Ayesha Nawaz, Master's Degree Programme in Biotechnology

Hello, my name is Ayesha Nawaz. and I come from Islamabad, Pakistan. I studied Bioinformatics at International Islamic University of Islamabad. At the moment I am a student the Master’s Degree Programme in Biotechnology at the University of Helsinki.

Why did you choose Finland for your studies?

In summer 2010 my parents visited Finland and found it a peaceful, safe and beautiful country. It is very unusual for Pakistani to send their daughters abroad, but despite this fact they decided to send me here for higher studies. I found this land to be wonderful with good people who are helpful and polite. This is a land that depicts an excellent example of multicultural harmony. Helsinki is the most livable city in the world that provides conductive environment for both flourishing and surviving to people from all the diverse cultures and religions. It has got plenty of interesting places to capture ones eye. I go shopping, participate in different community gatherings and have fun. I saw the port for the first time in my life!

What seemed the most unusual when you arrived here?

When I came here I saw a lot of respect to other cultures from the local people. I could move around freely and no one stared. Education is free here even for foreigners and its quality is very good. The infrastructure is rather perfect with excellent transport facilities. There is also a food difference. I miss Pakistani food with its spices. I buy food from orient shops, in which I can easily find whatever I need to make traditional Pakistani dishes.

Among all universities in Finland why did you choose University of Helsinki?

The University of Helsinki is the biggest university in Finland and has high ranking among the best universities not only in Europe, but around the world. This is attributed to the diversity of degree programmes, the best research opportunities in many disciplines as well as highly international study environment that it offers. There is also an opportunity to attend courses from several other universities around Helsinki as my programme is a joint one. The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Helsinki is very strong compared to other universities. I chose this University partly also because my brother lives in Helsinki. As for my major, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology are aimed to solve similar problems using different tools and techniques. In some way Biotechnology is more practical. I am pretty much interested in doing research in the field of life sciences and biotechnology is the advancement of life sciences.

Is the study process different from what you have experienced before?

It is rather different and difficult to have freedom of choosing courses of interest to design your degree. So deciding, which subjects you would like to add to your supplementary studies makes the study process interesting and more objective.

What are your expectations about your studies?

We need advancement in life sciences for the betterment of humanity through solving problems and providing comfort. I want to be a part of this service. Moreover I would like to do something good in this regard for the wellbeing of my people in my country as well.

Congratulations on receiving the International Student Grant! Did you expect to receive it?

Not really.

Do you already know what are you going to spend this money on?

I will spend this money on my living expenditures here in Helsinki.

Say some motivating words for the next year’s freshmen!

If you are looking for a university with accessibility, affordability and best educational standards then come to the University of Helsinki!