Expat Coaching in Sweden: How Kristin Helps Foreigners Thrive

Kristin Cavicchiolo originally comes from Australia but has settled in Varberg. She knows how difficult it can be to adapt to a new country and has now started a coaching business where she helps others with their struggles living abroad. 🌏

The reason why Kristin Cavicchiolo ended up in Varberg was that she met a Swedish man with whom she had a child. The relationship ended when her son was very small, but in order for him to have the opportunity to see both of his parents regularly, Kristin remained in Sweden.

"I must admit that it was very tough at first to be a single mother on the other side of the planet from her family", she says. 👩🏻‍👦🏻

The important morning coffee ☕

To understand the Swedes, what is okay to talk about and what not, the various strange foods that were on the shelves in the grocery store. Kristin says she has had a lot of misunderstandings and mistakes over the years. 🤦🏻‍♀️

For example, it took a while before she understood that it was important to take time and sit down for morning coffee with colleagues at work.

"I didn't think I had time for it, but then I understood that it's where social ties are made and that it's very important". 🫶

Something else she realised is that Swedes don't talk about which party they vote for or whether they believe in God very much. Something that Kristin is used to, that they talk completely openly about where she comes from. ✝️

"It may not be the first question you ask a new person you meet, but it's a common talking point".

Tough with Swedish winter 🌧️

Now her son has turned eight years old. Kristin has learned Swedish but prefers to speak English given that it is spoken so well locally. She has started her coaching business for "expats", which is an English word for people who settled abroad, usually of their own volition. Her clients can be all over the world and she is currently coaching a client in London where she also lived for a time. Kristin helps clients understand cultural nuances both in the workplace and in society.

"The business is new so far and I get to see where the needs are and the market needs me", she says.

She would be happy to help companies support their foreign-born employees in the future 🧑‍💻

📲 Book a complimentary chat with Kristin to hear how she can support you or your employees 💁🏻‍♀️

When Kristin first came to Sweden it was summer and when winter came it was something of a shock experience. She still has a hard time with the winter, and then the homesickness becomes even greater.

Kristin has also discovered that Swedes are often reserved at first, but once you start talking to them, they love to open up and have fun.

Original article titled, Kristin Cavicchiolo coachar utlänningar i Sverige | Hallands Nyheter (hn.se). Slight amends made to improve accuracy of translation.

Photo subtext: Kristin Cavicchiolo had a tough time adjusting to life in Sweden. Now she wants to help others in the same situation.  Journalist & Photo: Anna Oscarson, Varberg, Hallands Nyheter.