Erfahrungsberichte

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weitere Erfahrungsberichte für Finnland

Land:
Finnland

Universität:
Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Rovaniemi

Semester und Studiengang:
3. Semester Bachelor International Tourism Management / Health & Medical Tourism

Aufenthalt:
wintersemester 2016

Über die Universität:
The Lapland UAS is a modern university providing its students with a full range of different study fields and services. Studying in Finland is different: the focus lies more on self-evaluation and study assignments. What seems to be a huge challenge at the beginning of the semester - when you have five assignments due till the same date - is a much more efficient way of learning as you familiarize yourself with the content all the time. It raises the opportunity of maximize your knowledge and enhances the efficiency of studying. My personal attitude changed significantly as I developed self-motivation to extend my studies and also started to carry out additional research.
The courses are in general easier than compared to classes in Germany and the relationship towards the teachers is quite personal. It is not unusual to have small classes with 15 students. The focus during the lectures is indeed more on lively discussions rather than on the simple presentation of a script.
As to the staff, it can be said that they provide you with all the necessary information you need within a personal context, support and help are always only a step ahead. However, don’t expect German mentality and efficiency or you probably will be disappointed.
Finland has a different mentality compared to Germany. Many things are slower and often you have to contact departments or teachers several times before you receive valid information. This applies not only for the students’ life but also for public services. Personally, I highly appreciated the down slowing and more relaxing lifestyle but it takes a while to get used to it.

To sum up, the university provides you with different but high quality studies which are easy manageable. The staff is always willing to assist you even though they sometimes need a reminder. I recommend to take part in the organized Trips of the ESN network which offers you cheap access towards Stockholm and St. Petersburg.

Betreuung vor Ort:
About the accommodation, as an exchange student you will be hosted in DAS Kuntotie which is a huge dormitory with 300 different exchange students. So making friends is quite easy and you get in contact with a lot of different nations and viewpoints. Of course, there are parties almost every day so even though alcohol in Finland is quite expensive you are kind of forced to drink it during all the parties. Social life happens basically in Kuntotie as especially during the winter period it is hard to raise motivation for going out when it has - 30 degrees. However, the dormitory is quite far away from the university campus (around 3.5 km), so a bike is the most important companion you need in Rovaniemi as everything is far away. And the accommodation is primarily function oriented. When you move in, the apartment is not fully equipped. It would be wise to establish contact with some former exchange students as they are happy to sell their stuff before they leave. Furthermore, the communication with DAS is not easy. Responds are delivered late, information are published sporadically and can be confusing sometimes and last but not least, the personal of DAS only partly has English language skills what makes communication difficult again. I had a single room in a shared apartment which was perfect for partying and studying. However, there are also shared rooms within a shared flat what probably requires a lot of patience.
For me, living in such an international dormitory was a great experience and I had a lot of fun. The positive aspects definitely outweigh the negative ones and you are getting used to all the little inconveniences pretty fast.
Whenever you have any questions, the staff or tutors are happy to assist you.

Tipps:
If you do not fancy walking every day, buy yourself a bike immediately. The second hand shops and private traders provide you more or less with fully functional bikes. But they only need to survive one semester and yes, you still bike during the winter even it has -30 degrees.
If possible, take some basic equipment with you for the first days (plates, knife, fork and so on). This will make it a lot easier to survive the first days without crying.
I highly recommend applying for the Finnish Friend programme as this gives you the opportunity to get in touch with locals. Trust me, this is kind of Mission Impossible in daily life, except they are drunk. I had a really good time with my Finnish Friend. He took me out for traditional Saunas, Northern lights, Quad tours and hunting. Those memorable experiences have been unique and would not have been possible without my Finnish Friend.
The most valuable advice I can give you is for Hunting Northern Lights. Yes, it is one of the most epic natural phenomenon you will see and yes, you will see Northern lights for sure. But if you want to have the full experience, rent a car and drive north e.g. to the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Levi or if you want to go far north to Ivalvo. The simple rule applies that the more far away you are from light pollution, the more impressive they get.
If you prefer to stay in Rovaniemi or can’t afford to head North, the best spot is the Sky Hotel Ounasvaraa. Once you reach the top of this "mountain", you see the hotel in front of you. My recommendation is that you turn right and follow a short path through the forest which will guide you to an observation tower which is built similar to a Tippy. Here you have a 360 degrees view over the whole area. Further, I would suggest taking some Glögi or hot wine with you as it can get pretty cold and windy.
In the end I can only say, Just Do It. Lapland is above ordinary and a magical place to be.