Meet our students – Page 3 – Welcome to University of Helsinki

October 27, 2014June 21, 2017

Meet our Alumnus! “I would generally describe my studies in the RRE program as rewarding”

Name: Danny Eastman
Study field: Religious Roots of Europe Master’s programme
Graduation year: 2013
Employer and position: PhD Student at Yale University

How did you end up in Finland and studying in the programme?

I came to Finland from South Korea, where I had been living for a couple years after finishing my undergraduate degree in history in the US. I wanted to continue my education, but I wasn’t yet ready to return to the US or to enroll in a very narrowly defined program. I decided on the RRE program in Helsinki because of the wide breadth of coverage offered by the program, the chance to travel in Europe, and the obvious benefit of Finland’s universal free education policy.
Continue reading “Meet our Alumnus! “I would generally describe my studies in the RRE program as rewarding””

September 12, 2014June 21, 2017

Meet our Alumna! Sarah Stephan works with research and hands-on project management in the area of gender equality

Name: Sarah Stephan
Study field: Public International Law
Graduation year: 2008
Employer and position: The Åland Islands Peace Institute, researcher & project manager

Hi Sarah, how did you end up in Finland?

I first came to Finland as an exchange student in 2006/07 due to the Faculty of Law’s excellent English-language curriculum in international law. I then decided to pursue even my LL.M. studies at the faculty.

What encouraged me most to continue my studies in Helsinki was the open and encouraging attitude of my teachers, who at all times took my research interests seriously and provided me with excellent supervision and spot-on feedback. I enjoy deliberative environments and liked about my studies in Helsinki that a lot of the teaching is interactive and aimed at encouraging reflection. Continue reading “Meet our Alumna! Sarah Stephan works with research and hands-on project management in the area of gender equality”

August 6, 2014June 21, 2017

Running in Finland: An International Student’s Perspective

My name is Austin Sears and I am currently one of University of Helsinki’s International Student Ambassadors. Last year I checked out the Midnight Run on a whim after seeing the Facebook post about it and found myself cheering on the runners from the steps of the University’s Main Building in the Senate Square. I thought about participating, but I was recovering from an injury I got while running last summer.

This year is a bit different. Like Dina, who wrote this handy little guide, I am participating in the Midnight Run on August 30th and I am very excited about it! Continue reading “Running in Finland: An International Student’s Perspective”

August 1, 2014June 21, 2017

Meet our alumnus! Tianyan Liu “Computer Science is revolutionizing all aspects of our lives”

tianyan liu_universityofhelsinki — Tianyan Liu holding the Alumnus’ speech at the International Graduation Event, May 2011.

Tianyan Liu
Study field: Computer Science (Intelligent Systems), minor in Economics
Graduated: 2010
Employer and position: Viivamedia Oy, Software Developer

Hi Tianyan, how did you end up studying computer science in Finland?

My dad used to work in the Chinese Embassy, and I came here to study when I was 18. What motivated me to study Computer Science was the fact that computer related technologies have become the force that is revolutionizing all aspects of our lives. It has a good job prospect, and is also important for basically any career path. During my studies, what motivated me were the interesting studies provided by the university, and the brilliant people around me. Continue reading “Meet our alumnus! Tianyan Liu “Computer Science is revolutionizing all aspects of our lives””

July 1, 2014June 21, 2017

Getting ready for the Midnight Run: solo runs or in a group?

We will not surprise anyone by carrying a winning smile and a happy attitude during the Midnight run, as most people will have those on as well. The ability to wear them in case we like is precious though, and few things are better for building up the confidence than fitting in some training beforehand. Practicing running solo or in a group – each has its perks.

We will start the 5-10 km runs every Saturday at 10 am. Check out the schedule at the end of the post and join us! Continue reading “Getting ready for the Midnight Run: solo runs or in a group?”

June 23, 2014June 21, 2017

Active students, student life and campuses

Student life is rich and diverse in Helsinki. All undergraduates and graduate students at the University of Helsinki are members of the Student Union (HYY). Approximately 250 various student organisations operate within HYY and they organise thousands of events every year.

10265441_647324448681677_1967751591467637424_o — Picture: CISSI

Furthermore there are faculty and department clubs, interest groups and clubs, the Student Nations, etc. They all have their own style of doing things, however it may be connected to a major, a hobby, an ideology, or even to the region where the students originally came from. If you enjoy singing, sports, or the theatre, you will find many choirs, orchestras, sports clubs, and theatre groups you can join in. Or maybe you’d like to start something entirely new like a couple of our International Student Ambassadors did. Continue reading “Active students, student life and campuses”

April 14, 2014June 21, 2017

Getting things Finnished!

There are many reasons why people decide to study the Finnish language. It might be the language of their favourite musicians, the almost mythical status that Finnish holds in the domain of the complicated languages or the fact that they are living\intend to live in Finland – for me, it was a mixture of all those.

At first, the language can impresses by its uniqueness: as you might have heard, Finnish bears little resemblance with other European languages and its grammar and vocabulary surely demand a certain stretch of mind from most people. But don’t let that discourage you; the Finnish language can be like that untouched thick book in your last shelf, that just enchants you when you decide to read the first pages!

Veruscka with some other Intensive Finnish Course Students.

A great step to help you getting started in the enterprise of cracking the Finnish Language can be the Intensive Finnish Course, offered by the Helsinki Summer School. If you are accepted to Master’s degree programme, you can apply to this course. I have taken the course in 2013 and it was an invaluable experience; here’s why:
Continue reading “Getting things Finnished!”

April 7, 2014June 21, 2017

Pääsiäinen – Time for witches, mämmi and chocolate eggs

Do not panic if, on the Sunday preceding Easter, little Easter witches — especially girls — dressed up in colourful clothes and painted cheeks and freckles turn up at your door.

The witches go from door to door carrying willow twigs decorated with coloured feathers and paper. They recite the traditional rhyme: ”Virvon, varvon, tuoreeks terveeks, tulevaks vuodeks; vitsa sulle, palkka mulle!” meaning “I wave a twig for a fresh and healthy year ahead; a twig for you, and a treat for me!”
Continue reading “Pääsiäinen – Time for witches, mämmi and chocolate eggs”

March 20, 2014June 21, 2017

Helsinki stole my heart and transformed me from Erasmus to Master’s Degree Student

The beginning of my international master story dates back to the spring of 2011 when I was deciding where to spend my next semester as an Erasmus exchange student. After a very long consideration of all the other possibilities, I chose Helsinki, a nice city with a well-known university. From the point of view of a real ice-hockey fan, Finland itself seemed like a very interesting country and promised a lot of unforgettable experiences. Though, at that time I didn’t know that this place will reserve a special spot in my heart forever. Continue reading “Helsinki stole my heart and transformed me from Erasmus to Master’s Degree Student”

February 24, 2014June 21, 2017

Meet our new international student ambassadors!

ryhmä — Our new international student ambassadors getting ready to share their insights and experiences on studies, career and life in Helsinki!

The best way to learn about University of Helsinki is from the students who are here now! Our Ambassadors will share their insights and experiences on studies, career and life in Helsinki. Student ambassadors volunteer to help others get to know UH.
Find out who they are »