From L.A. to Malmö: A film producer becomes a star SFI student
47-year-old film and television producer Glynn Turner was living and working in California when COVID-19 broke out. Severe restrictions, including curfews, made it difficult to live and have a job in the United States. Glynn and his Swedish partner, who works as an actress, chose to move to Sweden.
– I’m originally from Great Britain, Glynn explains. At first, I thought it was convenient that many people in Sweden speak such good English. But after 10 months in Sweden, I realized that if I wanted to enter Swedish society, I needed to learn Swedish.
Glynn says he didn’t like going to school when he was young, which made him a little skeptical about being a student again. But when he started at SFI in Malmö, it was a completely different experience.
– Now it was suddenly a lot of fun to go to school and learn a new language.
What have you learned while at SFI?
– Before I started at SFI, I couldn’t understand anything when my partner spoke Swedish, especially not with her Scanian dialect. After a year at SFI, it’s a fantastic feeling to understand what she and her Scanian friends are talking about. Being able to get by on your own in everyday life is so valuable. Now I speak as much Swedish as I can. For example, I ask for directions, how much a ticket costs and am happy to have a longer conversation in Swedish.
Glynn believes he understands Swedish society more now that he speaks Swedish and feels he has become closer to Swedes. He has not only learned speaking and listening comprehension at SFI. After a year of studies, he has passed D-level and can now read, write and speak in Swedish. His interest in Swedish TV and Swedish films has also helped him a lot along the way.
– The other week, I went to the cinema and saw a German film with Swedish subtitles and understood 90% of the movie – a real wow feeling.
What do you value the most about SFI?
– The best thing about SFI is that the education is for everyone, regardless of background! Learning a new language costs a lot of money in other countries. It’s absolutely fantastic to have the privilege of learning Swedish for free while meeting new friends from all corners of the world.
Why should people study SFI at Folkuniversitetet?
– SFI at Folkuniversitetet doesn’t just have fantastic teachers and professional education. The school is also an important meeting point for everyone who is new to Sweden. I finished my studies three weeks ago but still keep in touch with my friends from SFI. We exchange experiences and feel a strong affinity with each other, even though we come from completely different cultures and have different reasons why we came to Sweden.
Glynn is so satisfied with his studies at SFI that he now wants to encourage newcomers to learn Swedish at SFI. That’s why he’s currently producing films in which his SFI friends talk about how good and fun it is to learn Swedish at Folkuniversitetet.
What are your best tips for learning Swedish?
- Watch Swedish TV and films. SVT Play has news in simple Swedish
- Read daily
- Go out and dare to speak Swedish with many different people
- Focus on SFI classes. Learn the totality – writing, speaking, reading and listening
What are your dreams for the future?
– I’m learning Swedish because I dream of staying and working in Sweden. I can get by with English. But if I work here, I want to be able to speak Swedish. I really like the country, the people and the food. I have lived in the UK, the USA, China and many other countries. The reason why I want to stay in Sweden is mainly because it’s the fairest country I’ve ever lived in. The country is for everyone!