Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates naturally have many questions about our service and about work in Scandinavia. Here are some of the questions we are most often asked.
Is it possible to learn Swedish or Norwegian in four months?
Yes, if you put a lot of effort in the introductory internet course as well as in the intensive course you will have a good enough level to be able to start your employment and communicate with colleagues and patients. During the first weeks in your new job you will not have your own patients so you will have time to practice understanding.
Is the intensive course given in English? My level of English is not good. I don't think I can manage the course.
The whole course is in Swedish or Norwegian. Therefore the level of English is not important. It might be hard at the beginning but it gives very good results.
Do all participants manage to reach the required level in four months?
If any participant needs extra support to learn the language we normally detect that within the first month and we will organize extra classes to help that person complete the course according to objectives. We have had some doctors who have needed to study some additional weeks before being able to start working. The objective is to give every participant the support he or she needs to be able to start. So far we haven't had any participants who had to give up the project due to lack of language skills.
What is the language course like for the other family members?
The spouses and children of school age will also be given an intensive course, though, naturally, with a different focus from the recruited persons' course. The younger children will be taken care of by Swedish or Norwegian-speaking staff in our kindergarten. The kindergarten is open 8.15 to 16.45 to make it possible for both parents to complete their intensive courses.
What is the apartment like during the course?
All participants will have a furnished apartment within walking distance of the course centre.
What kind of apartment will I am be able to rent in Sweden or Norway from the start?
When the course begins we will start to look for your first rental apartment in Sweden or Norway. You will participate in the process and we try to find as good alternatives as possible. The average standard of apartments is high and normally we have no problem in finding a suitable first apartment, close to work and schools. Some live in the first apartment for years whereas others change after a year, usually because they prefer to buy a house.
Can you help my spouse to find work in Sweden or Norway?
If the spouse is working in the health care sector we can help with contacts and to find out the possibilities. In other cases we will help you with contacts with the public employment service. You must be realistic when estimating the time it will take for your partner to find work in Sweden, depending on the profession. In some professions it will mean starting all over again.
Do I have a contract guaranteeing employment when I start the language course?
Every recruited person starting the course will already have visited Sweden and the work place and will have had interviews with the employer and colleagues. If you are offered employment and you accept you will get a contract guaranteeing employment when you have finished the language course. Your contract is always with the public health care service of Sweden or Norway, not with MediCarrera.
Do I have to pay for the course or any other service of MediCarrera?
MediCarrera is a company specialised in recruiting and organising language courses for health care profesionals. MediCarrera works on behalf of the public health care system in Sweden and Norway and all our services are free for the recruited person including family.
Do I have to start with my own patients from the first day?
No, you will take part in an introductory programme. During the first three months you will also continue to study Swedish two days a week. You will start with your own patients when your tutor and you agree upon that you are prepared to do so.
For how long is the employment contract?
The contract is permanent after a six-month trial period, but the recruited person commits to work for the employer for at least three years.
Will I get help to apply for medical degrees and with other practical issues?
During the intensive language course we will assist you with the applications for medical and specialist degrees, with finding an apartment to rent and organising the transport of furniture and goods. We will also apply for schools and kindergarten and residency and resolve other practical issues.