UQ Program: Bachelors of Science/Arts
Finland...everyone should see this unique slice of the opposite end of the globe!
My exchange was very useful academically. The university offered many courses taught in English, which led to studies in Finnish History, Politics, Society and Culture, as well as Russian Culture and History. It was also exciting to learn a new language and have a small understanding of what is said/presented around you. The Finnish language is radically different and a lot of fun.
These subjects were unavailable at home, thus the exchange allowed new opportunities in my studies. Enrolment proved to be a little tricky, as the ECTS scheme and European semester layout is quite different to UQ’s. However, as the academic semesters are so different, this offers ample time for travel before and after the commencement of lectures.
Exchange has also provided me with great new friends, as well as different ideals, ideas and perspectives. Even day to day life is extremely different (swimming in the frozen lake during winter!). I was lucky enough to spend a Finnish Christmas in the woods with a friend. Living in Finland also led to travel opportunities particularly in the Nordic and Baltic regions, as well as Russia.
Finland is regarded as an expensive country and certainly can be, but there are many ways to work around the costs. Monthly expenses (including rent) could range from 300€ to 500€ depending on what kind of lifestyle you live. Rent will vary but for me it was no more expensive than home (250€ p/month). It's important to look at your current expenses per month and you may discover that it might not be so different from day to day costs overseas.
It's quite difficult to put 6 months into a few sentences. When leaving Australia I was quite optimistic and excited, yet these feelings were only a tiny portion of what was to come. The exchange period has simply been an unprecedented experience of learning, fun, ups and downs, self development, cultural oddities, new people/ideas and growing fondness for another country and its inhabitants, as well as furthering appreciation for you own. Such a chance is worth taking...I would not change my time in the slightest! Exchange is an invaluable experience and although it may sound like a cliché, the process of moving to another country for 6-12 months is an exceptional and fortunate endeavour for those who have the opportunity. If you can, seize it!
Suggestions for Finland
1. Learn to enjoy silence. A strong cultural difference is that Finns prefer quality over quantity in communication.
2. Make certain to meet actual Finns! This can be tricky sometimes and they can be quiet, but don’t let that stop you.
3. Social interactions can be quite different, similarly to societal norms and behaviour. Keep and open mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions...mistakes are allowed, it’s all part of the fun!
4. See an ice-hockey match.
5. Try a Finnish sauna (public or private), and the local specialty musta makkara (black sausage). Finnish chocolate is also very nice!
