Metropolia Exchange

“I spent one academic year at Metropolia doing my exchange in the field of culture, degree programme in Music. Finland was just my third option as I am a warm weather person but I got accepted to Metropolia and I decided to go anyway. It was a chance to do an experience in a place where I did not expect going. I had been dreaming of going abroad since I was a kid so I backed a few jumpers and came to Finland. Metropolia was the only option for me that had pop and jazz in their selection and that’s why I chose Metropolia. In the end I’m super glad that I ended up here. I started to prepare by trying to learn the language a bit. I studied pop and jazz performance and voice. Teaching and techniques at Metropolia are very different from my own conservatory in Italy. In Italy, conservatories are very theoretical. As Metropolia is a university of applied sciences, I felt difference from the beginning on. Students are helped more and we got concrete exercises. You get homework and it’s checked if you’re doing it. I think it’s good to be guided because it helps me. I noticed from the beginning on that level of people in Finland was higher than at home. We had a lot of possibilities to practice at school, we could book rooms and stay in the evenings to practice. The rooms were well equipped. It was mind-blowing that every room had everything, such as guitar amps and drums. We had a lot of performances during the whole academic year. That is the right way to do it, that’s how people learn to perform. I had two concerts during the first semester and a couple of concerts in the second semester. I went to see UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in a concert and thought it would be so nice to perform with them. I did an audition at Metropolia and got in, I was really honored to have that opportunity. I really see a difference in how I perform, I grew up a lot. The level and preparation in Finland was much higher and kicked me, it was what I needed actually. I used a lot of my free-time to practice, like most musicians. I did have time to do other things as well. I went to the city center to shop and to cafés with friends. Everything went so quick, I wish I would have gone out more to do things. I visited some cities in Finland and had nice pizza and pasta nights with the other Italian exchange students. I also went to Stockholm to Beyoncé’s concert, wow! My biggest challenge was being independent. I have always been living with my parents but I never had the chance to live on my own and I needed that to grow up. Now I feel like I have grown up and I’m proud of it. Also, I’m able to handle myself and my emotions better on my own. I had a small positive culture shock. As soon as I came here I noticed everything was more relaxed than in Italy. It made me realize how important well-being is here in Finland, that was one of the reasons I wanted to stay in Finland for a second semester.” Tips from Chiara: Even if the exchange destination was not first on your list, go! You never know what you can find. Trust yourself, you are able to do whatever you want. Taking risks sometimes pays off.