Spending a week in Stockholm for the International Study Tour was one of the most enriching and eye-opening experiences I’ve had during my time at Durham University Business School. From the warm welcome to insightful company visits and inspiring presentations, every moment was packed with learning, enjoyment, and making connections.
Where we stayed
We stayed at Hotel Birger Jarl from Sunday to Friday, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better location – right in the heart of the city! The rooms were clean, the staff were incredibly friendly, and they even provided us with meeting rooms where we could rehearse our presentations each night. But the real highlight? Breakfast. Every morning, we were spoiled with a generous spread of fresh fruit, pastries, bread, eggs, and more. Worth waking up early for!
Day 1 – Orientation and cultural introduction
We kicked off with an orientation talk by Business Sweden about the Nordic economy, with a focus on Sweden’s sustainability efforts and their global search for talent. It was fascinating to learn how deeply sustainability is embedded into their business models and national strategy.
In the afternoon, we had a choice between visiting the Vasa Museum or the ABBA Museum. I chose the Vasa Museum – and it was incredible! Seeing a fully preserved 17th-century warship and hearing the story of how it sank just minutes after launch was both educational and surreal. We even saw skeletons, weapons, and real objects recovered from the ship.
That evening, we gathered for a welcome dinner at Urban Deli. The atmosphere was relaxed and lively, the seafood was fresh and flavourful, and the wine (yes, I tried both red and white!) was a perfect way to toast the start of our trip.
Day 2 – Startups and sustainability
We began our day at Gordon Delivery, a logistics tech startup that partners with grocery retailers to deliver chilled and sustainable food products across the Nordics. What impressed me most was how strongly the company aligns its operations with environmental goals, like reducing emissions through route optimization and electric vehicles. Their office culture was open and friendly, and it was great to see our classmates present ideas that genuinely sparked interest from their team.
In the afternoon, we visited Vattenfall Sweden, one of Europe’s largest energy companies. Their HR team asked us to research ways to reduce employee turnover and attract the right talent. They were very welcoming, even providing us with coffee and a selection of Swedish desserts – a sweet surprise! I could really feel how much they valued fresh perspectives from students like us.
Day 3 – Presenting to industry leaders
We visited HP Inc. in the morning, and it was our group’s turn to present. We were extremely nervous, but the manager and HR lead were very supportive and attentive. They shared that the sales of traditional printers have dropped due to tech advancements, and they’re now shifting focus toward AI-powered PCs. They asked us to conduct research on this shift, and our findings were so well-received that they requested our presentation slides to share internally!
Later that afternoon, we headed to CAKE, a premium Swedish electric motorbike brand. They’re exploring expansion into the UK but were unsure how to begin. Our classmates gave a thoughtful presentation with tailored market entry strategies, and the company’s representative said it was not only helpful but also actionable.
Day 4 – Innovation and free exploration
In the morning, we visited the Nobel Prize Museum, which, surprisingly, is facing volunteering issues due to limited funding. Our classmates presented creative and sustainable solutions for recruiting volunteers, using real case studies to support their ideas. Afterwards, we had time to explore the museum, seeing awards and stories of some of the world’s most inspiring innovators was truly humbling.
The afternoon was our free time, and I spent it wandering the city with my friend. We browsed charming local shops, admired the serene lake views, and took a ferry to Nacka where we caught the most breathtaking sunset. Stockholm is such a beautiful, peaceful city. I always felt safe, and while the locals may seem quiet, they’re incredibly kind and helpful when approached.
Day 5 – Farewell Stockholm
Our final morning was slow and sweet – one last delicious breakfast at Hotel Birger Jarl, followed by checkout and a trip to the airport. I couldn’t believe how fast the week had flown by.
Final reflections
This trip was more than just a study tour – it was a deep dive into how Swedish companies approach sustainability, innovation, and human capital. I learned so much from engaging with businesses, practising public speaking, and exploring a new culture. I also built stronger friendships with my classmates, sharing laughter, wine, and late-night rehearsals.
If you ever get a chance to join the International Study Tour, go for it. It’s the perfect blend of academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and personal growth, and Stockholm, with its calm charm and forward-thinking mindset, is the perfect place to experience it all.
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