Life in a different country
The start of it all
“It is a normal day at school attending another Sociology lecture. Thankfully, today we did not have a surprise quiz as I am never ready for them. Before we are dismissed, the lecturer announces that there is an all-expense paid exchange program under way and all those interested should write a motivational letter and attach their academic record.
I leave home for the weekend and return on the Monday with my motivational letter after encouragement from my mother, fellow classmates and close friends.
Two weeks later, I get a call from my lecturer and she tells me I have been selected along with another male student to go to Finland for the second semester.
My family, who is ever so proud of all my achievements, were more than happy to contribute to my lavish closet and assemble a completely new wardrobe for me. I do not even know whether I will get Christmas gifts this year after all that spending. I fly out of the country for the first time, by myself.
My beloved mother and sister see me off at the airport, and we say a prayer before my departure.
Today, currently attending the University of Helsinki as a 2nd year student, it is an out of this world experience for me.
Even though I could google everything about this place, I was still not prepared for the efficiency and beauty of this country. Waiting for me at the airport is my tutor and first Finnish friend, Anneli who was an exchange student at my home, University of Namibia (Unam). Thankfully she has a car and we drove to my three-room apartment. I met my housemates and we all went shopping for essentials.
We have gone sight-seeing to famous monuments and I have surprisingly learnt to use the trains, trams, buses and the metro. We have managed to happily get along and two of us will be celebrating our birthdays in the upcoming weeks.
I am looking forward to my brief time here, gathering information not only for my research project in my final year, but also to make life-long connections with people from all walks of life.
Friendly smiles greet you everywhere and people are happy to assist no matter the situation.”
*Ann-Adeva is a 2nd year student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. She enjoys writing, reading and interacting with different people from different walks of life.
ANN-ADEVA Njambali
I leave home for the weekend and return on the Monday with my motivational letter after encouragement from my mother, fellow classmates and close friends.
Two weeks later, I get a call from my lecturer and she tells me I have been selected along with another male student to go to Finland for the second semester.
My family, who is ever so proud of all my achievements, were more than happy to contribute to my lavish closet and assemble a completely new wardrobe for me. I do not even know whether I will get Christmas gifts this year after all that spending. I fly out of the country for the first time, by myself.
My beloved mother and sister see me off at the airport, and we say a prayer before my departure.
Today, currently attending the University of Helsinki as a 2nd year student, it is an out of this world experience for me.
Even though I could google everything about this place, I was still not prepared for the efficiency and beauty of this country. Waiting for me at the airport is my tutor and first Finnish friend, Anneli who was an exchange student at my home, University of Namibia (Unam). Thankfully she has a car and we drove to my three-room apartment. I met my housemates and we all went shopping for essentials.
We have gone sight-seeing to famous monuments and I have surprisingly learnt to use the trains, trams, buses and the metro. We have managed to happily get along and two of us will be celebrating our birthdays in the upcoming weeks.
I am looking forward to my brief time here, gathering information not only for my research project in my final year, but also to make life-long connections with people from all walks of life.
Friendly smiles greet you everywhere and people are happy to assist no matter the situation.”
*Ann-Adeva is a 2nd year student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. She enjoys writing, reading and interacting with different people from different walks of life.
ANN-ADEVA Njambali
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