Developing my Human Rights interest in Sweden
Developing my Human Rights interest in Sweden
In the Summer 2019 I studied abroad in Sweden with the University of Washington Honors Program. My coursework looked at Sweden as a global leader on human rights. Studying abroad during my undergraduate career was always a personal goal of mine, but I found something much better than a box to check. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to study human rights, a topic I care deeply about, in a very special way. Throughout this key curricular experience, I gained a better sense of what I wanted to do after my undergraduate career and who I want to be.
This program fueled my desire to have a career advancing human rights. This connects to my core value of respect-- respect for human life. When I think about this key learning experience I immediately recall my why: I hope to be a good person that helps those around me. Our program, which looked at LGBTQIA+, refugee, and womxn’s rights, showed me the many ways someone can fight for rights from workshops to films to writing.
I developed as a student. I felt more comfortable in our small cohort than I had in the big lecture halls at UW. Because of this, I was able to express my thoughts and emotions with ease. As a result, I engaged more with my coursework. Being able to see and experience things we covered in class made this experience even stronger. For example, we read the Girl with the Dragon tattoo for our Swedith Film and Literature class and I recognized some of the station names as we explored the city. I also developed a close professional relationship with one of my professors, which I hadn’t experienced at UW yet.
Completed pre-travel course assignments including readings (ex: selected chapters from Nordic Theory), films (ex: Call Me Kuchu), and a pre-travel paper summarizing readings including but not limited to the following topics: Sweden and Human rights, Scandinavia and Human Rights in Foreign Policy and International Relations, and Nongovernmental advocacy, LGBTI rights and practices
Attended and participated in Stockholm Pride to learn about the development of LGBTQIA+ rights in Sweden and the state’s role internationally
Met with class throughout the week to discuss and synthesize impressions from Stockholm Pride.
Actively participated in class discussions; applied pre-readings to lived experience; contributed personal insights
Went beyond requirements of program to explore Stockholm and learn about Swedish culture (ex: attended option evening Pride Park events)
Because English is widely spoken in Sweden, my program didn’t require Swedish proficiency. Obviously; however, my lack of the language limited my ability to participate in certain events at Stockholm Pride. Despite this, I was lucky to listen to the debates, discussion, and public discourse that took place. When I reflect back to this experience, one particular panel comes to mind. The panel looked at LGBTQIA+ rights across European Union states and there was a singular translator for at least 3 languages. It was fascinating to listen to the speakers (their words, emotions) and then listen to the English translation. It was more powerful than simply reading a translation. Even in cases like short films that required subtitles, I honored other’s perspectives by listening to them. I take the words I heard and lessons I learned with me
In our coursework, my classmates and I learned about the plight of the Roma people. (The European Union (EU) defines the Roma people as the following: “Roma, Gypsies, Travellers, Manouches, Ashkali, Sinti and Boyash”). Many Roma people flee to Sweden to escape discmrination, but unfortunately often meet a cold welcome.
One evening, a Roma person fell on the street in front of my friends and me. My friend quickly jumped into action, helping them off the ground and putting a tissue over a wound on their head. We tried to assist them on the Tunnelbana, but quickly realized our scope of competency when officials whisked her away. It hurts me that I didn’t do more, but realizing the limitations of my ability is important. Not only does it remind me of who I am, but it also makes me think about where I want to go. For example, “what would I have to do if I wanted to work for an organization that provides legal services to Roma people?” There are obviously some levels I won’t reach, but if there are places I’d like to go it’s important to evaluate how I’ll get there.
As I stated in my overview, studying abroad was always a part of my plan for my undergraduate experience. I didn’t have my heart set on a location, but I knew that studying about a country while living in it would be more impactful. I applied to this program in particular because of the focus on human rights, a passion of mine. During my time, I remembered why I loved being a student so much-- the discussions, learning from peers, and caring about the coursework. After leaving Sweden, I realized I wanted to work on advancing human rights. It also opened my eyes to international opportunities to do so.
Some of my most meaningful memories from study abroad were made outside of the classroom. One experience highlights this well. At Pride Park* there is a separate section for adults (18+). My friend, Alicia, and I ended up striking up a conversation with Nova, who managed the section that year. Before Alicia and I left Sweden, we met with Nova for fika twice-- and still keep in touch today! We’ve talked about so many things, but it was particularly interesting to discuss COVID-19 over Zoom together. Nova had hoped to come to Seattle in Spring of 2020.
One of the things I learned during Stockholm Pride is how absolutely vital it is to listening to a vulnerable group when making policy decisions that impact them. For example, I attended a panel on sex worker’s rights. One of the “progressive” policies Sweden has is only punishing the purchase of sex, not the selling. Unfortunately, sex workers reported that this anonymity of clients can end up being more dangerous. As a privileged person who wants to help people I need to remember the appropriate ways to create change. Sometimes well intentioned policies are poor in reality so it is necessary for vulnerable people to have the guiding voice.
During my time in Sweden I made a conscious effort to reflect in writing. I started doing this after attending Stockholm Pride events and continued throughout my time abroad to help me remember important moments. I also developed as a writer in the classroom. In my final paper, I drew from readings and in person experiences-- something I hadn’t done before. This exercise helped me dive deeper. I have a much richer appreciation for my experience abroad because of it. For example, I read about how homophobia costs countries money because potential is cut short and then heard from Sammie in the Trans Newcomers: Rights, Challenges, Experiences panel who experienced this discrimination first hand.
For another final, I collaborated with a small group of my study abroad peers on a book presentation. Before our professor organized us into groups, she had us take a leadership quiz that sorted us into different categories. At the time I tested as a “driver”. Understanding the way, I lead and how my members may lead differently, resulted in a more productive and effective final presentation process. I continue to remember this in every group project I work on. It’s important to find common ground when working with people who have different leadership and even communication styles than you.
I will always remember my experience with the Roma person and the Swedish officials on the Tunnelbana. Ever since I’ve looked at assignments differently. For example, in a simulation, when I played Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, I decided whether Sweden should reduce aid to Uganda after Uganda proposed the death penalty law for homosexuality. Making a decision that could hurt the most vulnerable weighted heavily on me. Since my study abroad I’ve had a clearer idea of what I want to do with my life. Since then I’ve continued to develop my interest in human rights-- although, it’s had a more domestic focus lately. I am still interested in working overseas at some point during my career and am thankful I had the experience of living independently for a short period of time.
In my final paper for Honors 223, Sweden: World Leader in Diplomacy and Human Rights, I write about my observations at Stockholm Pride and apply theories and/or concepts from course readings. As mentioned in my “Self-development” competency, I attended a variety of events from speakers to short films to panels. This was my first experience with so many different ways of learning-- and synthesizing them into an academic paper.
If you’re interested, please read more about my study abroad experience on my UW Honors Program Portfolio at the following link: http://kknowlesportfolio.weebly.com/. See “Summer 2019” (under the “2018-2019” tab) or “International Engagement” (under the “Experiential Learning” tab)