Student stories
Being in Finland is an experience of lifetime
Tell us something about yourself?
- I am Vesna, 22 years, and I come from Slovenia. For the past years I was very much dedicated to my (full-time) studies and (almost full-time) work, so I did not have much time to dedicate myself to any hobbies, although I do fancy belly dancing and I have taken a few lessons of it. Apart from that, I am very interested in languages and cultures, so I tend to spend as much free time as possible, practicing those, that I know already or study a new one.
What do you study here at Lahti University of Applied Sciences?
- I study Tourism and Hospitality.
How did you find your way to Lahti?
- After starting to think about exchange, I had the chance to meet three Finnish students that were on exchange at our faculty and after just one coffee, I had decided, if I go anywhere, Finland is the place. Finland was already the highest ranking on my list, because of the courses that the faculty offers, as I found those very interesting and useful for my future. I came to Lahti on the 3rd of September 2007 and am staying for the entire academic year.
What has been the most interesting part of your studies?
- The most interesting part of my studies are the courses, that teach about Finland and its culture, the Finnish language, because I always want to know as much as I can about the culture around me.
What would you like to tell about the student life in Lahti? What have you experienced?
- The student life in Lahti might just be the time of my life - because I'm spending it in great company. That is what matters. The special thing is being surrounded by people, with which you feel good, relaxed, accepted and people that in a way challenge you.
- Socializing is the main delicacy of my exchange-experience, although I must mention that being in Lapland for a bit more than a month and also over Christmas was an unforgettable experience as well. The best thing in Lahti is the people I spend my free time with and the best thing in Finland... well...it's a draw between Helsinki and Lapland, but I still have a lot of Finland to see.
What do you think about your future?
- I have set my plans for my future quite precisely. I am working on my thesis in this semester and I plan on graduating this year. After that I might come back to Finland a few more times in the coming years, and the highest goal set for now is to get to the Cezar Ritz College in Switzerland and get my master's degree there in the next five years.
Would you like to say something else in the end?
- Being in Finland is a whole new way of life for me and I have learned a lot in the past five months. It is an experience for life. It’s a waste of life, if one does not take the chance and go for it. I could never be sorry for coming here!
Text: Helena Salakka