Studying at HUMAK as an exchange student
There are a lot of forms of international collaboration but the most popular form is student-exchange, as people can be placed in language environment and it gives them a chance to study in foreign language and to learn more about another countries and people.
6 students from The Bonch-Bruevich Saint-Petersburg State University of Telecommunication received such an opportunity and came to study at HUMAK as exchange students in the city of Joensuu. This studying was organized by HUMAK and by program of student exchange between Russian and Finnish, which is called FIRST.
The city of Joensuu, where the course for exchange students was taken place, is - as the name of the place translates - at the mouth of a river entering a lake. Joensuu is a university town and the lively capital of the North Karelia Region in Finland.
It is one of the relatively fast growing centers in Eastern Finland which’s university supplies a constant stream of student from all over the country and also from abroad.
HUMAK, the HUMAK University of Applied Sciences, is an expert and a leading educator in the civic activities and youth work. The study was taken place at HUMAK Joensuun campus, which is located in two different localities: in Joensuu city centre and in Niittylahti.
During the course students were offered different ways of learning: contact instruction, independent work, online learning, group work, work placement and etc. Another part of education included different visits, study trips, excursions.
Exchange students also attended mutual course with Finnish students.
Building of HUMAK Joensuu campus at Joensuu city centre
The education started with the information about Finnish Education in general and with the presentation of education system, which HUMAK offers. Students received quite a lot of new facts about education system in Finland and also to make the acquaintance of HUMAK and its curriculum. Besides this, students received full picture of NGO and Youth Work in Finland.
The main part of exchange program was work placement. During work placement students could evaluate their own learning, develop personal communication and interaction skills, and receive absolutely new experience.
Finnish education system is so well considered, it is very flexible; student is rather free in his choice of what to study and how to study. This system doesn’t put students into limits. The main advantage of such education for exchange is that they not only receive useful knowledge and skills, but receive a unique experience of accessing to foreign culture.
Exchange students lived in flats Joensuun Elli’s flats.
Joensuun Elli is a limited company that produces, maintains and rents out student housing in Joensuu. All locations have parking spaces equipped with car-heating plug sockets. The tenants are entitled to free saunas during the common sauna or they can also book a private sauna hour. Most Elli flats have a fixed internet connection. Every housing unit has a laundry, which the tenants can use free of charge.
All exchange students were sharing their flats with Finnish students or with students from other countries.
Living in another country it is very significant to become acquainted with new people of different culture and mentality. Communication with Finnish students was the significant part of understanding Finnish culture, customs and traditions. Along common course were organized different projects, which students should implement together. Also was really remarkable for all students “Get-together” evening, which was arranged by HUMAK. It allowed students to know each other better and to find new friends.
Exchange students at HUMAK Joensuu campus, Niittylahti building
From left to right: Alexander Melentieff, Olga Ryabkina, Anastasia Smirnova, Julia Koskelaynen and Elena Snazina
Studying in a foreign country offers so much more than "just" an education.
Studying abroad gives you an opportunity to learn more about the way our world works, see things through different eyes, absorb a foreign culture (a great chance to learn a foreign language, too!), and have a lot of fun.
One of the major reasons people reject the idea is because, well, it’s so foreign! It sounds scary to go to another country where you don't know anyone. However, once you are there you realize how amazing it is. It’s so far removed from your home that you are forced to grow as a person. You become more adventurous and willing to try new things. You meet new people and make friends from backgrounds you'd never imagine.
So if you are willing to receive new experience, to improve your own skills, to explore Finnish way of live, working and studying, you will enjoy the education course in HUMAK Joensuu campus.
Snazina Elena
Exchange student from Russia
Photos: Anna Zimakova
