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Sweden is renowned for its comprehensive social security system, which provides robust support for various aspects of its citizens' lives. Curious about the specifics, I asked Oscar to tell me more.
First, regarding education, university tuition is free. This allows individuals to pursue higher education without financial concerns, and it enables parents or those who have finished raising their children to attend university easily. In other words, there are ample opportunities for reskilling and lifelong learning.
Furthermore, it's said that few university students in Sweden work part-time. This is because there are systems in place to subsidize living expenses, and if that's not enough, they can even take out low-interest loans. This highlights a key feature of the system: financial support is well-established to allow students to focus on their studies.
School lunches are free in Sweden. At the farm where Oscar worked part-time, they transported the crops they grew to schools.
Next, concerning the work environment, employees receive 25 days of paid leave annually, with the option to take four consecutive weeks in the summer. This system emphasizes work-life balance, allowing individuals to refresh both mind and body through long trips and other activities.
As for parental leave, parents collectively receive 480 days. During this period, although not at full salary, there's a guarantee of income, allowing parents to focus on childcare with peace of mind.
Sweden boasts a high level of national happiness. I was reminded that one reason for this is the country’s incredibly comprehensive social security system. This system enables individuals to emphasize their own lives while gaining a diverse array of experiences—something I found very appealing.
Oscar Karlsson
(Nickname: Oscar)
2nd-year student, College of International Management
(Published in the morning edition of the Oita Godo Shimbun on March 25, 2025)
Based on a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Oita Godo Newspaper, since January 2022, Student PR Assistants (SPA) have been contributing their interviews with international students to the life and culture section of the newspaper’s morning edition. SPA will introduce different cultures and the interesting topics they raise from an authentic, student perspective. These student writers take this opportunity to get the newspaper’s readership and students interested in the world. They also aim to improve their skills with the aid of professional editors.
Hello, everyone! I am Rena, an APS 4th year. My hobby is mountain climbing. Enjoying the seasons is the true pleasure of mountain climbing. Through my activities in SPA, I want to share the charms of APU with everyone. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
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