Christian Klapf
My semester at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki.
Four months in Helsinki
What started out as a dream at the start of my studies eventually became a reality: to study abroad during my Bachelor’s. I jumped at the chance of this adventure in Finland and didn’t think twice! I spent four months studying at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki and the classes counted towards the fifth semester of my Bachelor’s course in eHealth. Metropolia was the perfect learning environment with its ultra-modern facilities and made it easy for me to link my academic learning with experiencing a foreign country. The high number of foreign students made it easy to make connections and friends and so my stay flew by.
Away from university life, there was almost too much choice in terms of leisure activities! Finnish saunas are not called that for nothing. Three sessions a week were standard and there was plenty of chance to enjoy nature with extensive walks around the national parks surrounding Helsinki. It was easy to travel around thanks to Helsinki’s excellent location. Short trips to Estonia and Sweden as well as a final tour of Lapland were the extracurricular highlights of the semester.
Being away from home and away from your home comforts is no bed of roses and it is not for everyone. But for those brave enough to take this step and see it through, it is a chance to gain lots of useful experiences, both positive and negative and you will undoubtedly return a stronger person. Semester abroad: 10/10 – I would do it again!
