Why I chose Sweden: critical thinking

Experiencing Critical Thinking in Sweden

I chose to study in Sweden because I was drawn to its unique approach to education. While working with a Swedish university in Vietnam, my boss often spoke about how Swedish education emphasizes critical and independent thinking. This was very different from the traditional learning-by-heart style I was used to, and I wanted to experience this for myself.

My First Assignment

One of my first assignments in Sweden perfectly showcased this emphasis on critical thinking. We were asked to explore what culture means by keeping daily journals of our life in Sweden and then writing about culture based on our experiences and some literature we read.

Keeping a Journal

Every day, I wrote down my observations and thoughts about life in Sweden. I noted small things, like how people interact, and bigger things, like societal values and traditions. These daily notes helped me see how different Swedish culture is from my own.

No Absolute Answers

One of the most striking aspects of my assignments in my program is that none of them have an absolute answer. Instead of looking for the “right” answer, we are encouraged to explore different perspectives, ask questions, and form our own understanding. This method has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, pushing me to think critically and independently.

Unconventional Subjects

In my class, we even studied mushrooms in a humanities subject. Who would study mushrooms in a humanities subject? We did. We looked at mushrooms as a whole new world, one that thrives on collaboration and relationships with others underneath the surface. This approach taught me to see connections and interactions in unexpected places, reinforcing the idea of questioning and exploring the world around me. It’s time to look at ecology in the bigger picture.

The Value of Critical Thinking

This assignment was a great example of how Swedish education encourages critical thinking. Instead of just memorizing facts, I had to reflect on my own experiences and connect them with theoretical ideas. This way of learning has been very enriching and has helped me think more deeply about different topics. It taught me to always ask questions and seek deeper understanding.

Studying in Sweden has been a wonderful experience. The emphasis on critical and independent thinking is exactly what I was looking for. It’s a refreshing change from the traditional education methods I was used to, and it has helped me grow both academically and personally.

Phuong, Culture and Change