Erasmus Finlandia 08-09

During the summer leading up to my Erasmus year, I was asked hundreds of times why I had chosen to study in Finland. Truthfully I never really had an answer and if I am honest I hadn’t really put a lot of thought in choosing where to go. Now I could give you more than a million reasons why I wish I could have stayed there longer and why no one should ever give up the opportunity to visit such a wonderful country which was been my home for the best nine months of my life.

While studying in Finland we worked hard and achieved great grades however with that said we definitely enjoyed the social side of Erasmus. There was always someone to meet for hot chocolate or a party or new nightclub for all the students to go to. The student union organised many event for students to attend so there was never a reason to sit at home at the weekend. These events were great for meeting other students and were organised to be off minimal cost for the students which always a plus. The college also hosted a Gala evening for student and lecturers. It was a black tie event and was really nice to see everyone dressed up and out of their wintery snow gear.
Throughout the year we made several trips to both Estonia and Sweden. Both countries are absolutely beautiful and I probably would never have had the opportunity to visit it them if it was not for my Erasmus. During our last month we attended an event known as sea battle. Sea battle was organised by the Erasmus student network it entailed 1500 students from Helsinki travelling to Estonia and then sailing over night to Sweden during a 3day round trip. It was an amazing experience and some excellent logistics took place during this trip thanks to the Erasmus student network leaders they were able to move 1500 people between 3 countries without losing a single student.

Before going to Helsinki we were advised by past students about an event that takes place in the Irish Embassy for Irish citizens in Finland on St. Patrick’s Day. We were lucky enough to get an invite so on St. Patricks day we made our way to the embassy. Where we were greeted with a drink reception and some light refreshments. We got the opportunity to meet the Ambassador and his wife, who was very interested in the Erasmus programme and explained she would love for more Irish students to come to Finland.

As the saying goes “all good things come to an end” and unfortunately on the 23rd of May my time in Finland was over. To say it went too fast is the biggest understatement. I cannot put into words my whole experience in Finland. I can only hope that this paper shows you how much I enjoyed my time in Finland. I know that the time I spent in Finland will not only benefit my future career but has also made me a better person.