USAC Sweden: Växjö/Kalmar

Växjö is the capital of the Kronoberg region in southeastern Sweden. It was an important trading center as early as the eighth century and is located in the heart of the “Kingdom of Crystal,” so-called because world famous glassworks such as Kosta Boda and Orrefors are located there. Växjö is also known for its high-tech industry, paper and furniture manufacturing.

The Kalmar campus is located on Sweden’s Baltic Coast, opposite the island of Öland. Kalmar and the surrounding areas also have a long tradition of craftsmanship in textiles, ceramics, glass and furniture. Linnaeus University, the second largest university in southern Sweden, has an enrollment of approximately 35,000 Swedish and international students from over 50 countries studying at the two campuses. Although the majority of courses at the university are taught in Swedish, there are many courses in a wide range of fields taught in English which are open to USAC students.

The university has two campuses. One is a central campus situated south of the Växjö town center in a park-like setting, five kilometers from the city center and close to a historic country house, Teleborgs Slott. Everything one might need is located on campus in Växjö. The other campus is located in Kalmar, on the Baltic coast. The Kalmar campus facilities are integrated into the town, rather than being on a centralized campus, but everything is within biking distance.

USAC students are welcome to become full members of the Linnaeus International Students’ organization, which arranges excursions, international evenings, and many other intercultural activities. For a small fee, students also join the Student Union, which organizes social, educational, and cultural activities and trips. The Student Union also has an International Student Life Coordinator that is working full time to assist international students in all sorts of issues.

English, Swedish