NVSU students Anton Tsys and Evgeny Struminsky have taken part in a student exchange program in JAMK University of Applied Sciences in Jyväskylä, Finland during the Fall Semester 2014. Now the students are ready to share their impressions and experience.

Anton and Evgeny decided to join a student exchange program as it was a great opportunity to get international experience and improve their language skills and knowledge of major subjects. It was also a chance to meet new people from all over the world, as JAMK University of Applied Sciences is an international college welcoming students from more 100 countries. Moreover, this university offers study programs in English, which was a great plus in choosing a hosting training institution for our students. Another plus was that Finland is close to Russia, so the students could always return home, had they faced any troubles or missed home too much.  

Having arrived there, our students faced certain challenges. Everything was new to them – people, nature, architecture. Anton and Evgeny admit that they experienced some cultural shock, but it was soon overcome because they supported each other and were helped by other students. Another difficulty was that according to the accommodation terms the apartment they moved in was unfurnished. The room was equipped with household appliances, countertops, kitchen cabinets, and a wardrobe in the living room, but there were no beds or other pieces of furniture they needed. So they had to purchase some furniture and find ways to deliver it to their apartment. They were helped by other students who had to solve the some problem.

The students admit that at first they felt a bit isolated and had some socialization difficulties, but only for a couple of weeks. The biggest problem was that they did not speak Finnish, which could have been helpful in some situations. Fortunately, most people in Finland speak English and soon they felt more comfortable.

Even though at first they had some language and accommodation difficulties, Anton and Evgeny quickly got involved in the local life and wished to learn more about the people and culture. They were happy to discover that Finnish people are open and helpful and other students offered their assistance too.

Russian students were most impressed by the way the Finns take care of the environment. Everything is very well maintained, the city is very clean and well-decorated, the nature around is beautiful. It was very interesting to speak to people from other countries, to learn the way they live and to tell them about life in Russia. The whole atmosphere was easy-going and positive.

Speaking about the training system in JAMK University, the students say it is more focused on self-learning, group work and most of the time is devoted to solving practical issues. For example, the students were often given tasks that were actually real-life challenges solved in various companies. The students had to offer their own solutions, after which the tutor told them what solutions had been taken in the companies. Also, the students visited various companies and businesses to learn about their activities, the challenges they face and ways they solve them.

Joining the exchange program enabled our students to make new friends and learn about new cultures. Anton and Evgeny took part in many social events organized by international students and the university. They say that most people were open and sociable. The language barrier was minimal, as foreign 

students spoke English of more or less the same level. Everybody was open to communication and learning. The guys met many Russian students and Russians living in Finland, which helped in overcoming cultural difficulties and finding way in the city.

The students were impressed with the way the JAMK University has organized its work with international students. The tutors and university staff were always ready to help and answer any questions. Had they faced any problems requiring serious help, they are sure the university would have been more than ready to solve them.