A Journey unfolds...
This blog is my way of sharing that journey with you. Here, you’ll find the kind of guidance I wish I had when I first moved to Sweden — and the tips I now give to Swedes who are moving to or doing business in Zimbabwe. From practical advice on housing, work permits, healthcare, and essential services, to the subtle but powerful cultural insights that help you thrive in everyday interactions, this site is a compass for anyone navigating life between these two countries.
And while my focus is on the Sweden–Zimbabwe connection, much of the advice applies to other immigrants, expats, and visitors too. If you’re curious about building a life, career, or business across any of these two cultures, you’ll find useful resources here. Whether you’re a Swede moving to Zimbabwe, a Zimbabwean starting out in Sweden, or simply someone fascinated by how cultures shape our lives, welcome. This is your guide to bridging two worlds.
At 33, I migrated from Zimbabwe to Sweden, leaving behind the place I had called home for most of my life. What I quickly discovered was that this move was far more than just a change in geography — it was a full immersion, a dive into the deep end of a network of values, ethics, and cultural norms that seemed like opposite poles from those that were familiar for me. Those familiar with the World Values Survey (diagram on the left) will understand the magnitude of that shift.
My journey has never been one directional. Instead, it has become a continuous commute between two cultures, each offering unique lessons and challenges. Along the way, I have gained insights, moments of discovery, and a deeper understanding of both Swedish culture and Zimbabwean culture.
About the author
Santino Zhakata is a communication graduate, English language teacher and bi-cultural communicator, with knowledge and experience in Zimbabwean–Swedish cultures. With a foot firmly planted in both worlds, he brings professional insight and personal experience to every cultural exchange.
His academic credentials include a Teacher Diploma from the University of Zimbabwe; a B.A. in Media Studies from Zimbabwe Open University; M.A in Education from Umeå University in Sweden and an M.A. in Communication for Development from University of Malmö, also in Sweden.
As a father of three dual cultural children, issues of identity and culture are part of everyday life - from the dinner table to be playground. Being married to a Swede also means that cultural encounters aren't occasional events, but a natural part of ordinary days.
Santino currently works as an English language teacher and course director for the Teacher´s Assistant Education Programme at Västerbottens Folkhögskola in Sweden. He also travels between Sweden and Zimbabwe, staying engaged with social, educational, and cultural developments in both countries.
This blog is one of Santino´s personal projects to bridge the knowledge gap between Zimbabwean and Swedish. His aim is to create sustainable pathways for collaboration, mutual understanding and growth. In addition to the blog, he is developing a Zimbabwe culture guidebook, running a Shona language learning platform, and contributing as guest blogger on articles on life and settlement in Sweden.