Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get to crafting. Consider painting a Dala horse, recreating traditional wood carvings, craft a Midsummer floral head wreath, or make a woven heart for Christmastime.
Need more inspiration? Check out these virtual tours of the famous Vasa Museum.
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. Some ideas for Sweden include:
- Pippi Longstocking (1988)
- ABBA: The Movie (1977)
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)*
*Rated R (may not be suitable for all students)
Learn some history
Walk through Scandinavian history in the cultural capital of Sweden. Learn about Sweden’s military past, from the story of the atrocious Stockholm Bloodbath to the Swedes’ role in World War II. Then, tour some of Sweden’s ancient history and modern marvels with this virtual tour of The Royal Palaces.
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson
- Still Waters by Viveca Sten
- Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Know a chef? Hold a virtual Swedish meatball cooking class with your travel group, or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Try kanelbulle, kladdkaka, filmjölk, toast skagen, foraged berries, and herring.
Learn the language
Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common Swedish sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
One of the most popular flavors of ice cream in Sweden is salmiakki, or salty licorice, which is usually coal black in color.