Pre-departure:
Being a candidate for the Helsinki summer school was thrilling although much preparation is needed. The application was a process that can be stressful if one leaves it to the last minute. I filled out the forms and did my digital interview well in advance. It is important to make a creative yet professional interview so that the people who analyse will know that you are serious. My lectures letter was a hassle, thus it is wise to warn your lecturer in advance and repeatedly nag them to get it as soon as possible.
Once being accepted I would say it is important to meet your group and get to know them. Fortunately I had wonderful fellow candidates and we got on immediately. The next step was booking my flights. I tried to book my flights with another candidate so that we would get to Helsinki at the same time. We booked in advance but if we had taken the initiative to book earlier we would have had a better price. I would advise that as soon as the money is deposited in your account to begin searching for the best flights available. I flew with KLM airlines who were very reliable with decent food.
The visa was a tricky process as the Finnish Embassy moved to Pretoria. Nevertheless, the international office provided us with the flight to Johannesburg and the Gautrain to the embassy. If I had known the embassy was moving, I would have acted sooner and applied whilst they were still in Cape Town. The interview with the Finnish embassy was a quick process and arrived in due time before leaving for Helsinki. I would advise to get the visa sorted out early in the three month period to avoid any stress and problems that could occur.
Packing was a daunting process as I wanted to take my whole wardrobe. However I learnt upon arriving that no one really cares what you wear and you wear the same things over. I would say pack the essentials that can be mixed and matched. The only coat I took was a rain proof, thick jacket which worked perfectly as it does rain and gets cold in Helsinki. Pumps and slips slops were the only shoes I wore as boots were too hot. Generally one needs a few pairs of shorts, a couple of dresses and jeans. Food is very expensive so I would have taken tea, coffee and any dried fruit, biltong and noodles for snacks in my luggage.
Summer school
The Helsinki summer school is made up of students from sixty different countries. It is wonderful to get to know them and network for future travels. I did the service marketing and design course which consisted of eighteen students. It was quite intense but I felt completely confident and able to do the work. The course focused on the service and how this is marketed from a design perspective. We had a pre-course assignment as well as group work and presentations. It is very interesting working with foreign people and getting a different perspective on work. We wrote and exam the last day which went well. The Hanken University where the course took place is a world renowned university for its economics and finance. The lectures were extremely knowledgeable. Guest speakers of top marketing companies in Finland as well as Google Finland were brought in. One figures the balance between academics and socialising and then it does not end up being stressful.
Accommodation was the euro hostel. It is a mixed hostel and roommates are paired with people from different countries. I formed a wonderful friendship with my roommate from Czech Republic. Everything is provided for such as linen, towels and breakfast. Sauna is a big thing in Finland so there was a lovely sauna in the Euro Hostel to relax in. It is also ideal to stay in the euro hostel as this is where much socialising is done and getting to know people.
Helsinki is a beautiful country. The sun goes down at about twelve in the evening and rises early at about four. Thus there is much time to run around and see the place. I partook in the social programme being the city bus tour, the wildlife trip and Baltic Sea cruise. These were amazing adventures making one get to know the locals and the history of the country. We took a trip to Tallinn which is a stunning ancient city in Estonia, a real must see when visiting Helsinki. Tallinn is also cheaper than Helsinki. I went to many art exhibitions such as Kiasma which were fascinating. Restaurant day was a day where everyone sets up a store for the day and cooks food at low prices. I would say do as much as one can in the time period there to make the most of it. Also research Helsinki and what is happening such as festivals and events.
Return:
Unfortunately fun and games had to come to an end. After much adventuring, learning, making new friends and memories it was time to come back to South Africa. Overall, I treasured the experience and cannot wait to go visit everyone again. I found many differences in Helsinki compared to South Africa. Firstly, it is very expensive. The service is top quality and people are kind and friendly. The tram, bus and train service was very convenient as public transport is the major way of moving around. Helsinki is very safe in all the places making one feeling comfortable immediately. The city is created by towering old building and cobbled streets. The shops are endless with all the top fashion labels and food stores all over the place. However it is very expensive so having coffee in restaurants was not an everyday occurrence but it is necessary to enjoy oneself.
This summer school has broadened my perspective on the European countries and made me realise that South Africa is not as behind as I thought. I am considering if I study further in a post graduate degree to do another exchange to another country. It is the most wonderful experience and brighten ones outlook of life. Mixing with people from other countries and exploring the different ways of living has left me with a cherished experience.