Dr. Ana Maria Grubišić on Life in Sweden and Zrinka’s Swedish School

Ana Maria Grubišić is a medical doctor from Zagreb, Croatia. She and her partner Filip recently moved to Sweden—or, more precisely, to Stockholm, the country’s capital.

They decided to make this move after mastering Swedish at Zrinka’s Swedish School, where they also received additional support and necessary information about relocation.

Below are her impressions. They will be especially useful if you’re considering moving to the Land of the Midnight Sun yourself!

New Experiences and a Better Work Environment as Motivation for Leaving

Dr. Grubišić says she and her partner Filip wanted to leave Croatia to experience something new and different. However, the main reasons for leaving were the desire for professional advancement and a better work environment for healthcare professionals.

Why Did They Choose Sweden?

According to Dr. Grubišić, she and her partner chose Sweden because it offers an excellent balance between work and private life, a stable healthcare system, and excellent working conditions.

This is confirmed by numerous public studies and analyses.

For example, Swedish citizens rated their overall life satisfaction at an average of 7.3 out of 10—higher than the OECD average of 6.7.

Additionally, the average life expectancy in Sweden is 83 years, two years higher than the OECD average of 81 years.

Therefore, Sweden is not only rich in natural beauty but also a country where citizens enjoy a high quality of life.

Their decision to move was further eased by the fact that they already have many friends living in Sweden.

Family and Friends’ Reactions to the Decision to Relocate

Dr. Grubišić reveals that the reactions of their loved ones to the decision to relocate were varied.

Her parents saw it as a natural step since they themselves had often moved to other countries, while Filip’s parents were somewhat more concerned about the new environment and distance.

However, seeing they were satisfied with their choice, they eventually gave them full support and were proud of their success.

Where Does Dr. Grubišić Work, and Is She Satisfied with Her Job in Sweden?

“I work in a vårdcentral, an institution similar to a health center, in the field of family medicine,” says Dr. Grubišić.

She finds the job very interesting, primarily because it encompasses various medical fields. She and her partner have roles as primary pediatricians and gynecologists in the vårdcentral, which can be challenging but also very beneficial for professional development.

“Vårdcentrals are actually the ‘backbone’ of the Swedish healthcare system, with the ability to conduct various diagnostic tests and call in specialists from hospitals for additional consultations when necessary,” she adds.

Furthermore, Dr. Grubišić appreciates that she can always consult senior colleagues. They are always extremely kind and willing to help, “which means a lot when I encounter more complex cases.”

Advantages

The advantages of working in the Swedish healthcare system include flexible working hours that allow for a better balance between work and private life, and the so-called fika—a break of 45 minutes to an hour, which is an important part of the work culture.

Emphasis on teamwork facilitates collaboration and allows for consultations with specialists when needed.

Disadvantages

Working in a vårdcentral can be demanding because it involves caring for a wide range of patients, including primary pediatrics and gynecology.

Knowledge of the Swedish Language Is Crucial

Dr. Grubišić and her partner knew that language proficiency is crucial for successful integration and professional advancement.

To improve her communication skills and be as prepared as possible for life and work in the new country, she proactively started a course. For her future position as a doctor, she needed a C1 level of Swedish.

Zrinka’s Swedish School

Dr. Grubišić decided to enroll in Zrinka’s Swedish School, which offers tailored programs for healthcare professionals, based on recommendations from friends and positive reviews.

Before coming to Zrinka’s Swedish School, she attended a course at another school and completed the B2 level.

She continued with the advanced C1 level and also completed medical Swedish, where the terms, vocabulary, and situations covered are very relevant to work in healthcare.

At Zrinka’s Swedish School, she encountered very professional and engaged instructors, including Zrinka herself, who encouraged using the language in practical situations. This is crucial for everyday communication.

Additionally, Dr. Grubišić notes that at the time of submitting documentation for her Swedish license, Zrinka already had all the necessary documentation prepared to verify her language proficiency level, which expedited the licensing process.

Dr. Grubišić Successfully Communicates at Work After a Short Period of Language Learning

“The feeling is great, and I’m proud of my progress,” says Dr. Grubišić.

Although it was challenging at first and took some time to adjust, daily use of the Swedish language contributed to greater confidence.

Colleagues and patients are very understanding and appreciate the effort, which greatly helps Dr. Grubišić and facilities adapting to the new environment and language.

Advice for Healthcare Professionals Considering Relocation

“My advice is to get well-informed about the country and working conditions and to take language learning seriously. Good knowledge of the language is crucial for successful integration and work. It’s also important to be ready and open to new challenges when adapting to a new system,” says Dr. Grubišić.

“Also, keep in mind that no system or country is perfect; all have their advantages and disadvantages. So, be prepared for challenging moments. With the right approach and support, though, the experience can be extremely beneficial and enriching,” she concludes.

Thinking About Relocating but Don’t Know Swedish?

If so, we recommend Zrinka’s Swedish School, which allows you to choose a course immediately and learn Swedish with expert guidance. Upon completion, you receive a certificate, and besides Swedish, you’ll easily understand Danish and Norwegian.

Our team is at your disposal not only for language learning but also for finding a job, obtaining a license, and relocating—not only to Sweden but also to other European countries.

If you’re seriously considering relocation, contact us. We are with you throughout the entire process!