Amal changed his career and his future by learning Swedish
When Amal Vincent Arthur’s wife got the opportunity to study in Sweden, he chose to leave his native India. Amal moved to Sweden in 2022. Apart from the cold, his first impression of Sweden was that he ended up in a friendly, orderly, and systematic country. Two years later, Amal says he likes Sweden and plans to stay here with his family.
– I have 20 years of experience working with migration issues in southern India,” Amal explains. “After moving to Sweden, I’ve had to start all over again with my studies.”
Amal’s wife now works at IKEA, and they live with their 7-year-old son in Ramlösa, Helsingborg. Already, Amal says he likes Sweden and plans to stay with his family.
What have you learned while at SFI?
– I have learned a lot. Initially, it was very difficult, but the teachers made it possible for me to pass my courses and finish SFI. I received very good guidance throughout my education and very good help to develop in the language. My classmates have also been very supportive. The hardest part for me has been pronunciation, but I’ve been encouraged all the time that I’m good at writing.
What do you value the most about SFI?
–The flexibility and the personal approach. Thanks to my teachers, Alexandra and Lisa, I was able to pause my studies when I had to go to India to treat pain in my shoulders and arms. They gave me homework that I could do remotely, which made it easier for me to stay on track and resume my courses when I came back to Sweden.
Why should people study SFI at Folkuniversitetet?
At Folkuniversitetet, there’s a friendly and helpful atmosphere. The quality of the teaching is high, and the program is flexible and adapted to students. If you need to leave earlier some days, it isn’t a problem.
What are your best tips for learning Swedish?
- Practice, practice, and practice what you have learned. Otherwise, you’ll forget.
- Speak Swedish daily.
- Read something in Swedish every day.
- Have a goal to start thinking in Swedish as much as you think in your dominant language.
What are your dreams for the future?
– I’ve understood that it would take a lot to get a Swedish job related to migration issues. Therefore, I’ve chosen to change careers. I’ve trained in the food sector, and my goal now is to work in the industry. I want to continue developing my Swedish and I am currently taking driving lessons, as a driving license is required for most of the jobs I am applying for.
– I think it’s great to see that my son gets a chance to enjoy his childhood – largely thanks to the fact that the education system for young children is slower in Sweden than in India. Here there’s an opportunity to be outside and play in the snow or rain. In Sweden, we can enjoy life in a completely different way!