FAQ
Adminstrative
| Who can participate in the GA? | All Ex-PYs, their loved ones, and their friends can participate. Kindly note that Ex-PYs will be given preference in the registration due to limitations in accommodation. An Ex-PY can invite +1 person who only can register during the ordinary registration period. |
| Who are eligible for pre-registration? | The pre-registration option is available exclusively for the Ex-PYs of SWY. All other friends and family of Ex-PYs are welcome to apply during the ordinary registration period. |
| I am an Ex-PY of SSEAYP but not SWY. Am I eligible to participate in your GA? | Even though this SWY-GA is meant to gather Ex-PYs of SWY primarily, we welcome Ex-PYs of all IYEO programs. |
| I am not an Ex-PY of any of the IYEO programs. Am I allowed to participate in the GA? | The GA is for Ex-PYs of SWY or other IYEO programs. If you are not an Ex-PY you may participate in the GA only as a companion of an Ex-PY. You are not eligible to participate as a non-SWY private person. |
| Is there any age limit to participate in the GA in Sweden? | There is no age restriction to participate in the GA. However, if you are planning to bring a minor they will need to be under your complete care during the official and optional programs. |
| Are there any bans or restrictions towards PYs from certain nations? | One of the core values of SWY is to promote international cooperation and cultivate cohesiveness through interaction. As such we will not exlude or limit PYs from certain nationalities to participate in the GA. |
| Can I participate in the GA online? | Unfortunately, we don’t have any arrangements for an online GA. |
| Whom can I contact regarding food allergies or dietary restrictions? | When you apply for GA you will fill in an application form which includes questions about allergies and dietary restrictions. Be sure that you put all the information in the form so we can accommodate your needs. In general, we are planning for all meals to have vegetarian and halal options. |
| Will I get a certificate of participation after the GA? | Yes, a certificate of participation can be issued upon request. |
General
| What is the currency in Sweden? | The currency in Sweden is called Swedish Kronor (SEK). You can check the exchange rates via this link: https://www.xe.com/ |
| What payment methods are available in Sweden and how much cash should I bring? | You do not need to bring cash. All stores and shops accept VISA and MasterCard (and many accept American Express). You might also encounter cash-free stores. It’s getting harder and harder to pay by cash in Sweden. So bring a credit card that works internationally, like VISA or MasterCard. |
| Which type of electric sockets are used in Sweden? | The power sockets in Sweden are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. |
| Can I drink the tap water in Sweden? | Yes! No need to buy bottled water. All tap water in Sweden is drinkable water, therefore it’s a great idea to bring a reusable water bottle that you easily can fill with water for active and warmer days. In the rare case the tap water is not drinkable there should be be a sign that says so. |
| What is the temperature and weather going to be like? | Well well well! Even the meteorology department will scratch their head before answering this question. The temperatures in Sweden are sometimes unpredictable. It can be under 20 degrees Celsius or above 30 in August. We recommend that you have comfortable summer clothes for the warm daytime and and extra layers for the chilly evenings. We have ordered sunny weather every day, but for your safety also bring a rain jacket in case our order failed! Here is the link to check whether updates: https://www.smhi.se/en/q/Stockholm/2673730 https://visitsweden.com/about-sweden/summer/ |
| What language do you speak in Sweden? | Swedish is the official and main language spoken in Sweden. However, you will be able to communicate with a majority of the population in English without any problems. |
| What foods are typically Swedish? | Some typical Swedish foods are meatballs, gravad lax (cured salmon with mustard sauce), the viking classic of crispy flat bread, pickled herring and palt (meat filled dumplings). For Fika (dessert) there are cinnamon buns, princess cake, semla and so much more to explore! Foodies can read more about Swedish cuisine here: https://sweden.se/culture/food/10-things-to-know-about-swedish-food https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/food-drink/swedish-kitchen/all-about-swedish-fika/ https://www.visitstockholm.com/eat-drink/restaurants/swedish-classics/ |
| Which places can I visit to see local things i.e. flea markets, ice cream shops, unique stores, bars, etc.? | Depending on where you are att the point of time, you can search for “loppis” in Google Maps to find the nearest flea market, or “glass” to find the ice cream shops nearby. The official websites about Stockholm and Sweden below are also good guides to start your exploring: https://www.visitstockholm.com https://visitsweden.com https://sweden.se |
| What is a good Swedish souvenir to bring home? | Typical souvenirs from Sweden can vary from edibles such as Swedish chocolates/cookies/candies to mementos related to The Dala Horse, moose and vikings. |
Logistics
| Do I need a visa to come to Sweden? | Visa requirements depends entirely on your nationality. If you are a European citizen, or if you hold a Schengen visa then you don’t need another visa to enter Sweden. Here is a link where you can choose your country and check whether you need a visa or not. With the same link, you can also learn about everything you need to apply for a visa. You should apply for a tourist visa so you easily can get the visa approved. https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/ |
| Do I need to take any vaccines to come to Sweden? | There are no vaccination requirements in order to visit Sweden or before leaving the country. |
| Can I join the GA if I am in a wheelchair or have another functional disability? | Yes, you can and you are very welcome to join. Infrastructures in Sweden including the transportation systems have been buit to assist people that have special needs. So, it shouldn’t be a problem for you. Kindly note that you might not be able to take part in some of the planned activities. |
| Which airport in Stockholm should I fly to? | We recommend that you fly to the main international airport in Sweden – Stockholm Arlanda international airport (ARN). Our volunteers are going to be at the Arlanda airport on the arrival day 3rd of August to assist you with finding the correct means of transportation. Another alternative is the Bromma international airport (BMA), but you will have to organize and pay for your transportation to the hotel by yourself. |
| How do I get from the airport to the hotel? | Our volunteers are going to be at the Arlanda airport on the arrival day 3rd of August to assist you with finding the correct means of transportation that is included in the participation fee. However, in case you choose to fly to the Bromma international airport (BMA), you will have to organize and pay for your transportation to the hotel by yourself. |
| How do I get from the airport to Stockholm if I arrive at a different day than the arrival day 3rd of August? How do I get to the airport after the official program if I am not attending optional tour? | Our volunteers will only assist you at the airport on the arrival day 3rd of August. If you arrive at a different day the volunteers will unfortunately be busy with other tasks. If you are not attending optional tour and departing after the official program, you will have to get back to the airport without our assistance, since all volunteers are needed at optional tour. Apart from local taxi services and ondemand car services, there are three public transport alternatives we recommend; Arlanda express (express train, 20min), Flygbussarna (bus, 45min) and SL commuter train (local train, 40min). These three options are the most commonly used, but if you wish to look into further alternatives please refer to the Swedavia airports website below. Arlanda express is the most expensive but fastest option. If you choose to travel with them and you’re more than one traveller, we then recommend buying a group ticket for a reduced price. Arlanda express: https://www.arlandaexpress.com/#alt Flygbussarna: https://www.flygbussarna.se/en/ SL commuter train: https://sl.se/en/in-english/fares–tickets/visitor-tickets/travel-to-and-from-arlanda-airport/ Swedavia website on transportation: https://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/transport/ |
| Does my phone number work in Sweden? | It depends on your phone subscription. If you are using a SIM-card from one of the EU countries, then you should be able to call, text and use your phone internet in Sweden without additional charges or limitations. If your subscription is from outside the EU, you might need to pay for roaming and to get your phone number working in Sweden. |
| What do I do if I have an emergency while in Sweden? | We hope you won’t face such a situation. But, if it happens, the emergency number in Sweden is 112 for all emergency services (police, ambulance and fire department). You will be able to communicate in English. |
| In case of a medical emergency, do I need any insurance to get the help I need? | We strongly advice that you have a travel insurance that covers emergency medical needs while in Sweden. SWYAA Sweden will not cover medical expenses. Please be in contact with your insurance company to make sure your medical needs are covered during the GA. |
Official Program
| What is the address of the accommodation during the official program? | You will be staying at Hotel C Stockholm, Vasaplan 4, 111 20 Stockholm. |
| What services does the hotel provide? | Facilities available at Hotel C in Stockholm include a fitness center, restaurant, and bar. Laundry service is available at a cost. Breakfast buffet is provided. For more information, please refer to https://hotelcstockholm.com/startsida/faq/ |
| Where is the closest pharmacy to the accomodation? What are their opening hours? | The closest pharmacy to Hotel C is Apoteket C W Scheele located at Klarabergsgatan 64, 111 81 Stockholm. They are open 24/7. |
| What is the public transport called in Stockholm? | The most common one is called SL. We will provide you with a 72-hour ticket, which means that you can travel by metro, tram, commuter train and bus as much as you like during those hours. If you need to extend the ticket you have to do that by yourself. Check out their website for more information: https://sl.se/en/in-english |
| What on demand transportations are available in Stockholm (eg. scooters and taxis)? | Uber and Bolt are widely known on-demand transportation systems, besides the regular taxi service. Taxi in Sweden is expensive and the price is not negotiable. Here’s the website to the biggest taxi company in Stockholm: https://www.taxistockholm.se/en You can also find a wide range of scooters which you can pick-up from train stations or bus stops via an app on your phone. |
| Can my non-SWY companions take part in the official program? | Yes, they are welcome to attend the official program including the institutional visits. Kindly note that they can only be observers during any official presentations. |
| What dress codes do I need to take into consideration for the official program? | The four GA dress codes are: – Formal (suits, national costume) – Smart casual (long slacks or trousers, polo-neck shirt, dressy shirt, shirts with collar, dress) – Casual (daily activity clothes) – Active wear (volonteer work, wear and tear, sporty) |
Optional Tour
| What is the address of the accommodation during the optional program? | You will be staying at Västerängs Lägergård, Södra Kärra 502, 591 99 Motala. |
| Can I still join the optional tour even if I can’t attend the official program? | Of course! Make sure to be in Stockholm well in time for the departure of the optional tour. The optional tour takes place four hours outside of Stockholm, and it’s difficult to get there by public transport. |
| I’m only attending the optional tour, when do I need to arrive to Stockholm to join you? How do we get to the optional tour together? | We will provide GA-buses that depart directly from the official program farewell dinner venue at 20:00. For those of you joining us only for optional tour, you will need to arrive to Hotel C before 19:00 where our volunteers will assist you. Hotel C is located right next to Stockholm central station. Please consider the time needed at the airport when arriving, such as customs, baggage claim, walking at the terminal and finding your Stockholm transportation. If you cannot catch the organized GA-bus by arriving at 19:00 in Stockholm C, you will have to arrange your own transportation to the campsite. From Arlanda airport you can take a bus to Örebro, see more bus-information below. Once in Örebro, for a fee of 50USD, we can arrange a car to come pick you up and drive you to the campsite. Bus-information, Arlanda – Örebro: https://www.bus4you.se/populara-relationer/arlanda-orebro/#!/ |
| Can you provide some information about the accommodation such as what is provided and what I need to bring? | The accommodation is hostel-like facility where bedlinen will be provided. However, your are expected to bring your own towels and personal hygiene products. There will be shared toilets and showers, males and females seperated. A laundry room is also available. Since the location is surrounded by nature, it might be wise to bring some mosquito/insect repellents. |
| What should I pack for optional tour? | Temperatures can shift between 16 and 30 degrees, with both sunny and rainy weather. So in general it’s good to bring clothes and layers for all types of weather. Apart from your regular casual clothing we recommend bringing the following: – Clothes for outdoor games and sports that can get a little bit dirty – Rain jacket – Warmer jacket – Swimming clothes or beach wear (lake, sauna, hot tub is available at site) – Comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing – Running/active shoes for outdoor games and hiking – Sunglasses, SPF sun protection/sun block, hat/cap for the sun – Personal hygiene items, i.e. schampoo, body soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. – Insect repellents (preferably eco-friendly products without DEET) – Towels: seperate shower towel and beach towel – Eye mask/Sleeping mask (The nights don’t get very dark in summer) – Earplugs (we will be sleeping in shared rooms) |
| Where can I find more tourist information about Västeräng and the area around Vättern lake? | For more information about the area, please visit: https://runtvattern.se/ |
| How do I get back to Arlanda airport or Stockholm after the optional tour? | We will have two buses departing from Västeräng the 11th of August. The bus will make two stops, one at Arlanda Airport and finally at Stockholm central. Early bus will depart 06:30, depending on traffic arriving at Arlanda around 10:00. Second bus will depart at 09:30, arriving to Arlanda around 13:00. After stopping at Arlanda, it will take approximately 50min for the bus to arrive to Stockholm C. |