Finnish, the language of the North

A big part of going to study abroad is the language that you would be encountering during your stay in the country. Even if you study in English, the life still remains in the local language.

Sometimes it’s easy; perhaps you already know the language. Sometimes, however, that is much more challenging, and it’s truth that Finnish is not the easiest language, but in the same time is often required if you’d like to find a job right here, as you study and after graduating.

There are so many options on how to learn the language, but Laurea is not leaving you on your own.

Laurea offers its students elective Finnish language studies (Although the very first level of Basic Finnish is compulsory), helping you to feel more at home while staying here.

But who is in charge of these studies?

Well, to let you know more, I contacted one of the Finnish language teachers.

Hello and thank you for giving me some of your time.

To start with, what is your name?

Leena Saarikko.

If you don’t mind sharing, what is your age?

52 years.

Where do you originally come from? We know that a lot of teachers are from Finland but the international background of Laurea means that there are teachers from somewhere else in the world as well.

I come from Finland (Helsinki).

What is your educational background?

I have a B.A. from the University of Helsinki and Pedagogical degree from Haaga-Helia.

How long have you been teaching at Laurea?

14,5 Years.

Laurea has seven units,  Tikkurila, Leppävaara, Kerava, Hyvinkää, Porvoo, Otaniemi and Lohja. In which unit(s) do you teach?

In Leppävaara only.

What subjects are you teaching? And which degree programs include those subjects?

I teach Finnish in all English degree programs (BM, SM, BIT, FM and RE)

How would you describe the life and students of Laurea?

I can’t say much about studying, but it seems that the required tempo of studying is mainly suitable for the students, although, the fastest and most hard-working students find it a bit slow and the ‘’slowest’’ probably a bit too demanding.

I like the fact that especially the Leppävaara campus is genuinely international. I love my students and teaching here! The general atmosphere is good and as a work place Laurea (Leppävaara) is demanding (When it comes to work load), but rewarding.

Thank you!

I hope that you have gained a little more from this interview!

Näkemisiin!/See you for now!

- Liliana

Look out for more interviews in the future, if you’d like to get to know the teachers of Laurea UAS better!

Finding the new home

For every student, me too, it was a big worry to come to a foreign country to study.

Many questions plagued mine, and many other student’s minds.

Where would I live? How much it would cost me? How can I make sure that I will be able to understand the studies? Will there be any problems with me staying in this new country? And so many other more.

I will try to aid at least some of your worries!

Let’s begin with living.

The one thing about studying in Finland that made me feel concerned was the lack of dormitories. However, the housing style is completely different here, that’s why dorms are not exactly available.

 

Most of the international students look for aid from HOAS (Can be found here: HOAS). After filling out the form, a type of an apartment is supplied to the company’s best ability.

Not only that, but they try to make sure that where you live is either in close proximity of the study unit you are going to attend or close to a transportation that would make it ease for you to reach your campus.

But it’s not that you must rent a whole apartment to yourself. The option of shared apartment is like a completely new type of dorm life experience!

With a secure room of your own, you still have the chance to interact with Finns and foreigners, learn more of their culture and even make friends even without the need to go out of your way somewhere in the city.

There are also other companies where you can search for housing, but HOAS is the first one you should contact, as it’s a specialized and reliable company.

Just don’t forget – the wait for a response can be a little nerve wrecking, so remember to apply in advance!

-Liliana

Fresh 'n' Fun

Hello again!

Events are a large part of the student life in any university. Not only the private parties thrown by friends and classmates, but also the parties set up by the university and its student union! And, honestly, what would Laurea be without having those as well?

One of the most interesting events of the year is the Fresher’s event, where the new students, upon their own free will, can participate. Tutors provide a bunch of fun tasks and the new students work their way through all of them as a team.

Fresher's 2014

To make the event even more fun, a topic is also provided; this year it was Superheroes, where the groups of students had to put in their creativity and become an awesome band of caped justice-bringers. The year before the topic was a bit more different, the green and red of Irish stereotype accompanying the four-leaved clovers.

Personally, I have enjoyed both, my own and the most recent Fresher’s, as it’s not limited only for those just starting the studies. Of course, the tasks are mainly for them, but that’s how you build the team spirit, almost like in a proper work place.

It may even rain, but never has the mood suffered because of a mere drizzle!

Fresher's 2013

A thing that makes the student life in Finnish universities even if only a bit more unique, is that every university sports their own colour overall. As a part of the university spirit, people wear them, decorating the arms, legs, chest and back with badges that can be bought or won, but the accessorizing does not stop there. It’s always easy to tell when something interesting is happening in student life when you see people around the town, dressed in their overalls.

All in all though, it’s not about the weather, nor what you are wearing. Instead, it’s all about having fun, and, rest assured, you will definitely have a great time and will bond with your new classmates, and will make some awesome memories!

-Liliana