A semester abroad is a big dream for many students, and it was a long-held wish for me as well. I had wanted for a long time to combine my studies with new experiences, get to know other cultures, and broaden my horizons. With my semester abroad in Lappeenranta, Finland, I was able to fulfill this dream. Looking back, it was an incredibly enriching time, both academically, personally, and culturally.

Why Finland and Lappeenranta?

The desire to spend a semester abroad had been there for a long time. What particularly appealed to me was the idea of combining education with new cultural experiences. Finland had fascinated me since my childhood: the flag, the country's individuality, the numerous lakes, and the tranquility that Finland radiates had captivated me. When the opportunity then arose to spend a semester in Lappeenranta, it was clear to me that I wanted to take that chance.

First Impressions: Arriving and Feeling Comfortable

My arrival in Lappeenranta was very warm. I was greeted at the train station by my tutor and then taken to my dormitory. The room in the LOAS dormitory was modern, and after a short time, I discovered that I lived just a three-minute walk from the impressive Lake Saimaa. That moment immediately brought a smile to my face.

A small culture shock, however, didn’t take long to appear: Finns seem very reserved at first glance. A friendly smile is not always immediately returned. But over time, I realized that this reserve has nothing to do with unfriendliness – on the contrary. Once you get to know them better, people are very open and warm.

Studying at LAB University of Applied Sciences

I am studying at LAB University of Applied Sciences, a practice-oriented university with a strong focus on group work and assignments. I found the course Leading and Teams particularly exciting, where we analyzed real-world case studies and developed our own research questions. This course was a great help for my upcoming bachelor's thesis

In addition to this course, I took, among others, Finnish 1, Professional Reading, Digital Media, and a course on internationalization. Many courses were held online, which encouraged independent learning and at the same time gave me insight into modern digital teaching concepts.

Student life was not neglected either. The local student organization ensured that people quickly settled in and could make connections through events such as a Finnish Evening, baking cinnamon rolls together, and visits to the sauna.

Living, Leisure, and Travel

I lived in a shared apartment with two roommates from Spain and the Netherlands. A great opportunity to experience intercultural exchange in everyday life.

My absolute favorite place in Lappeenranta was the harbor, especially on sunny days. The small shopping street is also inviting to linger. In my free time, I took every opportunity to enjoy nature, whether cycling, hiking, or kayaking.

A particular highlight was a trip to the Lofoten in Norway. I also visited Helsinki several times whenever I was in the mood for a big-city vibe, as well as the city of Joensuu on a day trip.

Herausforderungen und persönliche Learnings

Of course, not everything went smoothly. My room was sparsely furnished, so I had to organize many things myself, from cookware to a mattress. Another challenge was losing my laptop during a trip. In the meantime, I had to work with a loaner computer that was set to Russian. While this situation was challenging, I was ultimately able to manage it well.

Looking back, I wish I had known that many students are significantly younger than I am. At 33, I was among the more mature students. The exchange was still enriching, even though we sometimes lacked common topics. Additionally, I would spend less time on my phone today and be even more mindful in embracing the calm and nature around me.

My conclusion: Why an exchange semester is worthwhile

My semester abroad in Finland was incredibly rewarding: I was able to improve my English, immerse myself in a new culture, gain valuable academic insights, and grow personally. The hands-on courses and digital learning formats, in particular, provided me with valuable inspiration for my future career.

To all FH CAMPUS 02students considering a semester abroad, I can only say: Go for it! International exchange offers not only academic benefits but also experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.