Well in one month I'll be in Sweden. Time seems to be flying by and I've gotten a few things done for my big trip. Since about April I've been trying to learn some basic Swedish phases and words just so I'm prepared and am able to get around. I'm very nervous for the language barrier, initially I had been looking to dig in the UK or Ireland, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity for a 5 week adventure in Sweden. I have an app on my phone called "Svenska" that has been really helping me out. At it's basic level (aka the free part of the app) it has many useful phrases like "how much does it cost" or "where's the bathroom?" The app also allows playback of the phrase or word so you can make sure you're pronouncing it right.
I know English is probably spoken in most of the places I'll be going , not to mention the course is taught in English, but I have a couple other concerns about being understood.

I have about 10 million different allergies, but the most dangerous to me are my nut and sesame allergies. The last thing I need is to have an allergic reaction while overseas. First of all my mother would probably cross the Atlantic herself and kill me for being so irresponsible, but most importantly it could cut my trip short. I'm taking all the precautions of course. I have the words for nuts and sesame seeds written out in my notes on my cell phone along with the phrase "I am allergic to..." This way if I'm out to eat I can let the waiter know that I have food sensitivities. My school already knows about my allergies so they're ready for me. In the end I just really have to watch what I eat.

As you can tell I depend a lot on my cell phone for maintaining contact with my less then tech savvy family and as a reference tool for the language barrier.  I'm taking it along with me but I'm not sure if I should get one of Verizon's international plans or a Swedish sim card. If you have any ideas let me know in the comments below!