Meet the students

Thao is originally from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. She is currently taking a master’s degree in Materials Chemistry at the University of Turku and working on her thesis for a Finnish company. Prior to her master’s degree, she has also studied at Centria University of Applied Sciences in Kokkola where she finished her bachelor’s degree majoring in Environmental Chemistry and Technology.

“I highly recommend that you take part in as many activities as possible. That way, you can get to understand Finnish culture, make new friends, broaden your social networks, and gain a lot of valuable experiences.”

Daniel is originally from Portmore, Jamaica and is the very first Jamaican to ever attend Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK). He is a bachelor’s student of Electrical and Automation Engineering. 

“Don’t keep your mind in a box. Don’t come with any preconceived ideas about Finland. Just be ready for what will come your way. Have a positive mindset that it’s not going be a bad experience. Get ready to experience the best education system in the world!”

Anna Ryzhova is half Armenian, half Russian. She is currently taking a Master of Arts in Futures Studies (with minor in Finnish language) at the University of Turku where she got a scholarship covering the entire tuition fee. Prior to her master’s degree, she has also studied at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) where she finished her Bachelor of Business Administration.

“Start studying Finnish language as soon as possible because it is very important. When I moved to Finland, I didn’t know any single word in Finnish.”

Sina is an Iranian that has been studying Civil Engineering back in his home country but has decided not to finish it and to come to Finland and pursue a different career path which he likes. He is currently an International Tourism Development bachelor student at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK).

“Moving to another country might be challenging for some people but I think it’s worth it to come to Finland because of many things – the education system, the culture, the people.”

Xiaoting is a first-year master’s student specializing in Marketing at Hanken School of Economics. She originally comes from China and has studied in Shanghai and Paris for her bachelors. Before coming to Finland, she has already worked in the field of e-commerce for 3.5 years.

“All Finnish institutions have quality education. Do not be scared to express what you think. The teachers encourage you to think and appreciates all answers.”

Zina is Argentinian and French but has lived most of their life in Argentina. They are part of the first batch of the Arts and Design bachelor’s degree program at Aalto University. They work alongside their studies and the projects they are doing. Zina is a member of the Aalto Squad and also has other part-time jobs.

“When you come to study or work, there’s different communities that are here to support you. If ever you run into trouble, then you always have someone to go to. You are not alone.”

Riley is originally from Hong Kong. She is majoring in Mechanical Engineering at LUT University. She recently arrived in Finland at a time of the pandemic. Before coming to Finland, she was studying in the United States for her high school diploma and an associate degree in Science.

“Hang around, join different social clubs and explore more things in Finland or explore things you didn’t know before or were not happening in your home country. So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”