Ann-Kathrin and Janne in Finland

What was your main motivation to go abroad?

Janne: It was already clear to me before I started my studies that I wanted to spend a semester abroad. The international offers of the universities therefore had a high priority in my selection. The possibility of a double degree at the HNU is a great opportunity to combine my passion for traveling with my studies. After all, the best way to get to know and understand other cultures is through direct contact, and what better way to do so than studying with your peers? At the same time, you get to know so many more cultures through all the other exchange students who are also in Oulu.

Ann-Kathrin: My main motivation for doing the double degree programme was that I wanted to have a completely new experience and it gave me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. The programme gave me the chance to get to know a different country and its culture and to expand my English skills. I also wanted to get to know many new people from all over the world and other countries. The OAMK and its courses appealed to me directly and aroused my interest.

What were your biggest concerns?

The only concern was the length of the exchange (9 months) as we were worried about being away from home, friends and family for such a long time. But our excitement was greater than our doubts. Even before the start of the mobility we felt very well taken care of by the OAMK as the organisation was simple.

Would you recommend a stay abroad? Why?

Yes, definitely! The exchange had a huge impact on our personal growth, you become much more independent. Sure, you will have some bad days, just like at home, but if something doesn't work out, you're not alone, because all the exchange students are in the same situation and there are lots of people who can help you. The community of exchange students here in Finland is strong and the experiences shared with each other which will always remain in our memories. Besides all those fun experiences during free time, the academic experience is also very enriching.

What did you learn from your stay abroad?

Janne: In Finland, the teaching methods are much more based on self-study. It is thus necessary to organise yourself (and your project with your fellow students) really well. My methodology and organisational skills, especially when it comes to project management, have improved immensely. Academically, I studied in a slightly more technical field than in Germany, so I expanded my knowledge of computer science as well.

Ann-Kathrin: This time abroad helped me to be more independent and I was able to develop personally. I was also able to achieve my goal of expanding my English and computer skills. Finland was new to me, and I learned a lot about Finnish culture and can perhaps take one or two things for my life.

Were your expectations met?

To be honest, when we arrived, we were a little overwhelmed with the different and more independent teaching style and the new living situation. After a couple of weeks though we got the hang of it. It was definitely the right decision and some inconveniences did not stop us from having the best time possible. Our expectations were definitely exceeded.

Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experience abroad?

The student culture here is quite different from Germany: student unions have lots of funding, the average student is a member of the general student union OSAKO and of another union for their department of study. As a member of these unions, you get lots of student discounts and advantages and every week there is at least one student party or event. It is common for students to wear overalls for partying. Each study field has its own colour; thus, it is easy to identify fellow students. You can decorate your overall with different patches you can get at events.