Categorie: Finland

Jip Dekker in Finland

Field of study in Wageningen: Forest and Nature Conservation
Study period exchange: 07/01/2019 until 24/05/2019
Country (exchange): Finland
City (exchange): Joesnuu
University (exchange): University of Eastern Finland
Faculty (exchange): School of forest sciences

2. Motivation for exchange

Why did you choose to go on study exchange?

I want to see the world in as many ways as possible and I think study exchange is a perfect way to do so.

What is the reason you chose for this country/university?

This university has a lot of forestry courses and I chose Finland because it has a lot of beautiful forests.

3. Accessibility to reach destination

Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination? 

Go by train from Helsinki to Joensuu, it’s 4 hours and only 20 euro’s, it will save you a lot of money.

 4.Housing-travelling-living

What are the possibilities for housing?

The housing is great, there are some private rooms, but I had two roommates. Most of the furnished rooms are far from the city centre but I think they are building more houses for internationals.

What is the culture of the country like? 

Finnish people don’t like small talk and like their personal space, which I had to get used to.

Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?

I only paid 210 euro’s per month which is less than half of my rent in Wageningen

 Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure? 

The busses are great, especially when it’s minus 20. You can get a bus pass at Carelicum for around 50 euros for a month. During rush hour the single tickets are 3.80 and outside of rush hour it is 2 euro.

5. Free time

What are must-sees in the area? 

The botanical garden is great, especially when it’s cold because they have a tropical part. Also National Park Koli is a must see, both in the winter and in the summer.

What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?

I haven’t checked any travel guides so I wouldn’t know.

Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?

Bar Play is great for watching sports or playing some boardgames. JetSet has the cheapest beers. BePop and Kerubi are great for going out. Restaurants are expensive, as is everything but the Nepalese restaurant is great.

6.Challenges & best moment abroad

What was a challenge you have experienced?

I didn’t really experience any challenge, I just had to get used to the prices and they have a different computer keyboard.

What was your best memory abroad?

All the trips I did and also just having lunch at the university.

7. Contact details

Would you like to ask Jip more questions about studying in Finland?
Send a mail: Jip.dekker@wur.nl