One of the best education systems and the happiest country in the world – these are probably the most well-known facts about Finland for international applicants. Sounds already good, doesn’t it? These are true, but it is only the tip of the iceberg.
When I first came to Finland for my one-semester student exchange I was interested in an international experience and a nice addition to my CV. This acquaintance with Finnish education didn’t turn out to be a short-term adventure but a sincere delight and a desire to come back for a longer period of studying here. If you’re thinking about education in Finland and still doubting, I want to support you and share with you my vision of why this northern country is an amazing place for studying.
Effective education system
Let’s start with the most obvious and at the same time most important thing – education. Studying in Finland is about actually mastering subjects instead of memorizing textbooks. A teacher is not a “provider” of information but a facilitator who helps you to learn. The main focus is on self-education: you gain knowledge in group works, discussions, writing memos and essays. You pass knowledge through yourself, by analyzing and reflecting. As a result, your understanding of the logic and the essence of the subject is deeper.
If you ask me to characterize the Finnish education system in three words, I would say flexible, effective and encouraging.
Another great thing is that you can choose courses which are interesting and useful for you. Every programme includes free-choice studies, and you have freedom to broaden your horizon in any field. You can create your own unique study plan! In addition, some courses are offered as online courses, and it’s an opportunity to study them without worrying that they won’t fit in your schedule.
If you ask me to characterize the Finnish education system in three words, I would say flexible, effective and encouraging.
Great university facilities
The university doesn’t simply require you to conduct your own research or work in a group – it also provides comfortable conditions for it. The libraries are very convenient for long study hours: there are tables with lamps and sockets, cozy chairs, huge soft puffs and 24/7 access to all these facilities.
If you need to work with a team on a project, just book a room for it or use the cafeterias to think in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, you don’t really need to buy textbooks, because the university’s library provides a rich collection of different books and e-materials. Everything is created to help you to focus on your studies or research.
Nature is literally just around the corner
Almost wherever you’re staying in Finland, you are close to nature. The lakes and forests are extremely beautiful and peaceful! In the summertime, you can hike, pick berries and mushrooms, as well as enjoy ice skating and cross-country skiing in winter. The lakes are really special places: sunset on the beach is very picturesque, and it is also a great spot for aurora hunting.
Sometimes you feel like Snow White in this animal kingdom!
In addition, it’s easy to meet squirrels and hares even in the city centre. At the beginning it’s so surprising, especially when you move to Finland from a big city. And later you just take it for granted. Sometimes you feel like Snow White in this animal kingdom!
Awesome student culture
Finnish student culture is a truly special thing. All the faculties have their own student associations, which are close-knit communities where you can meet interesting people. These associations organize plenty of events, and it’s a good context to communicate with other students and build a network. An association’s identity is underlined with its own colour of overalls (“haalarit” in Finnish) which is a special apparel and an important element of student culture.
When participating in events, you can get special patches to sew to you overall. The more patches the cooler! What’s more, you can help the associations to organize events and participate actively in them life, which is a fruitful chance to develop your communication, organization and presentation skills.
Safety
When you move alone, especially to another country, safety matters. It’s not a problem if you’ve forgotten a wallet or phone in a pocket in a cloakroom – most likely nothing will happen to it. You feel safe even walking alone in the dark (given that in winter daylight hours are short, it is important) – there is no reason to look around uneasily. The most threatening thing will probably be a frightened hare running across the street.
Everyone speaks English
In Finland, you can easily survive without knowing a word in Finnish. For sure, speaking the local language is very useful, especially if you’re planning to stay here for longer or find a job. But when you have just arrived and you’re trying to get used to your new home, university, buy basic stuff and interact with local authorities about document issues, you can safely use English and be understood.
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To sum up, when you’re studying in Finland you really can master the desired field while enjoying beautiful nature, study-life balance and meeting great people. You can develop yourself in any direction and find the perfect study conditions for it. Just stay curious and open-minded and it is going to be the most amazing and exciting chapter of your life!
I have experienced it twice. The first time I came for one semester and had no expectations about Finland. The second time I’m doing it now, when I already consciously returned to Finland for my Master studies. And when someone asks me whether it’s worth going to study in Finland, I answer sincerely and without hesitation: yes, definitely.
SOURCE: Edunation
