While it wasn't really difficult, I have to admit it was a bit tedious getting all the required forms and information ready to send to the Consulate General of Sweden in New York. Luckily my girlfriend said I could use her as my contact address in Sweden, which was a big relief. I'm not entirely sure whether or not a Swedish address was required, but there was a space for it and I felt better being able to fill it in. I also had to enclose proof of funds for my living expenses for the whole of my study period. I'd read on Lund's website that Stafford loans were permissible for this, since they're exactly like the loans Swedish students receive and both are dependent on adequate study progress for renewal. (Basically, if you flunk out, they stop paying...makes sense). So, I simply enclosed a printout from the Sallie Mae website, detailing the loan amounts and disbursement dates. I also had to write a letter detailing the dates I expect to leave Sweden and when I expect to arrive, as well as a bunch of other stuff. I finally got it all ready to go and paid the $120 application fee at the post office in the form of a money order. It's on its way via Priority Mail and should arrive at the Embassy sometime this week.
I'm excited, but it's a little frustrating to have to wait two to three months to hear anything. I'm just hoping that the letter I enclosed allows me to enter the country. My master's program is internet based distance learning, so I told them that the GIS Centre at the university itself will be a valuable learning tool for me, and I'd like to be able to have face to face interaction with my teachers if need be. I have no idea if they'll let me in for those reasons but I'm certainly hoping so. I would think that being admitted as a full time student at Lund University would allow me to reside there, no matter the method of instruction. I guess we'll see.
