Sweden is at its best for this program in late spring through summer — roughly May to August — when Stockholm is mild and pleasant and the far north enjoys remarkably long days and, at its peak, the Midnight Sun. This makes for an ideal window combining comfortable business travel with striking Arctic daylight. Programs can be tailored to your academic calendar; participants should pack layers, as temperatures are cooler in the Arctic north than in Stockholm even in summer.

Business-professional attire is expected for company visits, while smart-casual and comfortable walking shoes suit city tours and cultural immersions. Weather can be changeable, so bring layers and a light waterproof jacket; the far north is noticeably cooler, so pack a warm layer even in summer. Sunglasses are useful given the long daylight hours.

Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, and many nationalities, including U.S. citizens, can enter visa-free for short stays. A simple pre-travel authorization (such as ETIAS) may apply depending on your nationality and the timing of your travel. We recommend confirming requirements for your specific passport well ahead of departure; Authentica provides guidance, though the process is the participant's responsibility.

The program is built around a consulting-style model, with visits to organizations such as technology unicorns and startups, fintech and telecommunications companies, global retailers, energy and green-technology firms, sustainability research centers, and leading academic institutions. Specific hosts are curated around the faculty's learning objectives and may vary by cohort.

Students are grouped into teams; each assigned a host organization to research in advance. During the program, teams engage directly with their organization and, in the final sessions, present their findings — including insights into the company's operations, opportunities, and challenges — to faculty and peers.

The program is based first in Stockholm and then in Luleå in the Arctic north, with a round-trip domestic flight (about 1.5 hours each way) included. A Stockholm public transport card is provided for the capital, and the group travels together by private coach for business visits, tours, and group meals.

The local currency is the Swedish krona (SEK), and Sweden is one of the most cashless societies in the world, cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere, so little cash is needed. Tipping is modest and not expected; the program already includes tips for guides, drivers, and group meals.

Sweden is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, with very low crime. The group travels together by private coach and, in Stockholm, by public transport; a dedicated Authentica Program Manager provides 24×7 on-call support, and the program opens with an orientation and safety briefing. Authentica carries a US$5M commercial general liability policy and a US$1M errors & omissions policy.