Okay, so I'm a luthier. I grew up in orchestra, playing violin, now I make, mend, and restore them.
Sweden has always been the dream. It has enough job opportunities in my field and a decent musical culture. It has orchestra opportunities as well as luthierie opportunities.
Norway is a similar situation, but has opportunities like the ole bull academy which looks really fun, and looks like a ticket in to start networking and looking for jobs in that year of study.
Tbh I really hate the UK and even though the nordics are *similar* (NOT the same, but shares a lot of cultural values, but even better on the *leave me alone* front) they have the advantage of being on the mainland. The UK is a horrible island that *traps me in it against my will* with its sea border! (Yes, I'm being intentionally dramatic while making my point!)
Look, I just want to feel a bit freeer and safer. I don't like the idea that I'm stuck on a tiny island when the world goes to shi and I've always wanted to move to Sweden anyways, for at least a decade. Now I just have the skills to get a good, niche job over there. I wanna take the opportunity while I can.
Main plan: either gothenburg or bergen.
Any general advice about these places? How to integrate well? Make a small, tight knit friend group? Lmk!