Language lunch opens new doors

Michelle has recently moved to Skövde. She and her husband are originally from Los Angeles, USA but most recently from Germany where they lived for a few years. They have moved 16 times in 20 years because of her husband's job in the computer games industry. Now she hopes they will settle in Skövde with their two-year-old son.

- That's why we got a house straight away, laughs Michelle, which also needs a lot of renovation. It feels like we're putting down more roots from the start.

Michelle was one of the participants at the premiere of Skövde's language lunch for international talents. During the premiere lunch, the Business Lounge was filled with expectant people with the common denominator that they had all moved to Skövde from another country. Some for work or studies, others as co-transferees to a partner who got a job in one of Skövde's key areas of Game Development, IT/Tech and Smart Industry.

A "Dagens" or cup of coffee was bought from the Café Växthuset and after a brief presentation of the purpose of the language lunch and the environment in Science Park Skövde, it was time to start introducing themselves. There were suggestions for simpler Swedish presentation phases; "Hi, my name is..." I have moved here from..." "In my spare time I like to...".

The purpose of the language lunch is to help Skövde's international talents to thrive, network and integrate more quickly into the local community. The aim is for it to be held once a month, a collaboration between Skövde Municipality and Science Park Skövde.

- Employers are turning abroad in search of the right skills to a greater extent. Companies are facing major challenges when it comes to future skills supply, and many of us can contribute to creating a positive image of Skövde so that more people choose to move here. By supporting these international talents in various ways so that they thrive, we create good ambassadors who in turn can attract more people to take the step, says Louise Hallberg, Talent Attraction Manager at Skövde Municipality.

Michelle works as a writer for an American real estate company and is fortunate to be able to take her work with her wherever she moves. But why did Michelle choose to attend the language lunch?

- Honestly, to meet new friends. In the long run, I also hope that my Swedish will improve.

But she also has other plans.

- I was very happy when I saw that the language lunch would be held at Science Park Skövde. It's a creative environment with people who I hope to connect with.

Michelle enjoys living in Skövde, even though she hasn't really had time to explore everything in the city yet. But moving to a new country is not just about moving to a new country, she confirms.

- The hardest thing is probably all this waiting for things to work. Waiting for your social security number, waiting for your residence permit. Such things that you need for a functioning everyday life.

But she does not doubt for a second that it is worth it. Her recommendation to others considering moving to Sweden and Skövde is:

- Just dare to do it!