The Perfect Time For a Master’s Degree

Written by Leah Martin, USA

The day I graduated with a bachelor’s degree, it was hot and humid in my home state of Minnesota. The sun beat down on my black robe as I walked to the ceremony where I would accept my diplomaOther graduates may have been anxious, but I was confident.

Why?

Because I had a 5-year plan:

Work for 3 years.
Gain some experience.
Apply to graduate school.
Graduate with a Master’s before age 26.

Sounds perfect, right?
WRONG. 

Before I knew it, 6 years had flown by.
WHAT HAPPENED TO MY 5-YEAR PLAN?? 

In those 6 years, I had learned a million different things- like how to manage projects, secure funding for non-profits, host community events, and recruit volunteers. Yet, I had also found places where my knowledge was lacking. When I came across the Intercultural Encounters Master’s Programme at the University of Helsinki, it felt like the perfect fit. The description matched the themes of my work history and the courses were in the exact areas where I craved education.

I would love to say that I applied right then and there and that the rest was history, but it wasn’t that speedy. First, I did my research and made sure that the University of Helsinki was a great school (it is). Then, I talked to professors, friends who had visited Helsinki, and consulted with my partner, to see how we would make a big move work. After a whole year of thinking and a whole lot of encouragement, I finally got up the nerve to apply. I applied to the University of Helsinki in January, and in April I got an email saying I was accepted!

Which brings us to here and now… with me writing from my Helsinki apartment, eating Karelian pie, listening to Nordic folk music, and brushing up on my basic Finnish.

Eating a Karelian pie and brushing up on basic Finnish.

Did my plan go exactly as I imagined?

Well, no.
But despite what I thought upon graduation, there is no perfect time to go to graduate school.

As we get older, our opportunities grow but so do our responsibilities. There are real hurdles that stand in the way:
Lack of money
Lack of information
Lack of resources
There are also excuses:
“I’m too old”
“I’m too busy”
“Its too hard”

If I wanted to study, I had to make the decision and move forward, leaving the 5-year plan behind me. I learned that a whole lot of people were willing to help make the experience a success.

So, wish me luck on my first round of classes. And if you’re thinking of taking a leap of faith into the Baltic Sea of studies…do it! I’d be happy to help make your dream a reality.

 

 

New Student – Make sure you come to the Welcome Fair!

January is almost here, which means we are getting impatient to meet all our new international students here at the University of Helsinki!

Your student experience at the University of Helsinki will begin with a visit to the Welcome Fair on January 10, 2018, as well as your Faculty orientation. Please note that you will need to take part in both! Remember to bring your official ID (passport, ID card or residence permit) with you to the Welcome Fair!

The Welcome Fair is the perfect place to get to know the University and the Campuses as well as to get all the official matters out of the way. The venue for the Welcome Fair is the Language Centre of the University of Helsinki (address: Fabianinkatu 26). Please see our Welcome Fair and orientation week map for locations. Continue reading “New Student – Make sure you come to the Welcome Fair!”

Exams are here!

Text: International Student Ambassador Iftekhar Chowdhury

The Finnish education system is considered to be the best in the world for many reasons. This praise stems from the main aim of the system: bridge the gap between different pupils by making them more responsible for their own education and provide them with the necessary skills to become an upstanding individual of the society. It is a holistic approach towards education and life. It made Finland became a beacon for better education in the world arena. Finnish University education is a reflection of these principles. One important part in any educational experience are exams or tests or Tentti (“test” in Finnish). Unfortunately, one has to take exams at University level to better align ourselves with the world education system.

Exams are stressful at times (Yes, Even in Finland). Examination process is not uniform around the world and can be extra stressful for people who are not familiar with them. Let me be your guide and I will try to explain it as briefly as I can.

Continue reading “Exams are here!”

Ask me!

Welcome new students!

The beginning of the academic year is almost here and more than 250 staff members of the Student Services are waiting for you to arrive! During the past year we have had some big changes in the degree programmes and University Services. We want to make sure that you will find us easily and have no hesitation to ask us anything. You will recognize us from the pink t-shirts with the text ASK ME!

Where is my lecture room or the nearest UniCafe located? Where can I borrow books or find a quiet place to study? You can also turn to our academic staff in many of your questions. That’s why we have challenged them to wear pink ASK ME! pin badges. Don’t hesitate to ask!

We are looking forward to meeting you!

Career paths: When Afaque got the ac­cept­ance let­ter, he was over­joyed that he’ll be study­ing where Linux was in­ven­ted.

Name: Afaque Hassan
Study Field: Faculty of Science, Master’s programme in Computer ScienceGraduation year: 2015
Employer and position: Helvar, Software Engineer

From my childhood, I was interested in computers as there were limitless creative possibilities with it. During my teen-age years I encountered Linux, to which I was absolutely hooked. Back then, I already knew that Linux was invented by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki (UH). During my bachelor’s studies I interned at Nokia, during which time I got to know more about Finland and UH as some of my colleagues were UH graduates. After my bachelor’s studies, I applied to UH for Master’s studies in computer science. When I got the acceptance letter from the university, I was overjoyed that I’ll be studying where Linux was invented. It’s a privilege and dream come true computer science professionals to study at UH. Continue reading “Career paths: When Afaque got the ac­cept­ance let­ter, he was over­joyed that he’ll be study­ing where Linux was in­ven­ted.”

Why studying Chinese law is vital in the age of globalisation?

Why studying Chinese law is vital in the age of globalization?

Understanding how the legal system functions in the Chinese society is vital for students who are interested in international affairs and the global economy. China’s increasing economic and political power and its evolving role in global governance have drawn international attention to its legal system.

The Chinese legal system is shaped by the country’s political arrangement and national heritage. China’s long history has produced rich cultural traditions that continue to influence the development of the Chinese legal system. While maintaining some features of the traditional legal culture, the contemporary legal system in China has also developed under the influence of the common law and civil law traditions.

Continue reading “Why studying Chinese law is vital in the age of globalisation?”

Erasmus in Schools project

Dear student,

Welcome to Finland!

While you are here, would you like to have a possibility to interact easily with Finnish people outside your institution and studies? If so, one option is visiting a real Finnish school where you can experience a Finnish classroom by giving the students lectures as a visiting exchange student.

For exchange- and degree students abroad it is often easier to form contact with fellow exchange students rather than people outside the higher education institution. However, at the end of your exchange period one may notice not having possibilities to meet up with Finns, really experiencing the everyday life of the Finnish people. For this we have a suggestion for you: visiting a Finnish school and its staff & students through Erasmus in Schools –project!  Continue reading “Erasmus in Schools project”

Welcome to the Student Union!

You’ve arrived, all the paperwork is done, and you’ve registered for courses. Now you’re all set for your student life, the only thing to do is to wait for the lectures to start? Think again!

The key to an unforgettable time at the University of Helsinki is being active, joining student organisations, and meeting new people! The student union, HYY, offers you a student card with countless student discounts, affordable health care, and discounts on transport. Most importantly, though, the student union is home to a huge network of student organisations, new hobbies and awesome people from different faculties and countries – everything a student will need in Helsinki!

F00A6666

Continue reading “Welcome to the Student Union!”

Curriculum for Career Spring 2016

What is career planning? How do I market my knowledge and skills? What are the building blocks of a good job application or a CV? How to be successful at a job interview?

Plannin career

The University of Helsinki Career Services offers career skills training during the spring semester 2016 at the Centre Campus. The course consists of four 3-hour training sessions, and individual assignments between classes. The Curriculum for Career -course will be held in the University Main Building (Päärakennus, Fabianinkatu 33), in lecture hall 7 (sali 7).

The sessions are held as follows:
• Tuesday 10.5. at 9-12
• Wednesday 11.5. at 9-12
• Tuesday 17.5. at 9-12
• Wednesday 18.5. at 9-12.

Training sessions are open to all University of Helsinki students. The course language is English, but the course assignments may be handed in in Finnish, English or Swedish. The course can be completed as a 1 or 2 –credit course, depending on the amount of individual assignments. Course assignments will be handed in through Moodle. Please negotiate with your faculty/department about the credits if you plan to include the course in your degree. Career Services cannot register credits.

The course will be organized if a minimum of 20 students enroll. For further information, please contact: urapalvelut@helsinki.fi.

Enrollment latest 6.5.