Finland: A Little-Known Country with a Wealth of Opportunities Past Review
By Jaclyn L (Biology, General., Nebraska Wesleyan University) for
ISEP Exchange: Turku - Exchange Program at Abo Akademi University - Abo Campus
I experienced a new culture and my experience was very worthwhile. I wish I could have stayed another semester!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took the maximum amount of credits possible. The workload was really heavy for each class. The grading system is a little different, but close to ours. The teaching methods were similar, all lecture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very accessible and answered emails and questions promptly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did have to buy some settle-in items because they were out of starting packages (downside). My neighborhood was made up of international students and was very safe. It was close to a grocery store and the bus was able to take us to class and nightlife. |
| * Food: |
The cafeteria was excellent and provided vegetarian and vegan options as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My favorite trip was Saint Petersburg, Russia. I also enjoyed Lapland. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Finland overall is a very safe country. I never had any problems with anyone and could walk alone without feeling overly cautious. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 40 euros for food and other personal items. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food is very expensive in Finland. Overall, everything is more expensive in Finland so you have to watch how you spend your money. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Finland is a great country and I had the time of my life. Any student who is willing to travel and loves the night life would definitely benefit from the program. |
