I wish I could say it’s already beautiful, sunny spring in Finland, but no, I definitely cannot say that, because ‘spring’ in here can be hard ;) The weather is still unstable because it’s changing from snowing in the morning to raining, to few sort sunny moments, and then again raining and snowing! It is a bit crazy. And the worst thing is that it still pretty cold – always around 5 degrees (while my friends in Cracow are keep posting pictures of them laying on the green lawn, sunbathing and enjoying the warmth of the sun). Well, in here I cannot even find any blooming flowers, but all I can do is just to be patient and hope the real spring will come in here too someday ;)

But I couldn’t tell that I feel boring in here! During last month we had a seminar in Helsinki, which was a part of our Marketing Course. Although it wasn’t my first visit in that city because I was there for one day before I started my Erasmus, I have to admit this time, it was much more better. We spend there whole week, so we had time not only for studying, but also for sightseeing and having fun.  

Even though I enjoy my little, cozy and quiet village - Korpilahti, it felt good to be in a city again. Helsinki, which is the capitol and also the largest city of the country, seems nice, but it’s completely different than Cracow. It is very modern, business-orientated, but you can also find some quiet place where your mind can rest. One of such a places was Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland)  – island with old fortress. You can get there with a ferry which is the part of public transport of Helsinki, so you don’t even have to buy extra ticket for that. For me it was one of the places, if not the best one. It so easy to get there from the city center, so if you want to escape from the rush of the city-life, you can just go to this island. But it’s not the only island in Helsinki. Actually the city has approximately 300 islands! This creates very unique and beautiful landscape.

Helsinki has also some other great places to visit – for example outstanding Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church), Senate Square (Senaatintori) together with Helsinki Cathedral. The city has also amazing Museum of contemporary art – Kiasma.

Our studying part was also very interesting. We had visited important and creative companies. Thanks to Humak University we could see among others: Fullstream Record, Holvi and Rovio from inside. Talking to employees, asking question, watching how the companies works on an everyday basis – this is the best way of learning.  

To sum up our trip to Helsinki was the perfect combination of fun and education. 

Lapland

It was two months since I've arrive to Finland. I must say that it was pretty amazing time. At first I felted a bit homesick and also scared because everything seemed so new to me, but now is so much better. I learn a lot about the Finnish culture, people and everyday life. I can find places, products and other stuff which I need more easily, without asking every time for help :D (although Finns are so helpful, when I ask about anything). I’ve tried some traditional Finnish food – for example pulla, cinnamon buns, which are so delicious! and famous Finnish  liquorice flavoured candy – salmiakki, which is okay ;)).

But the highlight of the last days was definitely was Lapland Trip. Together with my classmates we went to week-long expedition which was organized  by Erasmus Network. We went from Jyväskylä  to Vasatokka, a youth center in Inari. During the trip we had lots of extra activities. At the first day we visit Snowcastle in Kemi. Every year there is a different theme of this castle and this year the main subject was Finland, so we could admire snow sculpture about among others: nature, animals, sauna, Santa Claus, ice hokey and Angry Birds! But speaking about Santa Claus… on our 2^nd day we went to Rovaniemi, the Santa’s city. Unfortunately, I have to admit it was a bit disappointment for me. Maybe it was because it was the end of February, so the Christmas magic, already has disappear… It felt too much sales-orientated. Too commercial for me, sorry L But after this the trip was only better and better!

From all possible activities I picked: husky safari and visit on reindeer farm and I think it was the best choice ever! I love nature and animals, so it was like perfect match for me haha. Riding a husky team at first was a bit crazy and terrifying but then it was just amazing and smooth ride. I think I could do it everyday :D This memory I will keep in my mind for the lat of my life, it was truly outstanding. And I can say the same about having sauna and jumping in cold water of Arctic Ocean. Before Erasmus I would never expect that I’ll do anything like that in my life, but I’m so glad that I did! I think it was like once-in-lifetime opportunity.  

Hi there all!

So here I am - finally in Finland. I decided almost one year ago about my arrival in here. This is my final year and probably my last term of education in my life. Maybe it's pretty late for Erasmus exchange, but, well... I say: better later, than never!

Although Finland wasn't my first choice in my Erasmus application, I was really glad that I got it in the end. After i found out about the results I started to interested and learn more about this country. It surprised me how little I know about Finland, country which isn't really far away from my homeland.

I left Poland and big city life in Cracow behind me. Now I'm in small finnish village which is called Korpilahti.

Why I decided to change my reality so much? I have a lot reasons. The biggest reason was NATURE. Yeah, that's right. I was feeling kinda tired of big, noisy,crowded city like Cracow (which i also love, but sometimes it gets a bit hard to be there ;)). Furthermore I was born in such a town like Korpilahti, small, but beautiful. Some people may say it seems boring, but for me it’s perfect place for finding calm and balance in your life. I expected to be surrounded by lots of fine-looking landscapes, but i didn't know that it will be so wonderful!

Before my trip I’ve already started to explore nordic culture, I’ve read some books, seen some movies and been a couple time in Sweden and once in Denmark. I really enjoyed it. Even though every nordic country is different I think all of them are truly amazing.

I hope that this time while I am here I will be able to finally visit “real north” - Lapland. This land seems to be magical, not only because of Northern Lights and Northern Days and Night, but also because of herds of reindeer, Sami people and of course… Santa Claus! Speaking about Sami people - it is surprising that not many people (including me two years ago) heard about these native people from the north. I am very fascinated with their traditions, culture, language and music.

My decision about going for student exchange was made also, because such an experience helps to be more open and learn a lot. I think it will be a challenge to leave my comfort zone, places and people I know. It might help in becoming more independent. Communicating all the time not in my mother language is also a great challenge. There is no better way of learning than practicing it all the time!