Åbo Akademi University

Nicolás (Colombia)

Åbo Akademi University: Master's Degree Programme in the Engineering of Data-intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS)

How did you come up with the idea to study in Finland?

Nordic countries have always been my personal perception of a nice place to live, I have always been curious about such societies that seem to have a strong societal system and that care for their citizens, compensated with the fact that there are high taxes, clearly. This is especially interesting adding factors as politics and extreme climates. In addition, in a more stereotypical perception, I was fond of knowing in more depth some of the material culture of the country and the identity such as the metal culture. This is because in my opinion, even more important than listening to a particular genre itself that I enjoy, I think that this says something about the country itself, because there is an openness upon listening to music that has been labeled as “extreme”.

Why did you choose EDISS?

Back in Colombia, the opportunities to work in international environments are not so common and I really look forward to avoid the feeling of stagnation. Therefore, EMJMD programs were a way to accomplish this, I wanted to develop myself by doing the next step in my education (my prevoius education is B.Sc. Computer Systems Engineering). EDISS was one of the most ambitious programs in terms of curriculum that I could find and also one that also kept the technical stuff relevant in the courses. I also liked that the marketing of the programme was more than just information about the studies, because a master program is more than just a simple gathering of knowledge, but rather a compilation of experiences that contributes to the big picture of one’s life.

Why should one study in Finland?

I really like that the efforts that have been made in Finland to create an educational system that is robust and reliable for the students. Support is offered, from work life to some personal daily matters such as cheap student lunches. Also professors feel equal and this creates a very flourishing environment that allows a non-hierarchical communication between parties. In addition, the fact that Finnish is a complex language to learn in the short run, serves as a double-edged sword, because the language barrier makes people just more willing to communicate in English and this is comfortable for the international audiences that might not be proficient in the local language. In other countries, students could be second-class citizens, simply because they need to be subsidized and helped in many areas, and Finland is taking care of this matter. Students are not only people that could be in a very early stage of their life defining themselves in the short and long run but also people that might not have the opportunity to afford education and are trying to break the poverty’s cycle, and the Finnish system is therefore very much appreciated.

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Jessica (United Kingdom)

Åbo Akademi University: Master's Degree Programme in Governance of Digitalization.

My name is Jessica, before my studies in Governance of Digitalization, I studied in the bachelor’s degree program at Turku University of Applied Sciences called International Business (2016-2019). Before that, I lived in Hertfordshire in England.

I had a couple of friends from Finland. I was considering which university to apply to, some of my peers were considering options abroad and I became curious about what it would be like to go to Finland for my studies. My friends encouraged me and shared information about what programs were available to study in English.

Why did you choose the Governance of Digitalization?

I looked on LinkedIn for people who studied my bachelor’s program and looked at what master’s programme they did after and where they worked. Many have gone on to study the governance of digitalization. I also reached out to some of those people to ask about the program. The description of the study program also caught my interest. I had also taken part in some courses related to digitalization and it was a subject area I wanted to develop in.

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Chang Zhang (China)

Åbo Akademi University: Master's Degree Programme in Advanced Practice Nursing.

I am Chang Zhang, 33 years old, and I come from China. I came to Vaasa, Finland, in the year 2008 to complete my studies in nursing. Now I have been working as a registered nurse at Vaasa Central Hospital in Finland for more than 11 years alongside my studies in Advanced Practice Nursing (APN).

Already in high school, I had a passion for languages and different cultures. My student counsellor advised me to apply to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (FJUTCM), since the university had a collaboration with Novia UAS in Finland. I studied one year at FJUTCM and completed my degree in Vaasa.

I applied to APN because I wanted to get advanced clinical competencies, to better provide health care service to the aging society. I hope that I can contribute to that care can be more person-centered and cost-effective in the future.

Finnish education is of high quality. Moreover, one of the best parts of Finland is the stunning nature. I enjoy skiing in the winter and jogging in the summer. The possibility to get a good work-life balance is also attractive for families with children. To have the possibility to learn both Finnish and Swedish in the same city is like to kill two birds with one stone, that’s just amazing.

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Oona (Finland)

Åbo Akademi University: Master's Degree Programme in Social Exclusion

My name is Oona, and my previous degree is Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. I lived in the United States when I was studying my Bachelor's. Originally, however, I am from Åbo, Finland.

How did you come up with the idea to study in Finland?

When I embarked on my studies abroad, I did not think I would return to Finland for studies – I wanted to travel and experience living abroad. When finishing my Bachelor’s drew close, however, I started to think of returning to Finland to do my Master's. The thought of the high quality of education, peace and quiet of Finland as well as the lively student life appealed to me specifically.

Why did you choose Social Exclusion?

Social exclusion has been indirectly part of my studies already before my Master's, as my research interest is in gendered exclusion and discrimination against refugees. As I was checking the programs offered at ÅAU in English, Social Exclusion caught my eye immediately. I was not sure, at first, if it was the degree I wanted to study. I decided to apply nonetheless, and since I started my studies I have learned how versatile and complex the issue of social exclusion is and how it crosscuts so many fields and areas of study. It was definitely the best choice for me - it has challenged my approaches and assumptions in unforeseen ways and provided me with tools that will be invaluable in the future.

Why should one study in Finland?

I think student life in Finland is great. There are lots of student activities and organizations to get involved in. It also offers a beautiful environment, as the cities are entangled with nature, and forests or bodies of water are never too far away. In terms of the studies themselves, group sizes in Finnish universities are comparatively small which allows for more dialogue and personal engagement. I feel that in my studies the teaching has overall been highly personalized to my academic and professional needs and interests.