International cooperation and a new pace in life: Dutch lecturer Jos Vaes deep dives into Finnish working life in Humak’s teacher exchange

Work as a senior lecturer in sport studies at HAN University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen) keeps Jos Vaes busy. Located in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, HAN has been Jos’ professional home for eight years now. Although he enjoys his versatile position, a spark for finding new thoughts and ideas was ignited in late 2023. 

“I knew Humak and HAN had partnered before and I got interested in re-establishing the well-functioning cooperation that once was. I got in touch with Humak to see if we could explore the idea of a teacher exchange. Everyone in Finland was immediately excited for the opportunity and quickly found me the right courses and schedule.” 

In spring 2024, Jos participated in Humak’s Adventure Education courses and helped the staff set up the kayaking gear ready.

Partnership brings new ideas  

Humak’s Adventure and Outdoor Education seemed like the perfect match for Jos, who has an extensive background in teaching different athletic and outdoor skills. 

“My main goal for the exchange was to strengthen and continue the partnership between the two universities of applied sciences. That was the priority for me and also my professional goal. But as a personal goal, I wanted to bring the outdoors more into my life.” 

A suitable schedule was quickly found, and Jos arrived in Finland in mid-May and was immediately greeted by the warm weather of early summer. His stay of a couple of weeks was filled by course work and getting to know the staff and students of Humak. The second phase of the partnership will take place later in the autumn when Jos will be hands-on assisting Humak’s lecturers, sharing practices and know-how. 

“I hope that this experience will deepen my own skills so that I can bring everything I learned here back to HAN and further develop the local know-how in adventure education.” 

But are there any differences between the Dutch and the Finnish way of teaching? 

“Structure-wise, Humak’s Adventure and Outdoor Education studies differ from HAN’s and I’ve really enjoyed learning this slightly new way of teaching. I’ve noticed that the pace is calmer, allowing the students to really take their time and develop their skills. Teachers are invested in their students, which has been inspiring to watch.”

Jos has been happy with Humak’s teaching. He feels that the lecturers are invested in their students.

The secrets of the Finnish happiness  

Finland is known for having four distinct seasons with their own joys and sorrows. For Jos, this has brought a new perspective on planning courses.  

“In the Netherlands, summers are longer and winters mild. I’ve realized how much Finns plan around the seasons and, even here at Humak, the courses of Adventure and Outdoor Education follow the seasons and the changing weather. I’ve gained an appreciation for the active lifestyle many Finns lead, regardless of the season. They enjoy spending time outdoors, doing various activities. I hope I can bring some of that attitude with me back home.” 

But what about getting to know Finnish people who have a well-known reputation of being reserved and avoidant of strangers? 

“I had been told that Finns are reserved but my own experience has been nothing but friendliness. At Humak, the staff has been very welcoming. I’ve already been sailing on the Baltic Sea with a colleague and I’m looking forward to my very first stay at a mökki, Finnish summer cottage.” 

Getting introduced to a new working culture has made Jos reflect upon things he’s used to. Finland’s general slower pace in life has been a pleasant surprise, inspiring him to bring aspects of it back to the Netherlands. While not rushing into things has many pros, Finns’ occasional habit of leaving e-mails unanswered came a surprise to Jos, who reminisces these situations with humor.  

“I had never been to Finland and didn’t really know what to expect. Now, I can see why Finland has been named the happiest country in the world so many times. There are many elements in the day-to-day life that support happiness. I hope to learn of the Finns’ way-of-life and take that adaptiveness with me.”