University of Helsinki
Melina Heckel
Hey everyone, my name is Melina and I’m one of the international students on the board of CISSI. Coming to a new country all by yourself is a challenge that drags you out of your comfort zone. Even though I had been to Helsinki before, it was very different to experience the city from a resident’s (and student’s) perspective. Which tram goes where, how does the university system work, where is the closest supermarket and why are there gambling automats in its entrance hall? And the most important question: How do I get to know new people?
The first time that I got in touch with CISSI was the first weekend before the actual orientation week even started. Since CISSI tries to integrate the international students into the Finnish (and very extrodinary) student community, they took a bunch of international students to a fresher adventure of the social science faculty which is usually only attended by Finns. That afternoon on Suomenlinna (a small island) was full of games, alcohol and laughter. And I did get to know a lot of people that day.
Since then I’ve attended many CISSI events, first as an international student, later also as a deputy board member. The great thing about CISSI is not only that you are able to meet people from many cultural backgrounds with different mindsets, but also that you can actually create the events that you would like to attend. I have received great support from the other board members when I proposed my own ideas. The latest event that was initiated by me was a book swap in Kuppala (the coziest clubroom you can imagine). Every person could bring old books and exchange them with other people, or just sit down and chat or eat cake that was provided by us. This was an excellent opportunity to get new reading inspiration on a low budget or just come together and have a good time.
It has been so much fun to be able to work with other people who are so determined to make an impact that you become more motivated and are willing to put a lot of effort into projects yourself. I wanted to make the most of my exchange since I only have one semester here (which is only 4 months). And through joining CISSI, I really managed to make an impact and have a lot of fun at the same time.