reading from favorite children’s classics by ACS members at 11.00 and 13.00. Open to everyone, no Club membership required. It’s a bargain at only 40kr entry per adult and free entry for children up to age 13!

If you are looking to sell, exchange or just give away a larger number of items, reserve a table with us in advance for only 100kr.

Saturday, 20 February, 10.00-14.00
Berghs School of Communication (www.berghs.se)
Sveavägen 34, Stockholm

For more information visit www.amclubsweden.org.

Hejsan!

You are invited to network offline with XING Stockholm group members.

Bring your business or calling cards to give to any new contacts you make.

If you would like to make a short, non-sales presentation about the products or
services your provide let me know: adrianne@agcommunicationsgroup.com.

XING Stockholm Group After Work

When:
2 March 2010 @ 17.30 to 19.30

Where:
Scandic Malmen – Atrium
Götgatan 49–51
102 66 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone: +46 (0)8 5173 4700
Latitude – 59.314592
Longitude – 18.072992

Why:
Network offline with XING Stockholm Group members and their guests

Cost:
Free – just pay for your choice of drinks and/or food

Host: US Embassy Sweden
Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Immanuelskyrkan
Street:Kungstensgatan 17
City/Town:Stockholm, Sweden
===================================================
Howard Gospel Choir is a gospel choir associated with Howard University, Washington DC. This first college choir of its kind in the nation, the Howard Gospel Choir has traveled internationally, recorded commercially and worked with notable artists to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through song. We celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni who include Grammy Award winners Richard Smallwood and Core Cotton of the Sounds of Blackness, as well as Elbernita and Twinkie Clark and Angela Winbush.

During Black History Month in February, the U.S. Embassy has supported the Scandinavian Tour of the Howard Gospel Choir, so forget ‘Körslaget’ and get up from your living room sofa and experience great gospel live!

ADMISSION IS FREE!

Time: 9.30-12.30 (meet location at 9.15)

Place: Stadmissonen Bostället at Högbergsgatan 51, Stockholm

# of volunteers requested each day: 10-12

RSVP to: dashalland@gmail.com

Program:

Keeping in line with President Obama’s Call to Service and a National Service Day on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the Democrats Abroad Sweden Stockholm Chapter will perform our day of service on Stockholm’s south side.

Over two days we will help the residents of the Stadmissonen Bostället at Högbergsgatan 51, who need help “renovating” a room on the 6th floor. Painting will be involved so volunteers should come dressed appropriately. Donations of paint brushes and paint will be gratefully accepted. We have been invited to have lunch with the residents at 12.30.

To take advantage of your chance to make a difference in our community be sure to RSVP to dashalland@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Old friends, new friends, business/job connections; all possibilities on any third thursday with The American Club of Sweden, bring a friend and join us tonight!

As our last event of 2009, continue this successful season of Third Thursdays as we enjoy a relaxed holiday mingle.

Come join us at Hilton Stockholm Slussen:
Thursday, December 17th, 2009 from 5:30-7:30p.m.

Price: 150SEK
Price includes two beverages (wine/beer/soda/water) and appetizers.
Please bring cash – sorry, we cannot accept credit cards.

We welcome all, as always this event is open to anyone, to enjoy the mingle/cocktail with our members and guests! Get directions to the hotel here. You should see signs or the Club banner when you enter. If you have any trouble finding us, please ask at the hotel reception desk.

Let us know if you want to volunteer or sponsor at this or any other Third Thursday!

Third Thursday Networking Mixers are held on the third Thursday of each month (except July).

As a rule, Third Thursdays are informal — in the tried-and-true American fashion — business cards, handshakes and a smile. American Club members and non-members are welcome and everyone is encouraged to bring guests.

Bring your Business Cards!

No reservation necessary, just drop in. Non-members welcome!

Would you like to showcase your company, product or services at an upcoming Third Thursday? Let us know! Sponsorship is affordable and reaches a broad audience in person and online.

Questions? Email 3T@amclubsweden.org or call +46 8-559 21 709

The American Club of Sweden
Box 163 46
SE-103 26, Stockholm
info@amclubsweden.org
www.amclubsweden.org

Don’t miss this year’s Lucia Day celebration in the elegant setting of the Grand Hotel’s famous Hall of Mirrors, this year with a Nobel twist. Glögg, pepparkakor, a 3-course luncheon, a capella singers from the Kungliga Musikhögskola, great lottery prizes and more await you! And remember, we are hoping for a spontaneous “by invitation” appearance by some of the Nobel prizewinners who will be staying at the Grand, just as happened last year with the Nobel Literature winner.

This is the last week to register so you register now!

o November 24th, 17.00-20.00: Bake pies and cornbread at Bostället, with residents

o Bake pies in advance and deliver to Bostället no later than 13.00 Thanksgiving Day

o November 26th, Thanksgiving Day, 11.00-16.00: Food preparation, serve, eat with guests, clean-up – and even an opportunity to sing if you’re so inclined!

o November 26th, Thanksgiving Evening, 17.45-21.00: Serve, eat and clean-up with evening guests

If you are interested in volunteering for any of the above opportunities, please e-mail us no later than November 20th per the instructions below.

Despite yet another generous contribution of discounted turkeys by Ingelsta Kalkon, we still have additional costs that are not covered. Perhaps you will consider making a small donation to offset these costs, to Bankgiro 160-4040 marked “Bostället”? Any excess funds raised will be donated entirely to Stadsmissionen.

INQUIRIES: Contact Germaine Thomas at events@amclubsweden.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and write “Stadsmission” in the Subject/Ämne field. Or leave a message at the Club phone, 08-559 21 709

RSVP by November 20 Send an email with the subject/ämne ‘Stadsmission’ to events@amclubsweden.org, alternatively, leave a message on the Club phone at 08-559 21 709. Please specify which activity you are volunteering for, and the names, email address and cell phone numbers of all volunteers, if more than just yourself.

Any questions please feel free to email (jksoph(at)gmail.com).

For many Americans and those with a connection to the US, late November is all about Thanksgiving. For the third year in a row The American Club will be preparing, serving and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal with Stockholm’s Stadsmission at Bostället, a transitional shelter for Stockholm’s homeless population.

Club volunteers commit many hours before, during and after the event to prepare a great meal. There are expenses as well and at our November mingle we will be welcoming donations (suggested 50SEK, in addition to your 150SEK entrance) to support this event. Learn more about Bostället (in Swedish) here and about this event below.

Come join us at Hilton Stockholm Slussen:
Thursday, November 19th, 2009 from 5:30-7:30p.m.

This year’s meal for Stadsmission will take place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th, and again will feature discounted turkeys from Ingelsta Kalkon. We continue to welcome any other offers of cash or in-kind sponsorship donations to support this important charity event at Stadsmission’s Bostället. For questions or inquiries email us at sponsorship@amclubsweden.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 08-559 21 709.

If you are interested in volunteering to staff the preparation, meal, cleanup or prepare a dish beforehand, please e-mail us at volunteer@amclubsweden.org or contact us by phone at 08-559 21 709.

Dear American Citizen:

It is come to the Consular Section’s attention that U.S. citizens living abroad are receiving e-mail messages purportedly from the Internal Revenue Service requesting personal financial information. Please note that the IRS never requests information from taxpayers in this manner.

There is a new phishing scheme which is targeting non-resident aliens (NRAs) by requesting that you complete an attached but fraudulent W-8BEN. The official form W-8BEN does not request bank account details. A correct copy of the W-8BEN can be found on the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8ben.pdf.

A second scheme professes to be from the IRS Office in London. The sender states that he is an IRS employee and asks you to pay a transfer charge or processing fee in order to obtain a substantial sum of money.

Do not reply to these attempts to gain your personal information or your money. The IRS does NOT request detailed personal information through e-mail. These are a hoax and have been reported to our criminal investigators for appropriate action. More information can be found in the IRS.gov article How to Report and Identify Phishing and E-mail Scams at IRS.gov.

Below is a sample text from one of these schemes:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Our records indicate that you are a non-resident alien. As a result, you are exempted from United States of America Tax reporting and withholdings on interest paid on your account and other financial dealing to protect your exemption from tax on your account and other financial benefit in rectifying your exemption status.

Therefore, you are to authenticate the following by completing form W-8BEN, and return to us as soon as possible through the fax number: +1-(717)441-3822

If you are a USA Citizen and resident, this form W-8BEN is not meant for you, please indicate “USA Citizen/Resident” on the form and return it to us. We shall then send you a form W9095.

When completing form W-8BEN, please follow the steps below

1. We need you to provide your permanent address if different from the current mailing address on your Form W-8BEN , you must indicate if a non-USA resident, your country of origin to support your non-resident status (if your bank account or other financial dealing has a USA address for mailing purpose).

2. If any joint account holder are now USA residents or Citizen, or in any way subject to USA tax reporting laws, Please check the box in this section.

3. Please have all account holders, sign and date the form separately and fax it to the above-mentioned number.

Please, complete Form W-8BEN attached” and return to us within 1 (one) week from the receipt of this letter by faxing it, to enable us update your records immediately if your account or any other financial benefits are not rectified in a timely manner, it will be subject to USA tax reporting and back up withholding (if back up withholding applies, we are required to withhold 30% of the interest paid to you).

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us protect your exempt status and also update our records.

Sincerely,

NOTE: Do not reply to this email as any reply will be rejected and will not be read by a real person. Complete form W-8BEN, and return to us as soon as possible through the fax number: +1-(717)441-3822 (See attached file: FORM W-8BEN.doc)

Please read this notice, and other notices regarding IRS related Internet scams, on the website of the IRS office in London: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/irs/index.htm.

Please join us in celebrating Thanksgiving with a Thanksgiving buffet in the warm and tranquil atmosphere of Proviant where we will be provided with a friendly place to gather and a meal to remember.

The buffet will cost 300:- crowns for ESCC members and 100:- for children under 13; for ESCC guest club members 400:- crowns and 100:- for children.

Please sign-up with Anita Coté-Irestrand aci@comhem.se, (between the 3rd and the 8th of Nov. contact Valerie Olsson valerie.olsson@gmail.com) and pre-pay to the clubs PostGirot 12 30 45- 7 by the 13th of November.

We are having our 4th and most likely our last after work networking event of the year. So we are going out with a bang by presenting two incredible opportunities for one deserving social entrepreneur: free office and meeting space in Östermalm and a day of sales & venture capital coaching 8 hours + 2 follow up coaching calls (1 hour).

What makes this opportunity even better is that the office space is at The Hub Stockholm, worth between 13,800 to 16,800 SEK; and the coaching is from the experts at Startup Sales Systems worth 40,000 SEK. So that adds up to at least 53, 800 of incredibly helpful services available to a social entrepreneur in Stockholm. It’s good to be a social entrepreneur, isn’t it?
Not sure if you are a social entrepreneur? Here are two examples of Hub Social Entrepreneurs:
http://www.the-hub.net/people/giovanna.gomersbach
http://www.the-hub.net/people/olivier.gaillard

About The Hub
http://www.the-hub.net
Hub World is a social enterprise with the ambition to inspire and support imaginative and enterprising initiatives for a better world with locations in 18 cities around the world. In Stockholm, we support an increasing number of diverse people to actively engage with each other – locally and globally – in meaningful and innovative ways, creating imaginative and entrepreneurial initiatives for a radically better world.

About Startup Sales Systems
http://www.startupsalessystems.com/
We help startups in Technology, Telecoms, Internet, & Clean Energy to acquire customers and reach profitability faster by using – specially developed – industry specific – sales tools and processes. We also help startups boost their sales using our extensive network of potential clients, sales channel experts, specialists and business partners to open doors in local, regional and international markets.

How you can win this package:
To be considered as the social entrepreneur to receive 3 months free office and meeting space, and a day of sales & venture capital coaching 8 hours + 2 follow up coaching calls (1 hour); email the name, concept and description of your social enterprise to adrianne@agcommunicationsgroup.com. Everyone who enters must be a member of the XING Stockholm group and attend the November networking event to be eligible to win. Follow this link to join: http://www.xing.com/group-23121.519786/3509921

We also have several gifts for everyone who attends! You’ll see them listed below.

WHO: Official XING Stockholm Group
WHAT: After work Business and Social Networking Event
WHEN: 18 November @ 17.30-19.30
WHERE: Scandic Malmen Atrium, Götgatan 49–51, 102 66 Stockholm
WHY: Make new business contacts and solidify others. Connect with new friends and catch up with old ones. Learn about The Hub Stockholm, an innovative work space for social entrepreneurs.

AGENDA:
17.30 – Networking
18.30 – Welcome by XING Stockholm Ambassador, Greetings from Anna Spjuth, General Manager, Scandic Malmen & Presentation by Kent Edquist, The Hub Stockholm, & Bhavik from StartupSales Systems to announce the winner.
18.50-19.30 Networking and distribution of gifts

SPONSORS AND GIFTS:
>Scandic Malmen – networking space and snacks
>The Hub Stockholm – 3 months free work and meeting space
>Startup Sales Systems – a day of sales & venture capital coaching 8 hours + 2 follow up coaching calls (1 hour)
>Derricknym offer from Derrick Hayes, author of 1 WORD Is All It Takes™ (Fall 2009), and publisher of The WORD
>Free one-hour coaching session with Justin Sachs (worth $500)
>CDs on On-Camera Media Mistakes to Avoid in Business with best-selling author Elisabeth Fayt; and Crisis Communication, with Shawne Duperon, Media & Gossip Expert and Alan Stevens, both donated by Shawne Duperon

RSVP:
https://www.xing.com/events/4th-xing-stockholm-work-business-networker-2009-win-office-space-surprises-409730

I am working on a project that includes compiling advice from Americans who have lived abroad for Americans who want to live abroad.

I would be grateful if you took a few moments to write your 5 sentences or less quote via the link below. And I would be doubly grateful if you asked other Americans you know who have lived or who are living abroad to contribute a paragraph:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGcwb2tsTDRzNTAwbnhkdUk2dEZsWEE6MA

This week I will have only one class scheduled on Wednesday at 10h30 – Noon at Grafiska Sallaskapet Gallery in Slussen. Hornsgatan 6.

If you haven’t had a yoga session in this space yet, come try it! Lovely creative energy flow there!

Let me know if you can make it

Stor Kram and Peace
Jackie
jackie Kleefield < jksoph(at)gmail.com>

Early Evening Yoga is happening tonight at NIRVANA Studio in Slussen Hokens Gata 10
(if you are coming for the first time, it is a yoga studio you will see signs in the window – not to be confused with Natur Reserverat shares the same address and is right next door)

Late Morning Yoga is happening on Friday at 10h15 at Grafisa Sallaskapet in Slusses Hornsgatan 6

*If anyone catches this message early today and wants to catch a Lunchtime Yoga I am teaching today at Noon at Danscenter, please call me o send me a text message at 073-98 08 655 – so I can see if I can book you in

Kramkramkram to all my Yoginis!!
jackie Kleefield < jksoph(at)gmail.com>

At our October mingle the Fulbright Commission in Sweden and The American Club will be announcing a new cooperation on educational exchange and linking cultures. The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, Matthew Barzun, will be speaking and together the Embassy, Fulbright, The American Club and our guests will have a great opportunity for mixing and meeting with contacts old and new. Come join us at Hilton Stockholm Slussen:

Thursday, October 15th, 2009 from 5:30-7:30p.m.

The evening will have plenty of time for networking but the brief program with Fulbright and the Ambassador will be near the beginning so please arrive on time. (registration will be open before 5:30 for those of you who want to get a jump start!) In September we had over 50 people and thie is going to be a unique evening so expect even more! Come hear how the Club is fulfilling our mission to bridge culture and connection between Sweden and the US while growing our opportunities for interesting speakers, events, exchange on educational opportunities and more.

Price: 150SEK
Price includes two beverages (wine/beer/soda/water) and appetizers.
Please bring cash – sorry, we cannot accept credit cards.

It will be good bang for your networking kronor and we welcome all, as always it is open to anyone, at this event to enjoy the mingle/cocktail with our members and guests! Get directions to the hotel here. You should see signs or the Club banner when you enter. If you have any trouble finding us, please ask at the hotel reception desk.

Let us know if you want to volunteer or sponsor at this or any other Third Thursday!

Third Thursday Networking Mixers are held on the third Thursday of each month (except July).

As a rule, Third Thursdays are informal — in the tried-and-true American fashion — business cards, handshakes and a smile. American Club members and non-members are welcome and everyone is encouraged to bring guests.

Bring your Business Cards!

No reservation necessary, just drop in. Non-members welcome!

Would you like to showcase your company, product or services at an upcoming Third Thursday?
Let us know! Sponsorship is affordable and reaches a broad audience in person and online.

Questions? Email 3T@amclubsweden.org or call +46 8-559 21 709

There will be no Monday night Yoga at Block…..it will be move to
Tuesday Night at 17h30 at NIRVANA STUDIO in Slussen, Hokens Gata 10
(not to be confused with Natur Reserverat on the same street)

Then there will be a daytime yoga session:
Wednesday 10h30 at Grafiska Sallaskapet Gallery in Slussen at Hornsgatan 6

Give me a buzz if you are planning to come…..Jackie Kleefield jksoph(at)gmail.com

Monday 18h early-evening yogais full– those of you who have contacted me already last week are booked in.

Wednesday 10h30 pre-lunch yoga — there is space still available …at the beautiful art gallery Grafiska Hornsgatan 6.

Wednesday 17h30 early evening yoga is a new session time/place at a studio also in Slussen area.
If you want to sign up for this class this week please contact me and I will fill you in on the details…
another nice-energy space to discover

>>2 additional Early Evening Yoga sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 17h30 in Slussen area<<

As I always aim to provide for more opportunities to practice your yoga, take advantage and give yourself that class or two a week, good mind, good body, good spirit

If you live in Stockholm there is the English Shop which among all the English goodies (marmite?) and books has a small selection of American foodstuffs.

I just found out about an online food store, My American Market for Americans craving a taste of home and anyone else across Europe that likes American food products.

Hopefully, If you’re an American living in Europe, you are enjoying more slow food, less processed food and seasonal fruits and vegetables than you may have allowed yourself at home, and maybe don’t even miss what is so readily available in the States.

But a friend in the Mediterranean mentioned to me the other day that she still has a hard time eating pancakes without maple syrup. Luckily I can find maple syrup in Stockholm. But if you need boxed cornbread mix…

Use coupon code “BEXPAT21″ until the end of October to get 10% off your order shipped in France and EU+Switzerland.

Happy shopping, eating, baking, etc!

Whether you are a trailing spouse, have moved abroad to study or are just the adventurous type, finding a job in a foreign country is a special challenge. A challenge, yes! But not impossible.

Talk to strangers

Throw yourself into your local market by joining social groups that match your interests. Not only will you meet likeminded people but you will also start forming your local personal network. Don’t be afraid to let everyone in your network know that you are looking for a job. Be sure to find out how you can help others as well. Pretty soon you will have a support group of contacts to help you with your job search. A good place to find social groups is Meet Up: http://www.meetup.com .

When in Rome

Imitate the locals. How do they format their CV’s (resumes)? What information do they include in their cover letters and CV’s? What salutations doe they use? Some countries require personal information including birth date and marital status. Others require including a photo and personal hobbies. Use the search function on the JobsinStockholm.com blog to find CV and cover letter tips for Sweden.

Check your ego at the door

You were a high flyer at your last company poised for a huge promotion. Or perhaps you just got a graduate degree and want a position you feel you deserve. Check your ego at the door. It is possible that you will be offered a position junior to your previous one. And it is equally likely that you may have to accept lower pay. Remember your goal is to get a job in your new country. You should also be prepared to change careers.

Become an entrepreneur

Flex your expertise or follow your passion and start your own business. You can become a consultant or start your own business. The Internet is an open door. Find a niche audience and fulfill a need. JobsinStockholm.com was born out of necessity.

Don’t be a know it all

Take classes to sharpen your skill set. Make sure you are up to date with the skills that are sought after where you live. Make yourself marketable. And by all means learn the local language. While you may be able to find a job in English you will be seen as a better colleague if you can speak the local language around the water cooler.

Finding a job in a foreign country is difficult but not impossible. Develop and use your personal network. Adapt your CV and cover letter to the local market. Don’t be tempted to turn down a job offer with a lesser title or pay. Consider starting your own business and take classes to hone your skills and learn the local language. In time you will be happily employed.

Wednesday Pre-Lunchtime Yoga at 10h30 (Grafiska Sallaskapet Art Gallery)
Space available! bring your yoga matta – or let me know if you need to borrow one

Friday Early Morning at 7h (Block Design studio)
Fresh Energy start to the day! Come and try it, like a good frukost for the body
Need some brave yoginis to come and try it!

My New Yoga Brochures! — pass on the ‘Good Energy’
Your requests for other days/times for yoga are important to me, so you can get to at least one class a week, two classes per week recommended. So send me your thoughts and if you have a group of friends or colleagues who want to get started – think on making your own yoga group! I have made brochures you can give to people who may be interested in joining and want to know more, also for your companies that can host a yoga class in-house.