Mobility specification

Country:Finland

Institution:University of Jyväskylä

City:Jyväskylä

Program:Erasmus+ for study

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2024/2025

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Education / Department of Special and Inclusive Education

Study level abroad:Bachelor

🎓Hit the books! How do you rate the university experience?

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?yes

Does the university offer enough courses in English?they have tons

Are your credits converted?no

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?Many lessons are conducted in Reading Circles. In about three subjects we formed groups of people, in which we then studied practically the whole subject and prepared final papers. It was quite interesting, trying to constantly communicate and work things out as a team. We had a minimum of lectures and I only had one exam and it was online. It was quite a challenging exam tho.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?The university offers everything an Erasmus student could wish for. Orientation week, buddies to help you through Erasmus and become friends for life. Every faculty and department has its own students' association, which organises lots of events and integrates Erasmus students into everything. Student life is really alive there, you will feel part of a team and a family and you won't want to leave.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Psychological counseling
Barrier-free access to classrooms and dormitories
Interpretation services
Special aids and technologies (e.g., text-to-speech software, hearing aids)
Special examination conditions (e.g., extended time, quiet rooms)
Crisis intervention
Support for LGBTQ+ students (e.g., safe spaces, counseling services)

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:7500 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?yes

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?All expenses were expected for me. I also had a mobility allowance from PDF MU and I had to dip into my savings. But it covered all my essentials (rent, food, travel). Then it depends on how many trips you want to go on, etc.

Do you have any tips on how to save money?Second hand!!! They are your best friend and you'll miss them too once you leave. You can get everything you need second-hand, from flea markets, and you can find some really beautiful pieces. The university also offers lunches in the canteens for a whopping 2.95 euros if you pay the membership fee of 50 euros at the beginning. It was worth it and I would do it again. Next, the bike! For 70 euros for the whole semester I had a bike, so I saved on public transport and still had the exercise and experience of riding in the snow (not too bad believe me). It's also nice when you have a friend to live with and you can split the food expenses.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?perfectly

How does public transport work in the city?I've seen better

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Every major city in Finland has its own public transport app, it's pretty clear and easy to use and you can even buy a ticket through it. As a student in Jyväskylä you also get a discount on the fare. Only buses run there, but they are usually at least 10 minutes late, but if there are no other options it's fine. Connections outside the city work well. It's not a regiojet with coffee and cake for 10 czech crowns, but the nature around is great. Buy tickets well in advance though, then they are cheap enough.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?yes

How do you rate the availability of healthcare?mostly fine

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?Jyväskylä is a small student town, it's not Helsinki or Tampere or Turkku, but it has its own charm. There is a very nice sports complex called Laajavuori which is perfect for walking, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, running, etc. All the lakes in the area are a must see and you will cry at how beautiful it is. There are also nice museums especially the Taide Museum (art museum). Harju is a local famous hill with famous stairs and overlook and the Nature Museum. In Kirkkopuisto again there is a beautiful red brick church. Jyväsjärvi is the most famous lake right in town and there is a great cafe right next to it where they will even rent you skates. Piha is again such a backyard with beautiful buildings and a crafts museum and also the most beautiful and cute wave shop I've ever seen. In the Sokkari commercial building there is again an all you can eat Asian buffet where you just have to go and then you won't eat for the next 3 days.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Tampere, Helsinki. In Helsinki on the island of Suomenlinna! And then a trip to Lapland for sure. When you're in Finland it's a must!

Share your best experience:The best was the trip to Lapland. I've never seen such beauty in my life. Incredible nature, air, water. The animals and the snow. But most of all, I was captivated by the Northern Lights. It's completely different from the photos, but it has an incredible power over you. You tell yourself you're just a tiny dot compared to what's above you, but you also feel bigger than anything around you. Suddenly everything seems as it should be and you just cry and look up at a sky full of stars and glows.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Plane
Bus

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?I find the journey not that stressful, when you go home give yourself at least 3 hours time at the airport. Also, they've cancelled direct flights from the airport to the city, so you have to change in a town near the airport, but it can be done. I'd also recommend taking the bus, as the trains don't have much luggage space.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?LAYERS!!! Layers are your best friend in the Finnish winter. If you're wondering if you need another thermo, don't think twice and throw it in. Pack all the sweaters from grandma and especially good boots. Invest in a good jacket! Also, arrange for someone to come and visit you when spring starts so they can take all that winter stuff away again, otherwise you'll be lugging around an extra suitcase like I did and that's an extra pain I'd rather save you from.

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?Life Changing