Tag: Finland

Ready, Set, Go.

Getting ready for Helsinki was almost as exiting as being there.  I would like to thank the University’s Postgraduate and International Office for all their support.  For me it was very important to have my Visa application fully prepared at least a few days before the due date.  The last thing you would want to be doing is scrambling around the day before to get bank statements or travel insurance.  The University provides a clearly defined checklist of all the documents you need and it takes some time to get hold of all the documents you need.  Simply keep a file in which you gradually added all the documents you need.  Remember that the earlier you buy you plane tickets the cheaper they are, so have those ready as soon as possible.  A had a situation where my parents were provided their bank statements as proof that I have the required amount of money to travel to Finland.  At the embassy that asked me for the bank statement of my credit card which I would be using in Finland.  I did not have it there, because it was not stated anywhere.  Nevertheless I emailed it to them the next day and received my Visa a few weeks later.  At this point you might think: “OK sweet, ek’s in, nou moet ek net op daardie aeroplane klim”.  Not quite yet buddy.

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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. (more…)

Pre-departure:

Once I got the confirmation that I had been selected, all the excitement ended. Why, u might be asking, because visa application processes are always a patience needing experience! So kick starting everything was the news that I couldn’t get my visa here in Cape Town but had to go to Pretoria as the Finnish consulate here in Cape Town had suddenly decided that all who needed the Schengen visa to their country must go there.

Thanks to the efficiency of the organising office for bailing me and my fellow students out by taking care of our booking to and from Pretoria. The Finnish website talks about 5 working days for South African citizens and since am not one I would urge anyone who isn’t to get prepared for a minimum or 2-3 weeks at the soonest. The plus side about the visa process is that it is free! Yes as long as your papers (ALL DOCUMENTS) are in order. As I learnt at the Embassy do not overlook any document or piece of information they require, as it will most likely delay your visa application process

The trip to Pretoria was fun, as we spent the day together as a group for the first time, with the exception of Liam and Susan. Our combination of Helen, Kristin, Lefras and me was just awesome. (We enjoyed each other’s company and wished we had done it often in Helsinki but the different schedules made it impossible).

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