214 reviews
3.93 / 5 based on 214 reviews
Useful |
0
Autumn
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
Read more >
Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Be sure to visit Eden spa--it's almost heaven on earth, especially with a big group of friends. The TV room in the red building is also a popular gathering place, especially when Southpark is on!
Read more >
Useful |
0
Autumn
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why?
I had everything I needed in the on-campus apartment, and it was near to the university and all the other exchange students.
Read more >
Personal comments
The buildings were well-located and included a sauna and laundry room. There was also a large gathering room (one room for four 8-floor buildings) with a TV and a kitchen. The only thing lacking was a small gathering room in each building--there were often people gathered on the stairs to chat, and that was rather uncomfortable and impersonal.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Autumn
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Local language was: Different than language of instruction
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language
How much did you improve your the local language?
My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Basic phrases
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Finnish is the local language, but almost everyone (especially young people) speaks English very well--some better than native English speakers! There is always someone around able to translate for you if you run into someone who does not speak English.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Autumn
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Finland is expensive, relative to America. I spent more on travel simply because I never travel at home, and it is very easy to get around in Europe.
Read more >
Travel, Overall, Food, Telephone:
was more expensive than at home.
Housing, Nightlife:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Each student in the ISEP program was given a 2200mk stipend every month for food. That is much more than enough, so most students saved the money and used it to buy other
Read more >
Useful |
0
Autumn
Academic
Course recommendations
It is somewhat difficult to arrange to take courses in English outside of the International program courses, but keep trying if you really want to take them.
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
There are very few tests or exams for the international-student courses. There is usually a 2-5 page paper for each course, but they are nothing big. Very little work--I loved it!
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Useful |
0
Autumn
Overall
I wish I had known...
No... The best thing is to have no expectations. Then you will not be disappointed.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
VERY strongly, especially to those who like a non-typical place to study.
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
**Leave your inhibitions at customs! Finns are not modest about their bodies, a thing to remember in the saunas.
**And try sauna! It's such a wonderful experience.
**Get a host family. Opportunities are available at the beginning of the study period.
**Take advantage of travel opportunities while you can (and be sure to stop by Tallinn, Estonia, for a few days).
**Finns are quiet by nature, so they may be hard to get to know. Don't think that they are cold and rude if they don't say much.
**Get ready for snow and cold weather!
**Keep an open mind--about everything.
**Fazer chocolate is amazing.
**Be sure to see the Aurora Borealis (as if you could special-order it...).
**HAVE FUN!! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it!
Read more >
en 
English
Español
Français