Keski-Pohjanmaan Ammattikorkeakoulu (MELLERSTA ÖSTERBOTTENS YRKESHöGSKOLA)

The Finnish language was very difficult to learn but it made my experience so much more valuable and I got my first job at Reuters because of it. I made the absolute most of my time there, with language training, proofreading annual reports, writing for the media and ofcourse the industrial placement and all of my potential employers thought that talking about my experience of Finland was fascinating, and that is what makes a difference at interview. Kokkola Uni has made a huge difference to my career

There is an excellent 10 day unlimited rail travel offer, which is a great way of exploring on a budget. As a native English speaker you can get work as a freelance language trainer or translator without any problem. I thought the grant would be loads of money but the reality hit home fast, you will have to budget well.

Kokkola is a nice little town, but there are a lot of opportunities to travel around (Tankar Island, Villa Elba...)

I made a lot of progress in Finnish due to my eagerness to learn on my own and some great friends that helped a great deal, I was proud to be able to speak Finnish and the Finns were impressed that I made such an effort. Americans rarely made any effort and their reception was affected by this - rightly so too.