New perspectives on sign language interpretation, nature, and the Finnish way of life: an interview with French exchange student Hugo

When Hugo Gendry, a 21-year-old student of French Sign Language and English from the University of Toulouse–Jean Jaurès, decided he wanted a completely new experience, he looked north.

“I wanted to go as far as possible.” Having previously traveled no farther north than Denmark, Finland seemed like a real adventure.

That curiosity led Hugo to Humak, where he spent his exchange year studying sign language interpretation. Looking back, he describes it as “one of the best years” of his studies.

“Sign language is a really beautiful language”

Hugo’s motivation to study sign language interpretation is deeply personal.

“Sign language is a really beautiful language,” he explains. “But for me, it’s also my first language. My first word was in sign language.”

Hugo’s parents are Deaf, and the language has always been an essential part of his life.

Learning Finnish Sign Language together

Although French Sign Language (LSF) and Finnish Sign Language (FinSL) differ significantly, Hugo says the transition was smoother than expected.

“My classmates helped me so much. They were incredibly patient and supportive.”

He also enjoyed comparing linguistic differences: LSF tends to describe objects, whereas FinSL emphasizes actions related to those objects.

“When communicating in International Sign Language, you don’t usually see these aspects,” he notes.

Hugo was also struck by the strong accessibility of sign language services in Finland. At the same time, Hugo observes that France’s Deaf community is larger, with more festivals and gatherings.

A peaceful country full of forests and kindness

Before arriving, Hugo had heard that Finnish people were shy and quiet.

“But they’re really kind,” he says. “I felt so welcome here.”

Helsinki’s access to nature also surprised him:

“I imagined it would be like Paris: buildings everywhere. But 20 minutes by bus and suddenly you’re in the forest. I loved that.”

He experienced sauna for the first time and appreciated Finland’s calm atmosphere.

“This country is so chill. Peaceful. You have to be on time, but you’re not in a hurry,” he says.

One of his best years ever as a student

Hugo refers to his time in Finland as one of his “best years ever as a student.” Exchange enables students to experiment, learn unexpected things, and gain confidence.

His advice for future exchange students?

“Don’t be scared of meeting new people,” although he admits that he was scared too at first. “Face your fears! Have an open mind and be open to experiencing everything.”

“I will be back to visit for sure!”

As his exchange year at Humak comes to an end, Hugo reflects on his experiences with gratitude. Being the only exchange student in sign language studies turned out to be a positive thing.

“I didn’t just make connections; I made friends! They were so kind and taught me so much about Finnish culture.”

Living in Finland for a full academic year allowed Hugo to experience the country far beyond a tourist’s perspective. And one thing is certain:

“I will be back to visit for sure!”

Author:

Emma Arnell