20.5.2024

Finland: The most peaceful and secure nation ever

My name is Mpho Kotlolo, and I originate from South Africa. I went to Kuopio in early April of 2023, which was my first international trip. I knew I was in a new country when I heard the cabin crew proclaim “Tervetolua” as soon as I landed at Kuopio airport. But I was excited to see the snow, so I wasn’t afraid. I stepped outdoors as soon as I landed at Kuopio airport to experience snow for the first time in my life and to feel it with my own hands.

22.5.2023

A cold but warm place

Writer: Gebhardt Kanime I decided to apply for the ERASMUS program after hearing about it from a friend. As a 6th year medical student in Hungary, I could do part of my final year abroad as a traineeship through the program. From the list of partner universities available, I chose UEF as Finland was different […]

26.1.2023

Finland – the happiest country?

Writer: Tamara Kudaibergenova My first impression upon arrival in Finland was a sense of calm and security. I got the impression that there everything was made for the sake of people, e.g. easy transportation, and reachable conveniences. Not only technical aspects, but also clean air, bright sun, green forests, blue lakes, and friendly people in […]

23.5.2022

ZERO TO A HUNDRED SO FAST

Writer: Mina Poku-Agyemang With all the excitement and expectations, leaving home (Africa), for the first time was like a good dream. I took all I thought I needed, including the warmest clothes I could get in Ghana, only for me to leave Accra with a temperature of about +28° Celsius to arrive in Joensuu at […]

11.7.2019

Change that I needed

Day by day passed… All of them were the same. My life became like a broken radio where only one song was on repeat. They say when your life becomes a routine you should do something to change it and I did. My change was this Erasmus. I decided very fast that I would like […]

20.6.2019

Different weather, new perspective

Finland the winter wonderland and magical sunset. It is really different from my country in weather and nature but actually it’s extremely  beautiful . I’m a 22 years old Egyptian girl from Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt  and I have been in Finland for 4 months as pharmacy exchange student in University of Eastern Finland. […]

11.6.2019

Minä tulin takaisin Suomeen – I came back to Finland

For the second time, it is time to say goodbye to Finland. However, is it a real goodbye? Indeed, two years ago I thought that it was the case, but when I realized that I have the opportunity to do another Erasmus here, in Joensuu, I immediately knew that I will be back for another […]

6.6.2019

An unforgettable experience

This is an unforgettable, incomparable experience. I heard stories, saw photos and read articles, but I never thought that I could see and feel Finland with my own eyes. I was lucky to get to the very cozy city of Kuopio, which immediately struck me with the abundance and beauty of nature, benevolent people. Becoming […]

14.5.2019

Finland, my second home

After almost two years, I came back! After hard work, I managed to fulfill my desire and come here for the second time. When I found out about the exchange program to Finland, I applied again without thinking. After nearly two years, coming back to Joensuu was interesting because the city changed in a physical […]

9.5.2019

Finland: So different, so magic

My experience in Finland ended just over a month ago, but I still miss that Country, so different from mine but so magica and evocative.  I’m a 24 years old Italian girl and I have been in Finland for two months, February and March. I came to Kuopio for work, thanks to a collaboration between […]