Stockholm, Sweden: Health and Well-being
Program Dates
| Arrival | August 16, 2025 |
| Classes Start | August 21, 2025 |
| Classes End and Departure | December 12, 2025 |
Costs and Financial Aid
The cost of the program is $30,627 and includes all registration fees and tuition, overseas insurance, flights, passport, visa, pre-departure costs, housing, excursions, meals, and estimated personal expenses during the semester abroad.
You will be able to apply for federal and institutional financial aid to cover a portion or all costs of this program.
Application
The application for Fall 2025 is now open. You must indicate your interest in this program on your UT Austin application. You will then receive a supplementary application in your MyStatus portal. The deadline to apply to UT Austin is December 1, 2024 and the supplemental application for Take the World by the Horns must be received by December 11, 2024.
Health and Well-being
Explore health and well-being in Stockholm, the largest city in Scandinavia, known for its place on the cutting edge of research, technology and activism. Take the World by the Horns takes you outside the classroom and into research centers, clinics and public spaces to experience the systems that foster wellness firsthand.
You will enroll in four courses offered by our partner, DIS Stockholm, that focus on broader aspects of Swedish life, including Swedish language and culture. DIS courses combine traditional classroom instruction with engaging visits to local sites. You will also travel outside of Sweden to experience and compare U.S. and Sweden healthcare to other international systems.
There is no language requirement for participation. A Scandinavian language and culture course will be incorporated throughout the semester and will appear on your transcript. Upon your return, you may take a placement test or seek an evaluation to assess your UT Austin language course level.
Academics
The Take the World by the Horns Stockholm courses are integrated into the degree plans for students in the College of Liberal Arts, Moody College of Communication, College of Education, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, School of Information, and College of Fine Arts (Arts and Entertainment Technologies only).
| Course Title | UT Course Number | Core/Flag Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Public Health Policy in Practice | H S 329S | Potential Bridging Disciplines Credit |
| Swedish Language and Culture | SWE 319S | Global Cultures Flag |
| Psychology of Emerging Adulthood | PSY 429S | N/A |
| Smart and Sustainable Cities | GRG 309C | Social and Behavioral Sciences Core |
The learning experience in this program will introduce students to Swedish culture in order to understand how Swedes view wellness and how it influences their healthcare system. Students will then compare this approach to the healthcare systems of neighboring Scandinavian countries Denmark and Norway.
- “Public Health Policy in Practice” provides an overview of the Swedish health system in relation to both the broader welfare state and other Scandinavian and European countries. The course includes visits to healthcare sites in Sweden and Norway.
- “Psychology of Emerging Adulthood” addresses the transition from adolescence to adulthood and psychological implications of the adolescent experience.
- “Smart and Sustainable Cities” explores major trends in sustainability for urban living from a Scandinavian perspective in a city that was ranked second in the Sustainable City Index.
- “Swedish Language and Culture” will emphasize the cultural components of life in Sweden to give students tools to better understand and communicate with the Swedish peers and colleagues they meet.
Signature Course Offered
After completing their fall semester abroad, students can enroll in a signature course to continue to explore the academic themes with their cohort.
In Professor Lauren Gulbas’ signature course, “Women and Madness,” students will explore the theoretical evolution of mental illness, highlighting differences in treatment based on gender. This course will complement students’ learning experiences in Sweden by investigating how historical understanding of “good health” influences current health care systems’ priorities. Dr. Gulbas’ signature course also presents students with a potential research opportunity in her interdisciplinary Advanced Qualitative Research Lab, offering a powerful transition point for students exploring professional applications within the greater healthcare industry.