“I did my exchange semester during autumn 2022 at Metropolia Business School. I study management back at my home university, University of Ljubljana. I had heard a lot of positive things about Finland and was very happy to be selected to do my exchange at Metropolia. I had read about the school system and how good it is, so I wanted to try that. I also wanted to come here because of the weather and the environment, I don’t like heat so I wanted to go to the Nordic countries. I like being in the nature and even in Helsinki you can just sit in a bus and go to a forest, there’s not too much tourists.
When I arrived to Finland my tutor picked me up from the airport and showed me around. She had been also in touch with me already before I arrived and gave me tips on the weather and what to bring with me. My exchange started with orientation days. They were organized well and I got all the information I needed for my time here. I loved studying at Metropolia! The study system was like made for me. I got most of my grades through assignments, research and group work. Back at home it’s more studying theory and the courses end to a final exam. The courses at Metropolia felt like they are preparing me for future work life. I needed to match half of my courses with my courses at home and the rest I could choose freely, so I decided to focus on marketing. In Digital Marketing course we focused on website creation and in Marketing Design we took photos and used Photoshop. Now in the end of the semester I feel more confident in myself as I have done things myself and feel better about the future. This semester made me feel more encouraged to do a Master’s degree in marketing!
During my free-time I spent a lot of time in the nature. I went for example a lot to forests and used the campfire sites to make fire for sausages and marshmallows. I also did a road trip with four other exchange students during which we visited Koli National Park and saw Lapland in t
he autumn colors. I also traveled to Lithuania, Latvia and Sweden. In Helsinki I visited a lot of museums and found some really nice second-hand stores. I also got to swim in the see when it was still just 15 degrees warm!
I lived in a HOAS apartment in Helsinki and spent a lot of time with my roommates. I also tried to learn to crochet, because so many people knit and crochet things here.
I was first a bit scared as I would be living first time completely alone. I’m very proud of how I did, I managed everything really well. I didn’t really experience a culture shock but I did miss Slovenian food. I learned how to be more independent and gained a lot of confidence in myself. I really love Finland and the people and the experience her, I’m so grateful I got to come here!”
Tips from Lejla:
- Don’t be scared to go – you will gain a lot of new experiences
- Don’t be afraid of new people
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