From the Himalayas to Humak: Rupak Maharjan enjoyed his Community Educator studies
Growing up in Nepal, Rupak Maharjan was used to exploring the nature. Work in the NGO sector was interesting, but Rupak had a growing feeling that it was time for a change. His career felt like it had reached a dead end, and Rupak turned his attention to international degrees.
Looking for new opportunities and a fresh direction in life, he decided to apply to Humak’s Community Educator degree programme specializing in Adventure and Outdoor Education.
“I immediately felt that this programme could be for me. Back in Nepal, I was already doing activities such as hiking, mountaineering and cycling. Professionally, I had been doing development work with communities and I also loved being outdoors”.
The decision was made: it was time for an adventure.
Lifelong memories
Rupak started his studies at Humak in autumn 2021, and studying at Humak also became his first experience of living abroad. The Finnish education system came as a pleasant surprise.
“In Nepal, education is very theory-based and traditional. At Humak, learning never felt like an obligation. Most of the time, we were learning through activities. Studying was active and fun”, he recalls.
Field trips to Lapland, mountaineering courses, kayaking and excursions around Hanko coastline became unforgettable learning experiences. Rupak summarises the experience by reflecting on his own status in the society: “as an immigrant, I would never have had access to these kinds of activities. At Humak, I was making lifelong memories.”
Unlearning old habits
Studying at Humak challenged Rupak to rethink what he already knew. Hiking in Lapland certainly was very different from the Himalayas, which forced him to unlearn old habits.
“I started from scratch with new gear and risk management. Cold weather, swamps and changing seasons required a completely different approach. Nepal has altitude, but here in Finland the risk factors are different.”
Any surprises in the athletic requirements?
“I had to take a swimming course before our kayaking lessons started”, Rupak recalls giggling.
Life in Finland takes shape
Alongside outdoor skills, Rupak deepened his understanding of community education. With previous experience in development studies and working with international organisations, the topic felt familiar, but learning about Finnish laws and practices gave him valuable local insight.
Life in Finland began to gradually take shape. Rupak’s wife, a Finnish citizen, played an important role in helping to integrate.
“From my wife, I learned a lot about Finnish culture and local practices. I also did my internships at Finnish companies where I learned about Finnish work culture and ethics. There were definitely some cultural shocks, and it’s still a process. Until I’m fluent in Finnish language, the process is ongoing.”
Out of interest, what kind of things have caused a cultural shock?
“The first time I was in a sauna naked with my teachers and classmates, I couldn’t believe it was actually happening”, Rupak laughs in slight disbelief. “Nevertheless, I’ve always appreciated how systematic, yet close to the nature, the Finnish society is.”
Smooth transition to working life
Transitioning from studies to working life was smooth. Through practical training, Rupak found employment at Live-säätiö. What started as a part-time work became a full-time position as an instructor, organizing adventure and outdoor activities for people with special needs.
Graduation came in December 2024, and it was time to bid farewell to the Humak community. Looking back, Rupak describes his life since graduation as truly adventurous:
“During your studies, you might sometimes doubt yourself and worry what will happen after graduation,” he says. “But the degree is well planned. Trust the process.”
