Category: Helsinki Summer School

Pre-departure:

Visa application:

When applying for the visa, go to the website of the Finnish Embassy of Pretoria to read the important information and to download the application form. One very important thing to note is that there will be no fee charged for the visa if you state on your form that you are applying as a student going to follow a course. However, with this option, you will only receive a Schengen visa for the dates of your departure and return to South Africa and it will only be for one entry into Finland. You thus need to keep this in mind if you will be visiting other countries except for Finland.  To apply for the visa, you will need your letter of acceptance from the summer school, bank statement showing you have at least R10,000 available, proof of registration at SU and a letter of recommendation from the SU International stating that you will return to Stellenbosch to finish your studies. 

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Jodi attending the Helsinki Summer School.

Pre-departure Planning:

I got news of being selected to attend the Helsinki Summer School at the end of April and immediately starting wondering what needed to be done. Fortunately, I had more time to prepare, as the Summer School was only scheduled to commence the second week of August, whereas other Summer Schools were held during June and July. Stellenbosch University International (SU International) hosted an orientation session in May and it was quite helpful, despite my having travelled to Europe before. I consulted the Finnish Embassy’s website (http://www.finland.org/Public/Default.aspx) and emailed them as early as 16 May.

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PRE-DEPARTURE:
Depending on how accustomed to overseas travel you are, your pre-departure experience will differ. Most importantly, of course, is the visa application process, which you should begin as soon as possible after the three-months-prior-to-your-flight date is reached. I can’t offer advice on the Finnish visa application process, because I applied for a general Schengen visa due to my planned  extended stay in the Netherlands after leaving Finland, but I can say that Photo Studio Lockley in Plein Street, Stellenbosch is a good place to get photos taken – they’re conveniently located, they take photos for all kinds of visas and passports, and they are actually one of two photographers recommended by the Dutch embassy (which means that they should be approved by other embassies, as well). It can really take a while to get all your documents in order for the embassy, so do start the process early! You’ll likely need many certified copies of your ID and/or passport – this can be done at the post office. Second most importantly – booking your flight. According to some sources on the Internet, it is best to book 6-8 weeks in advance of your desired departure date. I got a good deal on Turkish Air, and only a two hour waiting period in Istanbul before my connecting flight. Then, depending how much time you have on your hands, do some research about the place you’re going to! The Helsinki Summer School provides great tips for places to go and things to do on their student extranet; but it’s also nice to browse the Internet and page through guidebooks for ideas. Once you arrive, you may find you’re too busy to plan to do anything that it is not made obvious or suggested to you. Look for museums and activities that interest you, and maybe particular restaurants/eating places you’d like to visit (e.g. if you’re a vegetarian, or particularly interested in Finnish food). You’ll also need to sort out your finances – a cash card, available at most banks, is a useful thing to have – swiping is free and withdrawals (at any MasterCard ATM) cost 2 EUR. Finally, you should get an EU adaptor plug if you need one (Fidder’s in Andringa has them).
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