How Studying in Finland had an Impact

By Ria Mair, University of Helsinki, Finland

Learning about different cultures

Through my social circle, I learned a lot about different cultures during my year abroad.  In the first semester, my friendship group consisted of people from various countries, and so we hosted a ‘bring your own dish night’.  I had the opportunity of trying French quiche, Dutch ‘Poffertjes’ and even a New Zealand ‘mousetrap’.

Beyond food, I became aware of other cultural differences.  For example, when listening to music with my friends, I was introduced to different genres, and now I have a more broadened taste in the arts.  I learned about different structures of language, as my French friend taught me that in casual French, a lot of the time, letters in words can be rearranged to mean the same thing.  Even educationally, many of my European friends were shocked that I said I didn’t want to do a Master’s degree at the time, because for them it was the norm after doing an undergraduate degree.

Learning about all these different cultural norms truly broadened my perspective of the world.  I now understand the varying issues in different countries, and also how the same issues faced in the UK manifest differently around the world.  This has made me a more understanding person, having gained insight into global points of view.

Adapting

During my year abroad, there were several instances where I had to adapt, whether that be socially, academically or environmentally.

Finland’s climate is very cold during Winter with little sunlight, a situation I struggled to adapt to at first.  I struggled with sleep during these months, but after establishing a routine of maximising my exposure to daylight, exercising for the endorphins to prevent seasonal affective disorder, and ensuring I was socialising, I learned to cope.

Another way in which I adapted was learning to speak in an inclusive way to people whose first language wasn’t English.  At the start of the year, I frequently encountered a “what was that?” and after my friends made me aware that I was speaking too quickly, I made the effort to speak in a more universally understandable manner, which is an important skill in communication. 

Building confidence

After experiencing new things, like cold plunging into the sea, and growing as a person independently, my confidence and self-esteem have improved in a way I did not expect.  When studying abroad, you now know that you can take yourself to a different country, settle down and develop your character, which is a reassuring fact when facing other new and potentially nerve-wracking situations in life.  When it comes to trying new things, meeting new people or stepping into the unknown, my perspective is my positive and curious as opposed to scared or unsure. During the year, I experienced a few setbacks, but now, having been resilient and come out the other end better, I feel more confident in myself that I can navigate the uncertainty of life better – an essential feeling coming up to graduation.