I finished my undergraduate education at Renmin University of China in 2002. After working in an investment bank until August 2003, I came to Finland to start my Master of Global IT Management. During the early days of my arrival, I really found a distinct difference from my life in China. For example, shops close early on Saturday and don’t open at all on Sunday. If I didn’t prepare food for the weekend, Hesburger was likely to become my only option.
Regarding studies, our school really created a comfortable atmosphere to help me concentrate on studies. Both the teachers from our school and visiting professors gave wonderful lectures, from which students had the opportunity to learn while experiencing various teaching styles at the same time.
I felt happy in making new friends, having dinner together, traveling easily with my Schengen visa, etc. Of course, sometimes I also felt isolated from Finnish society because I know little Finnish. For instance, I couldn’t understand the news in local newspapers. Therefore, Internet surfing became the alternative channel to access news and information about both local events and those in the rest of the world.
Meanwhile, my experience also showed me that Finnish society is highly educated. That’s why a student speaking English can survive here. I truly appreciate the help and care from everyone in our university and wish all the best to my friends and fellow graduates."
Qian Xiaoquan