FARA International Soccer Study Abroad Programs - Alternatives to Youth Soccer Camps , Youth Boarding Soccer Camps, Youth Soccer Academies, Youth Soccer Camps, and Youth Soccer Team Tours Abroad.

Discover the land of the Midnight Sun and reindeer! From the extensive mountains of the north, to densely wooded forests, and the 24,000 islands of the Archipelago, Sweden offers one of the most expansive wildlife areas in Europe. Home to H&M and Ikea, Sweden is known for its trendy fashion and Nordic designs. There are many reasons to study abroad in Sweden: learn about their majestic history and royal family, visit museums, and participate in one of the country's prominent sports, such as skiing or tennis. Your host family will expose you to daily life in Sweden, as well as different traditions and customs. You won't want to miss the cookie parties or St. Lucia's Day celebrations!

Students who choose an academic year or a semester program in Sweden will live with a host family, attend a local public high school, and compete with a local competitive swedish soccer club.

Swedish students attend three years of high school, beginning at the age of 15. The school year is divided into two semesters, and students can tailor their schedules toward various majors. Most students who wish to continue their studies in a university choose to focus on economics, natural sciences, social sciences, or technology. Typically, Swedish students take different classes each day. You will be expected to do quite a bit of independent preparation for your classes so that you may take part in the class discussions. Intrax students studying at a local Swedish high school will take course subjects that include: language and literature, mathematics, geography, science, history, music and art.

While no previous language study is required, we strongly suggest that students prepare by learning some basic phrases in Swedish, as all classes will be taught in Swedish.

Why learn Swedish? 8.9 million Swedes speak Swedish, as well as some 350,000 people in Finland. Swedish is very similar to Danish and Norwegian. If you speak Swedish, you could communicate with about 18 million people in some of the world's most developed nations!

The Swedes are a feared competitor on the world football stage. Consistently a contender in the final stages of the World Cup, the Swedish national team accurately portrays the quality and fortitude of the Swedish national leagues. The highest level professional Swedish league, the Allsvenskan, has 14 professional clubs. The second division, the Superettan, fields 16 teams, and is followed by a 1st and a 2nd division. As is the case with most international clubs, these professional clubs also field highly competitive youth teams for various age groups. The highest of these youth leagues, the Junior Allsvenskan, provides national level competition for Swedens most talented youth players.

FARA players are placed within a competitive local Swedish football club fit to their level. Players are placed within an environment that will challenge the player and allow tremendous opportunity for development, while keeping in mind their physical strength and technical foundation.

Known to have some of the best coaches in the world, Sweden is a much sought after destination by players around the world to learn how to play tough, physical, yet efficient, tactical European football.

Many Swedes participate in sports. While soccer is the most popular team sport, ice-skating and other winter sports are also common. Many towns have lighted trails for running (in the summer) or cross-country skiing (in the winter). Even more popular than sports are activities such as hiking and fishing. Swedes love nature, and spend as much time as possible outdoors. Sweden's mountains are a popular destination.

Because the arts in Sweden receive significant public and private funding, cultural activities are accessible throughout the country. Singing in choirs is a popular activity with 1.5 million participants. Students often meet at a café to talk and hang out with friends, or they go to the movies.

A home country orientation will prepare you for your exciting study abroad experience in Sweden. Students will be placed with carefully selected host families throughout Sweden. Adjustment to host family life and Swedish culture will be assisted by a local representative,

Organized trips, including a short tour of Europe at the end of the school year, are available to students participating in an Academic Year or Spring Semester program for an additional cost. More information about the trips and pricing will be given when students are on program.

Students are required to apply for a visa for the duration of their program. The visa process can take up to 2 months to finalize.

Currently competing at a competitive level of soccer
15-18 years old. (Maximum age of 18.5 at start of program)
2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
Willing to learn Swedish. All classes will be taught in the native language!
Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences

LENGTH

DATES*

COST

DEADLINE

Academic Year Aug - June $13,550 March 31, 2008

Fall Semester Aug - Dec $13,000 March 31, 2008

Spring Semester Jan - June $13,000 Oct 1, 2007

*All dates are approximations and vary from year to year

NOTE: The FARA IFX program to Sweden has limited capacity, so students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the application deadlines.

Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Homestay accommodation including meals with your host family
Placement in a local high school
Placement with a local competitive soccer club
Management of international soccer transfer
Procurement of Swedish player pass
Weekly soccer training
Participation in all soccer club tournaments, league matches, training camps, training sessions, etc.
Soccer league fees, travel expenses, & club gear (shoes not included).
Ongoing support of soccer program aspect
Assistance with student visa application process
Student health and accident insurance
24-hour emergency assistance
Pre-departure orientations
Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program
FARA T-Shirt
Student Handbook

Passport and visa application fees as applicable
Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, activities)
School expenses (e.g., uniform/lunches, if required, supplies, bus pass)
Any other item not specified