Luis in Fin­land

What was your main motivation to go abroad?

Inspired by Mark Twain's words "One must travel, to learn", I decided to spend a semester abroad in Lahti, Finland. Not only did I want to study, but I also wanted to explore the country, which was not normally considered a typical destination for me. I was attracted by the idea of experiencing the famous "Finnish tranquillity" and escaping the stress of university. I was also attracted by the Scandinavian countries and the prospect of getting away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. I was already fascinated by the Finnish education system beforehand. The high quality, which was praised in PISA studies, aroused my interest. I was particularly attracted by the practical orientation of the course and the mentoring programme, in which professors work closely with students and encourage them to think critically. My idea of winter in Finland was characterised by mountains of snow, icy temperatures down to -30°C and frozen roads. But what I experienced was a magical autumn with plenty of sunlight, perfect snow for sledging and a picture-perfect pre-Christmas season. My previous intercultural experiences, whether during my trip to Asia after graduating from high school or through international students at my home university, already had a positive influence on my decision. I wanted to engage in such intensive encounters again and deepen my understanding of other cultures. My personal goals for the semester abroad were manifold. I not only wanted to improve my English language skills, but also to grow in an unfamiliar environment and redefine myself. I was also attracted by the challenge of working in intercultural teams and sharpening my management skills. My desire was to push my boundaries and strengthen myself for the future, both personally and professionally. I yearned for new horizons and wanted to explore Finland, as well as Norway and Sweden, without neglecting my studies.

What were your biggest concerns?

Despite my enthusiasm for the semester abroad in Finland, I was initially plagued by fears and concerns. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to make a connection and that I might not be considered for an exchange place. The fear of forgetting important enrolment documents and the uncertainty about my language level in terms of communication also caused me headaches. The question of whether my financial resources would be sufficient and the fear of the gloomy season, which could rob my energy and joy, increased my worries. I was also worried about my choice of course and whether I would be able to find a group of friends so that I wouldn't be on my own. However, the support from the university and the local community proved crucial in overcoming these concerns. The university provided all exchange students with support that not only helped with course selection, but was also open to introducing me and my fellow students to the neighbourhood, festivals and other highlights of the city. Through joint activities such as baking Finnish biscuits and cookery evenings, I not only got to know Finnish culture better, but also quickly made my first contacts and friendships. Despite the initial challenges, many situations turned out to be instructive experiences. Especially the organisation of group work and the realisation that differences in working methods and communication often have a personal background and are not always culturally determined helped me to expand my intercultural competence. The introduction to my new environment and making friends also went relatively smoothly, not least thanks to the support of my tutor. Right from the start, I was networked with other students in my accommodation, which laid the foundations for my first friendships. Through joint courses, group work and student events, my circle of friends continued to expand and I quickly felt at home in my new environment. I learnt important lessons from overcoming my initial concerns. I learnt that it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself and that many fears are often unfounded. Through the semester abroad, I developed more self-confidence, discipline and professionalism in dealing with different people. The experience taught me that studying is possible without self-imposed stress and I returned home an improved version of myself.

Would you recommend a stay abroad? Why?

Without a doubt, I would recommend a semester abroad to anyone who has the chance. The experience and personal development you gain during this time is invaluable. Go for it, because it's an opportunity that often only comes around once in a lifetime. Every initial worry and every form you have to fill in will be worth it in the end. A semester abroad in Finland in particular offers many specific advantages. The quality of education there is outstanding. The lively exchange before and during lectures means you get to know new things and perspectives in a completely different way. Personally and academically, my semester abroad enriched me enormously. Academically, mainly through the need to communicate in English and through the challenges of studying in a new environment. I also learnt how to deal with challenges better and was also able to significantly improve my English skills. Personally, I have developed in this respect, as the semester abroad showed me my strengths and weaknesses. It also helped me to find a better work-life balance. The international relationships and the network that you can build up during your stay can also play a decisive role in your professional future. For me, these were and are invaluable, as I only learnt to better understand the international working world through discussions with fellow students from different countries and study programmes. The contacts you make can be invaluable for the future and open doors to different industries. So if you are thinking about going on a similar adventure, I would advise you to prepare yourself well and read some experience reports. Choose a country that really interests you and dare to overcome your own reservations. Try out an unfamiliar location, as this is the only way you will get to know new facets of yourself and develop further.

What did you learn from your stay abroad?

My time in Finland was not only an adventure, but also an intensive learning experience that had a strong personal and academic impact on me. Personally, I learnt a lot about the importance of peace and relaxation. Unforgettable moments such as the "dancing" Northern Lights, encounters with reindeer and visits to Santa Claus village have shaped my time in Finland and will always remain in my memory. I also made valuable friendships that transcend national borders and connected me with fascinating personalities that I would never have met without my stay abroad. During my stay in Finland, I not only visited the larger cities, but also explored some smaller places. I spent time in Porvoo, a charming town with its colourful wooden houses and historic streets. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, offered a wealth of sights, from historic buildings to modern architecture. In Rovaniemi, the city on the Arctic Circle, I experienced the magic of Santa Claus and explored the fascinating Arctic landscape. The remote towns of Inari and Bugøynes transported me into the tranquillity of the Nordic nature and gave me the opportunity to get to know the authentic life of the locals. Each place had its own unique charm and helped to enrich my Finnish experience. I also took the opportunity to explore the neighbouring countries. My travels took me to Gothenburg, Oslo, Stockholm and Tallinn. In Gothenburg, I experienced the lively cultural life of the city and enjoyed the maritime atmosphere. Oslo impressed me with its mix of modern architecture and breathtaking nature. In Stockholm, I explored the historic city centre and the city's numerous islands with friends. And finally, Tallinn immersed me in the medieval atmosphere of its old town, characterised by cobbled streets and Gothic buildings. My travels not only strengthened my love of discovery and exploration, but also broadened my intercultural experience. It was a valuable addition to the semester abroad and will certainly remain an unforgettable memory for me. Academically, I significantly improved my English language skills and learnt to work effectively in international teams. My view of the world and other cultures has also changed permanently. I am now much more open-minded and understand the similarities and differences between cultures better. The multinational exchange has shown me that diversity is an enrichment for every project and opens up new perspectives that I would not have realised on my own. In terms of my future plans and goals, my semester abroad has brought me closer to my goal of driving innovation for a sustainable and connected world through my broad-based knowledge. I now feel more confident in negotiating in English and am confident that I can make my contribution to the ongoing digitalisation and corporate communication to support the smooth running of projects. I am also thinking about either starting a degree abroad or studying again in another country during a Master's programme.

Were your expectations met?

My expectations were simply exceeded. I had originally expected my study abroad to be a positive experience, but I had no idea that it would turn into an unforgettably positive and indescribable experience. The wealth of experiences and encounters was so overwhelming that it simply cannot be put into words or pictures. During my stay in Finland, I was particularly impressed by the openness of my tutor and other Finns. I was also surprised by the silence of the environment, which allowed me to perceive myself and my body in a way that I had rarely experienced before. There were many moments and events that exceeded my expectations. I was particularly impressed by the vastness of the country, the wide, kilometre-long roads, the untouched nature and the many trees that made the landscape seem like something out of a fairy tale. The lake landscape around Lahti was also proof of this view. My semester abroad has enriched my perspective on life and the world in many positive ways. The experience showed me that if you have a goal in mind, you can achieve anything. I learnt that personal growth and adaptability are crucial to finding your way in a new and unfamiliar environment. The aspects of my stay in Finland that had the biggest impact on me and will stay in my memory are the unfamiliar environment in a culture that was still unknown to me and how quickly I adapted to it. It was amazing to see how much I grew personally and what a different character I developed through this experience. During my stay in Finland, I also found my way back to an old hobby, photography, which I had neglected in Germany.

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

During my stay in Finland, I was able to have some remarkable cultural experiences that particularly enriched my time there. Above all, I would like to emphasise the unforgettable encounter with an elderly lady who showed me and my friends how to bathe properly in an ice-cold lake. This experience was not only a cultural event, but also gave me a deep connection to the Finnish tradition of ice bathing. Furthermore, the Lapland trip gave me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in authentic Finnish culture. There, I was able to experience the traditions of the Suomi people first-hand, which had a lasting impact on my perspective of the Finnish way of life. In addition, during my stay I learnt to appreciate the importance of saunas and ice bathing in everyday Finnish life, which became an integral part of my life there. Although local customs and traditions played a rather minor role in everyday life, they still enriched my experience in Finland. In particular, early eating and the high consumption of coffee were fascinating aspects of the Finnish way of life that I learnt to appreciate during my stay. Overall, these cultural experiences inspired me to broaden my perspective on life and the world. Not only did they deepen my appreciation for Finnish culture, but they also had a significant impact on my personal development. In conclusion, I can only encourage everyone to embark on the adventure of a semester abroad. It is a unique opportunity to see the world, discover yourself and develop skills that are essential in today's globalised working world. To paraphrase Mark Twain: make the most of this opportunity, because indeed, "One must travel, to learn".