Tone Sandsjö, a sophomore at Fairfield University, arrived in the United States from Visby, Sweden, eager to embrace the opportunities that lay ahead. Coming from a background rich in Scandinavian culture and the fresh seaside environment of Gotland, Tone made the leap across the Atlantic to pursue both academic and athletic excellence.
Attending Filburnaskolan for high school, Tone was part of a growing trend among Swedish students who choose to continue their education in the United States. Tone had friends who made the move before her, which encouraged her to follow suit. When she received a scholarship for Division I swimming, the decision became clear. She was excited by the chance to experience a new culture, meet people from all over the world, and expand her perspective beyond the familiar surroundings of her home country.
Arriving in the U.S. brought a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Tone had heard a lot about life in America before she came, and one of her main concerns was the food. In Sweden, she was accustomed to fresh, local, and minimally processed ingredients. In contrast, she found food in America to be more processed, making it challenging to find the quality she was used to. Despite these challenges, Tone quickly adapted to her new environment.
Community has played a vital role in Tone's transition to life at Fairfield. She found her first sense of belonging with her swim team, where the shared experience of training and competing forged strong bonds among teammates. In addition to the swim team, she connected with other international students, forming a supportive community that has helped her feel at home while navigating the cultural differences of a new country.
Tone's journey to Fairfield University is a testament to her adventurous spirit and dedication to new experiences. By choosing to study in the United States, she’s not only pursuing her academic and athletic goals but also diving headfirst into a cultural journey that broadens her understanding of the world. For Tone, the experience is about much more than just studying—it's about embracing the unknown, finding community, and making a home away from home.
