Finland: Silence, Snow, and an Unforgettable Experience

On January 4th, 2025, I packed a giant suitcase and a whole lot of hope and set off on a student exchange to Finland. My destination? Iisalmi, a small, cozy town in the heart of the country. With about 20,000 people and surrounded by nature, it was the perfect setting for a short but rich study adventure. I was joined by fifteen other international students from: France, Kosovo, Austria. I was the only one from Slovenia.

A warm group of Finnish tutors and students welcomed us. One of the nicest surprises was our Polish-born professor, who coordinated our studies and brought a bit of Slavic warmth to the cold north.

Our classes were held at Savonia University of Applied Sciences, which mixes agricultural and social sciences. Even though we came from different fields, we shared courses like Survival Finnish, communication skills, and orientation that helped us get to know the Finnish city, everyday life and studies. Afternoons were full of group hangouts, game nights, and trips that brought us closer together.

I really admired the Finnish education system. It felt open, friendly, and very hands-on. Every subject had practical, interactive assignments, either in the practise or online. The only real exam we had was in Survival Finnish; everything else was done through projects and reflections. It made learning feel natural and fun.

I also did an internship through the university, which turned out to be an amazing decision. I worked with other students, learned a ton about school social work, completed a course on personal and professional development, and even earned certificates in Suicide prevention and Childcare protection. I also helped organize a final event for all exchange students and with that gained so much experiences along the way.

The weather? It was cold, of course. Dry air and -20°C became normal, but it wasn’t as bad as it sounds. Snow was always around, the roads were white, and when the sun dipped behind the horizon, everything was still and quiet. Actually the quietness was all the time and almost everywhere.  We basically lived on vitamin D3, especially early on when there was hardly any sun.

We also got to explore other parts of Finland, and the highlight for me was visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. It was pure magic. Sure, the high prices for food and drinks were a shock at first (student budget alert!), but I learned to make smarter choices over time.

Finland taught me so much…about myself, about other cultures, and about the beauty of stillness and silence. This exchange helped me improve my English, connect with people from all over and just live in the present. I’d absolutely recommend an Erasmus+ exchange in Finland to anyone. It’s a life-changing experience.

This trip gave me memories and friendships I’ll always carry with me. I hope to return to Finland one day. M  aybe as a visitor, maybe as a student again, or just as a friend dropping by.

Thank you for this amazing opportunity./ Kiitos tästä upeasta mahdollisuudesta.