A Blog about Education Abroad

Tag: Finland

  • Khanyiso at the University of Helsinki

    Khanyiso at the University of Helsinki

    Updated: 15 June 2016

    Pre-departure:

    I can’t believe this day has finally come! It actually feels surreal, like an out-of-body experience and like I’m living someone else’s life. The steps leading up to this moment seemed almost impossible to take throughout the application: from filling out the application form; to preparing the video; to compiling motivation letters; to applying to the host institution; and all the way to applying for and receiving my visa. There were times when I felt like I had to give my all because I had nothing to lose, but there were also times when I felt like letting the idea go. I had nothing to lose, right? The idea was too big and the academic pressures of being a final-year student working part-time were starting to get to me. The International Office, especially Sarah, was really helpful and supportive throughout the entire process and that made things a lot easier to deal with. (more…)

  • Robyn in Finland

    Robyn in Finland

    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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  • Susan en Kristin in Helsinki

    Susan en Kristin in Helsinki

    Wees Voorbereid:

    Hierdie Somerskool verhaal, het beslis nie seepglad begin nie. Nee, dit het aanvanklik  gevoel soos ‘n onheilspellende Bear Grylls ekspedisie. In retrospek, was dit soos ‘n goeie episode Friends, maar besluit jy self as jy die rowwe manuskrip lees.

    Dit het alles begin met Mia du Plessis. Sy het in 2012 die Helsinki Somerskool bygewoon en alhoewel sy met die terugkoms nie baie daaroor uitgebrei het nie, kon mens sien sy was ‘n ryker mens. Susan en Kristin het mekaar toe nog nie geken nie, maar Mia het hulle geken. Die saadjies was geplant.

    Helaas, toe die somerskool aansoeke open, was daar geen twyfel. Die opgewondenheid het hoog geloop. Dan is die aansoekprosedure betrag. Vorms, motiveringsbrief en ‘n VIDEO. Al die moeite! Jy los dit vir ‘n paar weke, en dan besef jy die tyd loop uit. Jy moet nog ‘n motiveringsbrief tik en’n video maak. Hoe doen mens dit? Dis so “awkward”.

    Die aansoek is uiteindelik in en nou is dit die lang wag vir ‘n antwoord.

    (more…)