"As soon as I started my master’s studies at Tampere University, I knew I wanted to go on an exchange to Ireland or the UK. When I was investigating my options, I found out about the north2north program and its Scottish universities, and to my delight, I was accepted into the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow for September 2024. Before my departure, I had already looked into the amazing landscapes and nature that Scotland has to offer, so very different from my hometown.
Having visited some other northern regions as well, the North really has such a diverse nature and I am very thankful for the opportunity to discover more of that during my exchange semester. Despite their differences, the countries in North2North do share some similarities when it comes to culture and climate etc., and I found it quite easy to adjust to a new country. People in Scotland were friendly and always willing to help as well.
During my time, I went on many hiking and road trips in landscapes so beautiful that I was speechless at times. I also got to watch and participate in a ceilidh, which is traditional Scottish dancing. It was a fun and relaxed atmosphere, dancing with friends and strangers alike, everyone laughing and spinning.
I studied politics during my exchange, and I learned a bit more about the role of Scotland in the international arena. I was especially fascinated to learn about Scotland’s space industry, as I had no idea of its role in the global space industry that is often dominated by other countries like the United States.
Overall, my exchange semester showed that although the North may often get sidelined in global discussions, it has so much to offer to individuals and the global community as a whole. I have always liked to travel and tried to leave Finland as often as possible, often thinking that the grass is greener somewhere else (ideally with a bit warmer temperatures, more sunlight and sandy beaches). Throughout my semester abroad, I started thinking what it would be like to live in a place like Scotland permanently. I saw sandy beaches, the sun, mountains, sheep and even highland cows. It was eye opening to realize that maybe I don’t want the +30C but the mountains instead. If I had such an amazing experience in Scotland, what else could I fall in love with? The are so many other countries in the North that could be just as amazing, just have to give them a chance!"