Finnish adventure: A year abroad in Seinäjoki
- 06.08.2024
- International
Luisa Fischer did not find it difficult to choose her stay abroad. She really wanted to go to a Nordic country and opted for Finland. The Bachelor's student on the International Business & Management degree program at the Kufstein University tells us what she experienced there.
Once Luisa had decided that she wanted to spend her year abroad in the Finnish city of Seinäjoki at the Seamk University of Applied Science, she only had to complete the bureaucratic steps and was able to start her journey in September 2023. With a population of just under 70,000, Seinäjoki is one of Finland's medium-sized cities in the south-western part of the country. Its convenient location is ideal for traveling within and outside Finland. For Luisa, the stay abroad was not only new academic territory, but also an enrichment in the form of international acquaintances. “The best thing is making friends from different countries. It's really interesting to get to know their cultures and make close friends,” she enthuses.
A DAY AT THE UNIVERSITY
The semester abroad was full of unforgettable moments. In addition to international friendships and traveling, the Northern Lights were undoubtedly a breathtaking highlight. A typical day at the partner university began with lectures in the morning, followed by joint activities in the afternoon or planning upcoming weekend trips. “We often worked on assignments on the train journeys,” said the student with a smile. “In Finland, the focus was more on practical and group work. Grades are given less through traditional exams and more through tasks to be completed.” The supervisor at the partner university was excellent, so the student rarely had to rely on the support of the Kufstein University.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
A semester abroad brings with it not only professional but also personal development. “Personally, I got to know myself better. Professionally, it's easier for me to present myself confidently,” says Luisa, reflecting on her development during her studies abroad. The cultural differences were obvious. “Finns are much more reserved, but still attentive and very helpful,” Luisa noted. The living situation in a shared flat turned out to be perfect, because “all your friends are also your neighbors”.
Conclusio
In conclusion, Luisa Fischer unreservedly recommends the partner university in Seinäjoki. “It's not a big city and of course it's cold for longer, but it was a perfect fit for me,” she emphasized. ”The best thing to do is to get information early on and read all the testimonials from partner universities that interest you. It's often helpful to talk to former students abroad.”