Scandinavia versus New Zealand as expat hubs

How real is Scandinavia’s perceived position as a social democracy bastion when compared with New Zealand’s appeal to expats?

New Zealand has long been a favourite destination for expat students, job-hunters and British retirees, and Scandinavia has been widely reported as being the heart of social democracy and a safe place for expatriate living. However, recent revelations by expats from both destinations would seem to argue that neither destination is exactly what it’s been cracked up to be by emigration specialists and the world’s media.

Kiwis travelling to Scandinavia are finding integrating with the locals tricky at best and impossible at worst, leaving them short of friends as well as help and advice when needed. Most find the bureaucracy excessive, and the harsh climate causes real difficulties. One New Zealand expat who’d recently arrived in Sweden made her feelings known by stating Swedish society is conformist, pressured and square - even although Swedish nationals believe they’ve got it better than those in other countries.

However, not every Kiwi had a tough time settling down, with one former Christchurch resident who’d chosen Norway saying settling in was straightforward and her work colleagues were friendly. She advises New Zealanders heading for Scandinavian countries to learn the language, accept the weather and get a job before relocating. As regards the initial experiences of Scandinavians arriving as expats in New Zealand, the story seems somewhat different, especially in the friendship stakes, where there’s a distinct improvement.

Ebba Beattie, an expat from Sweden, told how she’d arrived in New Zealand to work as a ski instructor on Mount Ruapehu and found Kiwis the easiest people to get on with and get to know, to the extent that she met her future husband on that trip. The couple have since returned to the region and Ebba is finding the same friendliness and spontaneity she loved during her first visit. Swedes, she said, are far more reserved and less outgoing, a trait which may cause expats to feel unwelcome when they first arrive. Kiwis simply can’t understand the lack of empathy they sense in Scandinavians, and may well back off as a result.