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Revisiting Helsinki

Since she was seven, the Mexican Stephany Buenrostro Mazon travelled in various European countries because of her father’s work. Those years also took her to Helsinki.

“I lived in Helsinki for five years as a kid and remember loving it,” says Stephany. “I completed most of my school in Finland, at the International School of Helsinki, before we moved to Denmark. I completed my B.Sc in Germany, but was very particular that I wanted to continue my studies at the University of Helsinki, because I knew from personal experience and from what I had read that Finnish education is of a very high standard.”

Currently she is completing the Nordic MSc in Atmosphere and Biosphere Studies (ABS), specialising in aerosol physics. She has one more year left of her studies. She is very happy with the instruction she has received. “The courses are demanding and the teachers are the best experts in their field,” she says. “All my study friends take their studies seriously, too, and are very interested in what they do, which helps create a really efficient atmosphere. It is my intention to continue with a doctorate eventually."

Although studying takes time, Stephany has a social life, too. SShe is involved with the Erasmus Student Network activities and she is also one of the Buddy project organisers for the organisation. The purpose of this activity is to bring together Finnish and international students, united by common interests, and thereby make friends. “Most of my new friends are, however, those I meet on the Kumpula campus,” she says. “I feel more at home in Finland than in the other countries I have lived. Finns are really kind. According to my own observations, however, Finns have a unique way of approaching people, but in the end, the cultural differences aren't that big."

The notable difference between the four seasons is a new experience for many international students. That the light and sometimes hot summer months contrast with the darkness and coldness of the winter is, to Stephany’s mind, a factor that most affects how an international student would like it here. “I have spent both summers and winters in Finland and like them both,” she says. “The summer is lovely and I stay outdoors a lot, but I also enjoy the winter months, when it is quite cosy with candles burning and mulled wine steaming in your cup. I would urge all those who find the winter months difficult to keep socially active and take part in as many student organisation activities as possible.

“I think Helsinki is really beautiful. It has everything you could want from a big city, and it’s still peaceful and clean. Generally speaking, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, the standard of living high, and it is easy to move about, because of the good public transport. And what’s more, at least for me personally, you can eat all the Fazer chocolate you want!”

Text: Arja-Leena Paavola
Picture: Veikko Somerpuro
Translation: AAC Noodi Oy