"I'm having the best time of my student life"-a student ambassador story
Tell us about yourself and your studies
I am studying in a master's programme of Public Policy Analysis in the social sciences faculty. I graduated with a bachelor's in Business English in 2010 from Thailand. My career background is in tourism project management and food service business entrepreneur. My personal passion lies in nature, meditation, art and design.
Despite my seemingly unrelated background, I was so glad to be accepted to the program because I believe it is a key in pursuing my childhood dream. I have alway wanted to work at the UN and I am planning to apply for an internship next year through my study program.
Furthermore, Tampere University is well-known for its social research study. Being a student at Tampere University, I get to enjoy applying to number of fun events and programs. For example, an "ECIU challenge" will have me going to Italy this November to create a game for synthetic biology technology. "Demola challenge" had me team up with students from Helsinki, UK and China. Super interesting, isn't it?! I'm only in the first semester and having the best time of my student life.
Did you develop any special skills while studying in Tampere?
The special skills I develop studying in Tampere is a social skill. This comes to me as a surprise because I am usually an introvert and I was told that Finnish people are quite reserved. But since the university and the city offer so many interesting programs and activities, I get to meet a lot of people both Finns and international, students and city residents. I find that the Finns are really friendly and fond of socializing, too. I guess it maybe due to a power of initiation and internationalization attempt. As long as we reach out to approach a conversation, good times with the Finns won't stop easily.
What tips would you give to new students who are applying to study here?
The fundamental values of the Finnish culture are based on "sisu". Looking up the internet you may find various meanings. For me, the word implies integrity and perseverence. You only get to your goal through your own effort. Work on it first and you will even find the help you didn't know you'd need. Life isn't made easy but will get easier along the way as you prove your worth. That's the concept I take for sisu and so far I have gone through difficult times safely.
Finnish social systems are also built based on trust and equality, from the design of public services to education to living. Don't be surprised to find out about something which could be easily taken advantage of, but people would not bother do wrong anyway.
How do you get around the city?
The city of Tampere is very safe and enjoyable for walking or bicycling. The scenery is beautiful and the air is fresh. I could never really get bored by strolling through an unbeaten path. Rented bikes and e-scooters are also popular options among city commuters in a rush. When I'm going across the zone I take 'Nysse' bus or tram using a bus card I purchased from the transportation office. Although they accept contactless payment, like debit or credit card, Nysse offer discounted rates for registered students as well.
What is your favourite thing about the student culture in Finland?
I really enjoy the level of student opportunities to participate in administration, networking and special events. From the first week of semester until the time of writing, my schedule for student functions and activities are there every week - mostly organized by students!
The TREY Student Union is super supportive to ensure we have various perks to enjoy while being a present student. The representative body in the Union stands on democratic system, comprised of elected students, voted by students, and work for students' benefits.