So Yu-jin (Environmental Sciences and Engineering, 4) on the bottem row, pose with her friends as they say “Muikku” or “Kimchi” in her way of trip.
What an experience!
This one year exchange has taught me more about myself than I could ever have dreamed of. I cannot help but think about what an incredible year it has been in Finland. It has opened me to discover myself that I have never seen before and brought some of the most amazing people I have never met into my life. I was pushed to limits I never thought possible, such as managing life and stress. It was a variety of new experiences. The new chance was given to me to see the world, learn new cultures and languages, and discover myself. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world.
The Finnish winter was so long and it was almost half of the year. Complete darkness was a much harder thing than coldness. However, it allowed me to grab a chance to get together with foreign friends more and it helped us to enjoy the real winter with unique winter sports, such as cross country skiing, snow shoes, down hill skiing and snowboarding in snowy weather. It was a really cool experience. Not only had that, but my Finnish mom and dad, who regarded me as their 11th daughter, already become VIPs in my life. I sincerely hope to see many of the wonderful people I had the pleasure in getting to know again one day.
Getting an easy opportunity to go on a trip to tour around the whole Europe is also one of the most attractive strong points. Especially, meeting with a real Santa Clause in Rovaniemi in Finland on Christmas was the best. Pizza with reindeer topping was a very unique experience as well.
There is so much more to this world than I could ever have imagined. I hope to find it sometime, somewhere, someplace. Or, perhaps, what will be more exciting is to keep looking for it. Life is inexperienced and unexpected, beautiful and exciting, wonderful and always changing.
For once in my life, I sincerely welcome this change. I’m ready to embrace this transformation and welcome it with open arms. There will be new twists and turns that will take us to places we have never been or take us back to places for new and charming experiences.
So Yu-jin (Environmental Sciences and Engineering, 4) spent a year at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland.