Weekly Glimpse from Chicago's NPU

A 'pick-up line' you may not have tried.. yet. What is typical Swedish and how would you describe a Swede?  

  • Meredith Anderson speaks Swedish since she studied a semester in Jönköping.

  • Ever wondered about American students' perceptions of Swedes at North Park University? We did, and Erik Kinnhammar, himself a North Parker, took off to find a few answers from fellow Chicago students.

  • David Englund knows some Swedish since he had a Swedish roommate at North Park University.

  • Meredith Anderson, 22-year-old philosophy and Scandinavian studies student
    What is typical Swedish?
    "Typical Swedish is a person who is fashionable, modern and up-to-date on current events."
    How would you describe a Swede?
    "A Swede is classy, well dressed and knows how to host a party."
    Do you know any phrase in Swedish?
    "Vill du dansa med mig efter frukosten?"

  • Tim Ahlberg is of Swedish heritage. His great grandparents emigrated from Sweden.

  • David Englund, 22-year-old exercise science student
    What is typical Swedish?
    "Swedish to me is laid-back, coffee-hungry and stylish."
    How would you describe a Swede?
    "Swedes are quiet, contemplative people with good manners."
    Do you know any phrase in Swedish?
    "Vill du följa med mig hem och titta på min frimärkssamling.… That pick-up line works and has been tested."

  • Tim Ahlberg, 21-year-old accounting student
    What is typical Swedish?
    "They always got snus. Pristine hair. They are eating super bland stuff like potatoes and meatballs."
    How would you describe a Swede?
    "They have their own typical style. There are two distinct groups of Swedes—one group is quiet, reserved and hard to get to know. The other group is super goofy and outgoing with witty humor."
    Do you know any phrase in Swedish?
    "- eh … I don’t know. Or wait! Fika and tre kronor."

  • Glimpse collected by Erik Kinnhammar