STUDY ABROAD REPORT
Host University: University of Eastern Finland in Joensuu, Finland Program: Clinical Linguistics
During my mobility period in Joensuu, Finland, I have taken 16 courses related to my field of study (Clinical Linguistics), as well as an Elementary Finnish language and culture course. The courses I have completed while at the University of Eastern Finland are the following: Experimental linguistics laboratory course (5 ETCS), Linguistics Reading Circle (3 ECTS), Methodology (3 ECTS), Neurolinguistics (3 ECTS), Statistical Analysis in Linguistics 1 and 2 (2 x 3 ECTS), Methods in Speech Research (2 ECTS), Psycholinguistics (3 ECTS), Brain Plasticity (3 ECTS), Introduction to Programming (3 ECTS), Language and Autism (3 ECTS), General Linguistics Exercises (2 ECTS), Language deficits in schizophrenia (2 ECTS), Neurolinguistic aspects of aphasia and developmental language disorders (2 ECTS), and Eye-Tracking and Brain Imaging (2 ECTS), resulting in a total of 45 ECTS acquired. During the 6-month mobility in Finland, my goal was to use my time as effectively as possible and take as many interesting and field-related courses as I could.
I find the education in Finland of highest quality. The courses had a meaningful and relevant syllabus, the material was updated to the newest findings, and lecturers were approachable and helpful. What adds to the quality of the courses is the online learning platform (Moodle), as all materials are easily accessible and it allows for development of discussions outside of the classroom. Next to Moodle, the university also has a scheduling mobile application called Tuudo, which helps personalizing the course experience and helps students keep track of their progress and assignments. The university’s website is also very informative and frequently updated.
The student organization of the UEF is very active and provides a weekly newsletter with the most important events and meetings for students. The student union helps the exchange and international students the first few weeks with adjusting to Finland and the new study environment. Except for pamphlets, various discount coupons and welcome gifts, the union also provides basic kitchen utensils that have to be returned by the end of the mobility period. Furthermore, the union office lends skis and skates for a certain amount of time for free, in order for the students to try out winter activities like cross-country skiing and ice-skating.
Finding accommodation in Joensuu is easy if one applies for it in time, that is, three months before the mobility. Joensuun Elli is an organization that provides affordable student housing. The process of applying for accommodation is done online and, consequently, quick and easy. This academic year the university went through some changes and the city had to
accommodate a significantly bigger number of students than before. However, this issue is expected to be resolved very soon.
During the mobility, I did not experience any major issues. Nevertheless, whenever I had a question I was able to contact the exchange coordinators or administrative coordinator of my home institution, the University of Groningen.
Before the mobility, I have looked for information on the internet about the amount of money I would need for a 6-month stay in Finland. The official website of the Finnish Immigration Service (www.migri.fi) suggests 560 euro as a realistic amount students need, in order to cover their monthly expenses. I have kept a financial diary during my stay in Finland and can confirm that this information is indeed accurate. The first month might exceed this amount if one has to furnish their room (which is often the case in Joensuu) and pay for registration costs (cca. 126 euro per year). Accommodation costs vary from 200 euro to 350 euro (considering only the Joensuu area). Finland has great student restaurants that offer warm healthy meals for an affordable price, which also helps students allocate more time for studies and social activities.
The ESN organization in Joensuu is also very active and offers various social and cultural activities, as well as student trips to Finnish touristic sights (to see the northern lights!) and neighboring countries (Sweden, Norway, Estonia and Russia). There are numerous language cafés one can attend to improve language skills. While in Finland, I recommend taking a Finnish language and culture course. Finnish is very different from any other European language, so taking a basic course could save you some time in the supermarkets and help you with spatial orientation. Joensuu is, when the weather allows it, a cycling city. I recommend renting / buying a (used) bicycle right upon arrival. One does not have to worry about not having the right clothes for the Finnish winter as there are many second hand shops for clothes and furniture close to the city center. Moreover, once you have your student card you are eligible to discounted prices in many shops, cafes and restaurants.
All in all, my mobility period in Finland was an extremely valuable experience, considering my professional development, as well as my personal one. The Erasmus network in Joensuu will help you meet new people, make new friends, and provides all the means to make the most of your time while abroad. Together with the quality education Finland provides, this makes for a pleasant and very educational mobility experience.
