I love to learn and Sweden feels like a paradise for lifelong learning. Apart from formal adult education covering upper and post-secondary education, Sweden has a strong history of non-formal adult education that has existed for more than a hundred years. It is called non-formal because, in general, it doesn’t lead to any formal degree and it is based on the participants’ interests and needs to learn. This kind of education is available to everyone, it is free from government intervention and receives public support. This sounds good… Let’s dig a bit deeper.  

Swedish non-formal adult education is mainly organized by study associations having different target groups, aims, and preferred topics. Apart from organizing cultural events, seminars, and projects, the study associations organize the study circles.

Study circles: a massive phenomenon in Sweden

In a study circle, a small group of people (often 3–10 people) meet regularly to learn about something they are interested in while exchanging experiences and knowledge with each other. Ahhh it sounds so lovely! When it comes to the topic, it can be almost ANYTHING! From learning to play an instrument or a language, studying art history or pottery, recording a podcast, writing a movie script, programming, to trying crochet or carpentry.

Are you interested in animals, nature, environment, and culture? Then check Studiefrämjandet, one of the largest study associations in Sweden, with no ties to any political or religious interests. Are you into art? Sensus organizes study circles for music, choirs, and theatre groups; Kulturens Bildningsverksamhet focuses on cultural activities such as singing, music, dance, theatre/drama, film, and art. Apart from the well-known Swedish courses for inmigrants (SFI), Folkuniversitetet offers several courses on acting, painting, and photography in English.

I would love to join the study circle Design, Art, Craft & Integration offered by Bilda where participants meet with Swedish artists and gain knowledge about Swedish design, and techniques, practice language, and hang out. This study circle has been essential for Ukrainian women to meet to create art, get to know artists, and learn Swedish.

Learning new skills is always important to improve our competitiveness and employability. Apart from learning about your topic of interest, joining study circles enhances social inclusion, and citizen participation and is a great way to connect with Swedish society.

And the last thing. You can start your study circle. Study associations strongly encourage and support individuals. To start your study circle you need to decide on a topic and contact a study association in your locality. They will help you further with study materials, premises, equipment, and coaching. And if that is not enough, starting a study cycle is free of charge for the one who brings and develops the idea. Ufff, amazing!

1. ABF
2. Bilda
3. Folkuniversitetet
4. Ibn Rushd
5. Kulturens
6. Medborgarskolan
7. NBV
8. Sensus  
9. Studiefrämjandet
10. StudieförbundenVuxenskolan

**Cover picture by Matthieu Comoy on Unsplash

This post is part of a series about things I love about Sweden. The order does not reflect the importance!