"I spent my exchange semester in 2024 studying mostly Canadian politics at the University of Saskatchewan (USASK). I had always wanted to travel to North America and Canada because I’d heard they have incredibly interesting cultures and some of the politest people in the world.
In my first year at university, I knew I wanted to do an exchange at some point during my studies. I had a clear reason for this: improving my English language skills. I have always struggled with languages, and at some point, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and go on exchange because I felt it was the only way to improve. My second preference for the place of study was based on the longer distance from Finland. That decision was rooted in the idea of challenging myself to survive in a completely new environment, far away from home.
After exploring different options, I finally ended up choosing the University of Saskatchewan because it was in Canada. Before the exchange, I knew little about Canada and even less about Saskatoon, but I approached the opportunity with an open mind. Looking back now, I can say that it was an excellent place to study because it offered a unique perspective on life, different from larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver, which I visited during the exchange. Living in Saskatoon also enriched my studies in Canada because most of my courses were related to Canadian politics and society. Living in Saskatoon helped me understand why people in rural areas think differently than those in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. I’m confident that if I had lived in a larger urban centre, I wouldn’t have gained as deep an understanding of rural perspectives. The province where most people live in rural areas gave me an insight into different political viewpoints and cultural dynamics.
Reflecting on the experience, I would say the exchange in Canada and Saskatoon was instructive in many ways. Sharing a dorm with a new person, meeting people from different countries and backgrounds, and studying new topics—these are experiences I couldn’t have had without the exchange. Afterwards, I’m thrilled to say that my English has significantly improved, which was one of my main goals. Additionally, I made many new friends from all over the world. I would like to say that the exchange made the world feel smaller because people from different countries always carry their cultural heritage with them.
Finally, the exchange gave me a new appreciation for Finnish culture and language. As the old saying goes, sometimes you have to go far to see near. I now view Finland and being Finnish differently after my trip. During the exchange, I began to cherish the Finnish language, culture, and everyday life in new ways. When things are no longer immediately accessible, you start to appreciate them more deeply, and they are no longer taken for granted.
When I was younger, I often wished English were my native language because it is the key to communication worldwide. However, I no longer feel that way. Finnish is something special, it’s the language of the world’s happiest people and shapes their everyday lives, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration for a better future. For me personally, Finnish is my key to expressing my feelings and thoughts. It connects me to Finnish culture and allows me to share our unique heritage with other Finns.
Even though I was 7,000 kilometres away from Finland, I never felt a stronger connection to my home country than during the exchange. What I am trying to say is that studying abroad teaches you things you have never seen or understood before, and that is the main reason to go and study or work abroad."