FSU Social Work Welcomes Undergraduate Exchange Student from Sweden in 2026

Since 2012, the FSU College of Social Work has enjoyed an international partnership with Jönköping University in Sweden, offering an exchange program for both universities’ undergraduate students. Students participating in the program can take a full-time course load for a full semester at their host university.

For the Spring 2026 semester, the College of Social Work welcomed Beatrice Pap, a student from the small Swedish town of Ljungby, to the United States. She began working as a swim instructor at 13. When she was older, she was asked to lead a small project supporting refugee women in learning how to swim and that’s when she realized how much she wanted to work with people, helping them integrate into a new society and support those facing injustice or life situations.

Join us in welcoming Beatrice and enjoy a brief interview as she shares her experiences so far at FSU and in taking social work courses in the United States.

What has it been like so far being in the United States and at FSU?

So far, being in the U.S. and at Florida State University has been amazing! What I’ve enjoyed most have been all the new people. I’ve really enjoyed and appreciated people’s openness, everything from small talk to deeper levels. The campus area has also been really exciting, too, with easy access to lots of fun activities, like taking walks on campus, watching sports, working out at the Leach Center, and hanging out at cares.

However, there have also been some adjustments. For example, it can sometimes be hard to get around Tallahassee just because the society is mainly built for cars. The teaching style is also very different, where classes are more focused on participation and much more group work and discussions than I’m used to.

What are you studying this semester and what have your classes been like?

I’m taking four classes at the College of Social Work: Social Work Practices with Groups, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Family Violence Across the Life Span, and Child Maltreatment and Child Welfare. Something I noticed quickly is how common it is for group discussions to occur during the lessons. However, this is something I’ve turned out to really enjoy! You feel engaged in the lessons, and it’s the perfect opportunity to hear from people who have experienced or have other perspectives on things that you never thought about.

All the teachers I’ve met so far are doing amazing work, and you can really tell how passionate they are about their work in the social work field, which makes it even more inspiring and fun to study!

What is it like as a student at Jönköping University?

Studying at Jönköping University in Sweden has been very welcoming, positive and friendly experience for me. I’ve met amazing friends and it has been one of the most exciting and meaningful periods of my life. Students, including me, enjoy the kick-off event and the social life of Jönköping, which offers many opportunities to connect with others and get involved on campus.

One thing I really enjoy about living in Sweden is experiencing all four seasons, from snowy winters to bright spring and summer months. You can even travel to northern Sweden to see the Northern Lights!

What might an FSU social work student learn or experience as an exchange student at Jönköping University?

As an exchange student or international student at Jönköping University, you get to take courses alongside Swedish students in our Bachelor of Social Work program. It’s a great way to gain a broader perspective on how social work can differ depending on the country and context. There is a buddy program at JU, which makes it easy to meet with both Swedish and other exchange students.

Living in Sweden also gives you a chance to experience the Swedish lifestyle, culture and closeness to nature.

What do you hope to learn about and experience in the U.S. and at FSU?

So far, it’s been interesting to learn more about the welfare system in the United States since it’s so different compared to the Swedish welfare system. There are different laws, social issues and challenges for both individuals and societies.

During my time at FSU I hope to gain knowledge about how it is to grow up and live in the United States. I also hope to get as much experience as I can as a student at FSU and in college life! I’m really excited to experience the rest of my semester here at FSU!

To learn more about the Exchange Program, visit the College of Social Work International Programs website or contact Carol Campbell Edwards at carol.edwards@fsu.edu