What’s it like to spend a semester studying in Finland? Applied Sport and Exercise Science student Natalie reflects on her time in Kajaani, sharing the adventures, challenges and life lessons that made her study abroad experience so memorable.

Taking the Leap to Finland

I chose to study abroad because I’ve always wanted to experience university and living in another country and Finland offered a very adventurous and beautiful backdrop to do this. I wanted to challenge myself by moving abroad alone and it was better than I could’ve hoped.

Arriving in Finland had a few hiccups, but I made it to Kajaani after a long day of travelling. I was welcomed by International Tutors, students at the university, who helped me get into my accommodation.

Luckily, my flatmates had moved in before me because I immediately locked myself out and they came to my rescue. The two girls I lived with for the majority of my stay were lovely and we became close quickly, with one girl studying for the entire year, acting as our tour guide.

Settling in was a novel experience since I’d never experienced so much snow and temperatures of around –30°C for most of January.

Life and Learning in Kajaani

Study was done in small classes with lots of applied learning and practical lessons. My favourite module was Arctic Sport and Tourism, which included snowshoeing treks, abseiling and a study trip further out into the Finnish wilderness. These were incredible experiences I wouldn’t have got without this course.

Living on campus made getting to class easy, despite the weather. I met so many new people through group work in my classes and on trips from all over the world.

Snow, Skiing and Nordic Adventures

I had a group of friends from other European countries who travelled to Finnish cities for weekends and adventures around Kajaani.

My mum came out to visit and I learned to ski with her. I went skiing again with my friends to a further north resort for a weekend. Once the snow melted, we went on hikes, had bonfires, and swam in one of the thousands of lakes.

I travelled myself as well, having only taken my first solo flight to Finland in January. I made use of the easy travel between EU countries to explore the Nordics, which was a terrifying but amazing experience.

My flatmates and I went on a road trip through Sweden to the Lofoten Islands in Norway, where we saw the most beautiful auroras and wildlife.

The Challenges and Rewards of Living Abroad

This experience greatly improved my confidence and my ability to do things by myself. I had a surprisingly good time exploring Copenhagen alone and people watching. I got better at saying yes to opportunities and being brave about new experiences. I learned so much about Finnish culture and the home countries of my new friends.

The experience wasn’t without its share of difficulties, with trouble beginning at the airport with my residence permit, to a broken washing machine in the university halls. I found it helpful to spend time out in the woods behind the campus, walking and running, especially when I was missing home.

I stayed in almost constant communication with friends and family throughout my stay, and knowing I had so many people excited for my return helped to soothe any anxieties I was feeling.

My Top Tips for Students

For anyone even remotely considering study abroad, my advice is to go for it. It will be such an amazing experience that is truly once in a lifetime. It allows you to fall in love with a place you have never been to before and gives you the chance to meet so many incredible people from all over the world, meaning future holidays to visit them!

It is an expensive thing to do so I’d recommend saving up so you don’t need to be too worried about money while you are away.

Natalie Vinall

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