"I feel very welcomed here" - student ambassador story
How long have you been in Tampere and what brought you here?
I came to Finland in 2019 and live in Nokia since then with my boyfriend. I came to Finland because I was unhappy with my studies in Germany and because I was sick of having a long-distance relationship. So I moved and I'm very happy about my decision!
What subject do you study and how did you choose it?
I study the Bachelor's Degree Programme in International Business. I am currently in my second year with two of my main modules being Marketing and Innovation Management and Business Development. I was previously studying at a European Business Programme in Germany. I wanted to continue my studies in that field, so I choose to apply for TAMK's International Business Programme. I had heard that it's a truly international degree with many students from foreign countries like me.
How would you describe Tampere as a student city?
Tampere has a cozy ambience and amazing scenery. I enjoy being in the city and meeting my fellow students for a coffee surrounded by nature, the Tammerkoski river that crosses the city and the multiple lakes here in the region. Tampere has a nice party scene for students with a lot of bars and clubs where you can meet all sorts of people, Finnish and international students. It is always a pleasure meeting new people from other degrees as well. I was surprised how open the student community is, I feel very welcomed and have a lot of fun studying here. Study hard, play hard!
Have you had issues settling in Tampere? How did you overcome difficulties?
When I moved here, I couldn't understand any Finnish, the language barrier was really prominent. Some people might be unsure about coming to Finland because they hear how difficult the language is. Believe me, the more time you spend in the country you start picking up things even without noticing it. It is worth learning the language if you plan to stay in Finland like I do. It takes patience and some perseverance to learn the language, yes, but Finns are very helpful even if you can only speak English or with really bad Finnish skills like I have at the moment.
To whom would you recommend Tampere as a place to study and why?
To everyone! Tampere has a lot to offer and tons of opportunities. Knowing the French and German education system, I can definitely tell that Finland and Tampere Universities are doing something right, and it shows! I have learned more about how to run a business already in my first semester at TAMK than in my years studying in Germany. I truly believe that in Tampere everyone can find happiness: in your studies, in your future career and your personal life as well.
Photo: Dimitra Panopoulou-Huovila
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