WHEN MUSIC UNITES US: HOW ERASMUS EXCHANGE STRENGTHENS OUR SHARED MISSION IN EDUCATION AND RESEARCH IN THE HEART OF “MIDDLE OF (K)NOWHERE,” UEF KUOPIO
There are moments in life that change the way you see the world, that open doors you never knew existed. For me, one of those moments happened many years ago in Austria, when I met a Georgian for the very first time. She wasn’t just anyone-she was Katie Melua, the singer whose voice seemed to carry the longing and hope of an entire country. Her mentality, her gentle wisdom, and the way she poured meaning into every song left a lasting impression on me. It was as if, just by meeting her, I was given a glimpse into the soul of Georgia-a place I had never visited but suddenly felt a connection to.
That memory returned to me this week as I prepared for an Erasmus exchange with stakeholders from Batumi State University (BAU).
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]