Student stories
Filip loves winter sports
Tell us something about yourself.
- My name is Filip and I come from Warsaw, Poland. I study Tourism and Recreation at Academy Of Physical Education in Warsaw. I am almost 22, and this is my 6th semester.
Do you have hobbies?
- I trained athletics for 8 years – 400m. I was the best on Youth Polish Championship in 300m, Indoor Junior Polish Championship in 200m and 3rd in 400m on Junior Polish Championship and some others. But it is over now. I have decided to do also other things beside training 7 days a week. Now I do many things but most interesting is cross country skiing.
What do you study here in Lahti?
- I study Tourism and Hospitality and I find studying here very interesting. First I applied for Socrates Erasmus program at my university after 1st semester of my studies, so I have been waiting 4 semesters to come here.
Why did you choose Lahti University of Applied Sciences?
- Because Lahti University of Applied Science had tourism faculty and lectures in English what was the best choice for me. I have started to learn Finnish because being in a country is the best way to learn language so why not Finnish! I started already to study Finnish in Polish Finnish society in Warsaw.
- Another reason I came to Lahti is that I like winter and all winter sports very much. I have been here now for 11 months. I’d like to stay here until I speak Finnish fluently but I can’t stay here longer than in the end of summer.
What has been the most interesting part of your studies?
- Living in a foreign country may be a good experience. There is no family to help you, you have to do everything by yourself. But I like my situation.
What would you like to tell about the student life in Lahti?
- Life of an exchange student is to meet other students from all over the world. We talk, have fun and spend time together.
- For me the best thing in Lahti besides winter and cross country skiing are second hand shops. There you can find everything at rock-bottom prices which is very good for poor students! And I must say the Finns are very nice and helpful, especially when I try to speak Finnish!
What do you think about your future?
- I’d like to do something connected with tourism, anywhere in the world. Before that I’ll do postgraduate studies in the field of tourism. One day I want to have wife and children.
Would you like to say something else?
- It’s really worth coming to Finland to study if you are not afraid of long winter and low temperatures :).
Text and photo: Helena Salakka