University of Helsinki - A Leading European University

From hectic Bogota to peaceful Helsinki

For someone from the metropolis of Bogota in Colombia, Finland and Helsinki unquestionably offer an exotic atmosphere. Clara Lizarazo Torres, who is completing the international Master’s Degree Programme in Plant Production Science at the University of Helsinki, took a fancy to both Helsinki and the Finns, admittedly after a bit of time settling in.

 “There are enormous cultural differences between my home country and Finland, but nevertheless I’ve been very happy here,” Clara says. “Especially after I’ve got to know my fellow-students and other local people, my life has been running very smoothly.”

Having completed her BSc degree in microbiology, Clara decided to continue her studies at the University of Helsinki, lured by its good reputation. “In my special field the research carried out at the University of Helsinki is top class,” she says, “and they have extraordinary research agreements with other institutions. For me, however, the thing that clinched it was the fact that the degree programme I’d chosen is very well-designed, and it provides me with both the theoretical and practical training I need to achieve my goal.  My goal is to return to my native Colombia and work on researching ways to improve biofuel production and possibly also to teach in my special field.

“I also appreciate the many options there are in terms of courses offered, and that you can plan your studies according to your own interests. Teaching is high-class, and so is the research work carried out by the university teachers, which, for its part, is motivating for the students.”

There is quite a lot of freedom in studies, and that is why studying is also demanding. According to Clara, it is worthwhile to prepare a clear schedule for yourself at the very beginning. In addition, the Finnish academic year is quite different from the one in her home country, so you need to time your exams and written projects carefully. With good planning, there will also be enough time for other activities besides studies. “I think it is important to have the time to enjoy the student life, too, and to get to know people,” Clara says. “For example, it is worth devoting some time to being a tourist, because there is lots to see in Helsinki.”

At first the Finns seemed very silent to Clara, but once she got to know them better, she made some good friends. ”I like Helsinki in other respects, too: it is clean here, and a special plus is the really well-functioning public transport service. I myself like more cool weather so the winter climate suits me. I also admire how the locals respect laws and rules and are also otherwise honest.”

Text: Arja-Leena Paavola
Photo: Veikko Somerpuro
Language revision: Valtasana Oy