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Romanian Student Nicoleta Shares Enriching Experience in Finland

Nicoleta discovered Finland's flat hierarchies and helpful locals. She shares her tips for a memorable stay, including renting an apartment and trying local cuisine.

This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles,...
This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles, passenger lifts, name boards, stalls, lights, light boards,group of people.

Romanian Student Nicoleta Shares Enriching Experience in Finland

Nicoleta, a Romanian student from Bucharest, recently returned from a rewarding international experience. She spent the winter semester 2023/2024 at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU) as part of an exchange program. Her journey also included a Staff Week at Tampere University in Finland, funded by the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility program.

Nicoleta's Finnish adventure began with a well-organized Staff Week. The event kicked off with a brief Finnish language introduction, followed by online meetings that fostered camaraderie among participants. The main theme of the week was sustainability at universities, a topic close to Nicoleta's heart.

Her stay was marked by Finland's flat hierarchies. Locals addressed each other by their first names and used the informal 'du' in daily work interactions. This openness extended to the Finnish people, who Nicoleta found to be very helpful and open-minded. She even accompanied a colleague in the Admissions Office for a day, immersing herself in the university's work processes.

Managing food options as an allergic person and avoiding overpacking on her return were Nicoleta's biggest challenges. However, these were minor inconveniences compared to the enriching experience. She recommends renting an apartment for a more authentic experience, learning local language words, and being open to new culinary delights. Finnish doughnuts, in particular, left a sweet impression on her.

Nicoleta's international exchange and Staff Week in Finland provided her with a unique cultural experience and insights into sustainability efforts at universities. Her recommendations for future visitors—renting an apartment, learning local language words, and embracing new experiences—ensure an authentic and memorable stay.

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