Mobility specification

Country:Finland

Institution:University of Helsinki

City:Helsinki

Program:Erasmus+ for study

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2023/2024

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Pharmacy

Study level abroad:Master

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

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?no

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?The courses are mostly for smaller groups of people (usually up to 15), focusing more on discussions. The professors treat students as equals, everyone is addressed by their first names.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?At the beginning of Erasmus, there is a three-day Orientation Week, which is more or less mandatory. There are also many student organizations, language courses, WhatsApp groups that help international students.

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 examination conditions (e.g., extended time, quiet rooms)
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:20000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?no

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?I spent my Erasmus in Finland, so I knew it would be expensive. But I was surprised by the prices of some vegetables and fruits. A cucumber cost 4€, an avocado about 7-8€ per piece.

Do you have any tips on how to save money?UFF second hand shops, ISIC discounts, canteens...

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?almost without problems

How does public transport work in the city?runs like clockwork

And what about transport outside the city?runs like clockwork

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?Suomenlinna, Helsinki Cathedral, Upsenski Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church, The Oodi library....

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Lapland, Porvoo, Tallin (Estonia)

Share your best experience:Vappu - May Day celebrations. This day symbols the end of the school year and graduation. The streets are full of students and everyone is celebrating.
And of course, seeing the northern lights or experiencing the darkless nights that begin at the beginning of summer.

💅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

Can you pay by card?everywhere

🥳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?I'm an introvert and I don't like to step out of my comfort zone, so the beginning wasn't easy for me. Nevertheless, I made it, it's one of the best decisions I've made, I have friends all over the world (from Japan and South Korea, Albania, Italy to Mexico...) and many incredible experiences.