"I really appreciate the international atmosphere here"-a student ambassador story
How long have you been in Tampere and what brought you here?
I moved to Tampere over two years ago to pursue my master's degree here. I am passionate about sustainability and searching for multidisciplinary solutions, which was the reason why I decided to switch from my previous business field to governance and come study in the Leadership for Change programme. I found this programme very interesting and together with my experience in Finland it opened my eyes and horizons.
What subject(s) do you study and what made you choose them?
Even though I have many interests and passions in sustainability, right now my main focus is international talent attraction and employment. I found this topic fascinating because it allowed me not only to take my marketing bachelor studies to a new level, but also to connect them with my current studies. That means that my interest right now is city branding and its impact on international talent attraction and how to make sure that the city is fulfilling the promises they make towards international talents coming to Tampere. I managed to do a summer internship at the International House Tampere focusing on these topics and currently I am writing my master's thesis on international employment in Tampere.
What do you like most about Tampere and Finland? What has been the most surprising or different thing about living here?
I think I like the most the student culture here. Tampere has very strong traditions in student life, which made events like Vappu a truly exciting experience. I really appreciate the international atmosphere here and there is always something happening in the city. And of course, I enjoy the saunas everywhere! Tampere seems to me to be a city in the middle of a forest, and it is wonderful to see so much nature around. It is refreshing to spend free time outside by a lake, or by hiking in a nearby forest.
What are your hobbies in Tampere? Have you tried out any new hobbies since coming here?
One of my big hobbies is definitely ice hockey! No, I do not play it, but I am a huge fan of ice hockey, still. Coming from Brno, I used to have my favourite team there. And because some Czech players from Brno came to play with the Ilves team when I moved to Tampere, the choice of a "new" team to root for was quite easy. :) And a shared passion for ice hockey and the Tampere hockey team was a great way to make some amazing local friends. I discovered pole dancing when searching for a new hobby in Tampere. I found it as a perfect combination of challenging and fun activity, in which you can learn something new every day! Travelling is a big part of how I spend my free time in Finland. I enjoy travelling around Finland, as well as visiting neighboring countries.
What kind of student activities have you participated in?
Since I moved to Tampere I became a part of ESN FINT because I was looking for an international community of students and it was the best decision I could make. For the first two years, I got involved as a board member and this year I am an officer in the association. It is an amazing way how to meet other international students, as well as our exchange students while participating in fun events. Also, I learnt so many practical skills, about event organizing, building partnerships, and how the association works.
What would you say to someone who's trying to decide whether Tampere is the right place to come to study and live?
Tampere is undoubtedly the best choice if you are looking for a vibrant city full of students, with endless possibilities to enjoy your student life.
What is your favourite thing about the student culture in Finland?
The unique traditions and events! Events like sitsit, Vappu, or appro should try every international student coming to Tampere.
And of course, overalls and patches collecting is so much fun!