Yale Summer Session in Sweden: Writing in Stockholm

Description

Imagine being a teenage Viking—standing on the prow of a longship, wind stinging your face. Or picture yourself as a young refugee newly arrived in Scandinavia, trying to decode a strange language while making sense of an entirely new world.  Well... here’s your chance to write such a story while living in the very landscape that inspires it.

The best writing comes when you’re inspired and what better inspiration than Stockholm itself? Join us for an epic four-week adventure as our group of twelve writers bands together to explore the city and its surrounding islands.  We’ll wander through the medieval alleys of Old Town, ferry out across the archipelago, and climb ancient Viking mounds. The idea is simple: immerse yourselves fully (in place, history, atmosphere) and WRITE!

Over the month, we’ll form a close-knit circle of writers -- reading young adult literature, swapping pages, trading feedback, and encouraging one another as we begin to carve out the early chapters of a YA novel. 

Pack your hiking shoes; we’ll be walking everywhere. Pack your laptop and notebooks; they’re coming with us (even into the forests). This trip is built for those who want to write, explore, and tap into the deep wells of story that Sweden offers.

All instruction will be in English. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Courses & Credits

Participants enroll in ENGL S3442 and receive 2 Yale credits.

ENGL S3442 is approved as an intermediate course in the undergraduate Creative Writing Specialization.

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs led by Yale instructors. 

Tuition & Fees

SUMMER 2026

*Additional out-of-pocket costs not billed by Yale include: air fare, meals, books, class materials, and transportation to and from the classroom. See YSS Programs Abroad: Costs & Funding for more information about coverage options and answers to general FAQ.

Instructors

Jake Halpern, Lecturer in English, Creative Writing

Jake Halpern is a Pulitzer Prize winning writer and former Fulbright Scholar. He’s a New York Times best-selling author and the host of Deep Cover, the Pushkin podcast that recently hit No. 1 on the Apple charts and was named one of the year’s best by The New York Times. His writing appears in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and plenty of other places.  He loves traveling — which is why he’s teaching this class — and when he’s not working, he loves hiking in the mountains with his wife, his two kids, and their 100-pound dog, Milo.

Class Times

To be determined and are subject to change with notice from the instructor.  As a two-credit program, Young Adult Writing will have a minimum of 65 contact hours.

Classroom Location

Classes will primarily be held at the DIS Stockholm Center -- Melodislingan 21, 115 51, Stockholm.

Money & Budgeting

Many participants find a combination of credit and debit cards to be the most convenient way of accessing money while abroad. It is important to have a backup option, such as a second card or some cash, in case of emergency.

Participants should bring a moderate amount (equivalent to about $100 USD) in Swedish krona (SEK) when leaving the U.S. to cover initial expenses like public transit fares, snacks, and phone calls for the first couple of days. Please note that participants will likely need more than this amount for out-of-pocket expenses throughout the program’s duration.

Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK), which fluctuates in value against the U.S. dollar. Stockholm, as the capital, can be relatively expensive, but participants can save money by eating at local cafés, casual eateries, and supermarkets rather than at higher-end restaurants. Tap water in Sweden is safe to drink everywhere and is routinely provided in restaurants without charge, though bottled water is also available. Local markets and grocery stores offer an affordable way to buy groceries and snacks.

Tipping in Sweden is not required, as service is generally included in the bill. However, it is common to round up to the nearest 10 SEK or leave small change as a gesture of appreciation for good service in cafés and restaurants.

Trips and Activities

On every Yale Summer Session Program Abroad, learning extends outside of the classroom. Participants can expect a variety of integrated activities and excursions that enhance the academic goals of the program. Trips and activities listed below are included as examples only and are subject to change. 

All required activities and excursion include transportation (when outside of the host city), entrance fees, and most meals.

• Gamla Stan (Old Town) – Medieval streets, architecture, and history.
• Stockholm Archipelago boat tour – Interviews with local fishermen and sailors.
• Refugee resettlement center – Profiles of residents.
• Vaxholm Fortress – Maritime heritage and coastal storytelling.
• Skansen Open-Air Museum – Historical settings for fiction.
• Birka Viking Village – Reimagining Viking-era narratives.
• Djurgården Park – Outdoor writing session.
• Junibacken – Exploring Swedish children’s literature.

Transit Passes

Students will receive transit passes for Stockholm's public transit system.

Housing

All participants are required to live in program-provided housing while abroad and are not permitted to arrange housing independently. International housing is guaranteed from the first day of the program until the official end date.

Students will be housed in DIS-arranged accommodations in Stockholm, with access to kitchens, laundry, and wifi. DIS housing has shared rooms and is located within walking distance of the DIS center or easily accessible with public transit. Details on housing assignments and meal arrangements will be provided closer to departure.

Meals

Students will be responsible for all meals except special group dinners or meals during day-long excursions.

Notes

Climate

Stockholm summers are mild to warm, with average daytime temperatures in June and July ranging from 65–75 °F (18–24 °C). Rain is occasional, so a light waterproof jacket is recommended. Evenings can be cool, so bring layers.

Packing Considerations

1. Pack light: Participants will be able to do laundry and will likely return home with new items from the host country. Be prepared to carry your luggage over cobblestone streets, up several flights of stairs, and on multiple modes of transportation without assistance.

2. Carry-on essentials: Always keep critical items like your passport, medications, and electronics in your carry-on bag.

Packing suggestions:

• Comfortable walking shoes (many cobblestone streets and outdoor excursions).
• A light jacket or sweater for evenings.
• One smart-casual outfit for evening events.
• Lightweight raincoat or umbrella.
• Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for outdoor excursions.

Clothing

Stockholmers are known for their chic yet understated style, often favoring clean lines, neutral colors, and practical elegance. Participants should bring at least one dressy outfit, such as dress pants and a button-down shirt (a lightweight blazer is optional but recommended) or a stylish skirt and blouse/dress with appropriate shoes, for evening events or special occasions.

Casual clothing is widely worn in Stockholm, but neat, well-coordinated outfits are the norm. Shorts are acceptable in summer, particularly in casual settings, but many locals opt for trousers, casual skirts, or dresses for a polished look in the city.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you will spend time on cobblestone streets and during excursions to parks, islands, and historic districts. High heels are generally impractical for everyday wear. For summer, a light jacket or sweater is useful for cooler evenings, and a rainproof layer is recommended given Sweden’s occasional summer showers. Sunglasses, a sunhat, and breathable fabrics will help you stay comfortable outdoors.

Electricity Adapters

Sweden uses Type C and Type F plugs. Most laptops, phones, and larger electronics are dual-voltage and require only a plug adapter. Smaller appliances such as American hair dryers or straighteners may not work even with adapters due to voltage differences, so it is best to purchase or borrow these locally if needed.

Social Interactions and Cultural Considerations

Swedes value punctuality, respect for personal space, and understated politeness. When entering shops or restaurants, a simple “Hej” (hello) is appreciated. For some religious or historic sites, modest dress is advised.

Stockholm is considered very safe, but students are expected to observe basic travel precautions. English is widely spoken, and high-quality healthcare facilities are easily accessible. 

Questions

For general program questions, contact studyabroad@yale.edu.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

Apply to a YSS Program Abroad