Stepping off the plane, the first thing that caught my eye was the brilliant sunset glowing above the airport. It was my first time traveling abroad, and the pink and orange clouds stretching across the sky instantly washed away the exhaustion of the long flight. I felt both nervous and excited. Just like that, Northern Europe suddenly came into view.

After settling down in Borlänge, my independent life officially began. Everything had to be arranged on my own: buying groceries, cooking asimple bowl of noodles by the dormitory window as a complete beginner in the kitchen, and planning my daily routines. In the evenings, Iwould look out at the quiet forests in the distance while eating dinner and watch the sky gradually grow dark. From managing three meals a day to organizing transportation and travel, every small partof life required me to take responsibility for myself. Away from the familiar support I had relied on before, I gradually learned how to manage my own life. That was one of the first lessons studying abroad taught me.

Walking into the teaching buildings at Dalarna University, I was immediately impressed by the bright, open spaces and the tiered a trium designed with warm wooden elements. The classroom atmosphere here is noticeably different from what I was used to in China. Teaching is not simply one-way instruction; plenty of time is set aside for group discussions and presentations. When talking with Swedish classmates, I often hear perspectives very different from my own, with people approaching the same issue from different angles. Through these exchanges, I am not only learning academic content but also being exposed to a wider variety of ways of thinking.

In my spare time, I have also tried hiking, a very popular local activity. Unlike the well-developed mountain attractions. I was familiar with in China, the hiking trails here are tucked away in the forest. There are no neatly paved stone steps underfoot; instead, the paths are surrounded by stretches of yellowing ferns and untouched woodland. Walking along these natural trails and immersing myself inthe landscape is an ordinary way for local people to relax. Step by step through the forest, I can ease the tension brought by my studies while also experiencing firsthand the Nordic habit of staying close to nature.

My time in Borlänge so far has been a mixture of discovery and adaptation. Stunning sunsets, the warmth of everyday life, are refreshing style of learning, and untouched hiking trails have all come together to form a fulfilling and memorable beginning. Looking ahead, I hope to adapt to the rhythm of life here as soon as possible, devote myself seriously to my studies, experience more of the local culture and customs, and continue moving forward steadily through both learning and exploration.