152 New Exchange Students Arrive at the University
The new exchange students of the University of Turku began their studies at the start of the spring term by attending an orientation course at the School of Economics on January 3.
At the orientation, the exchange students were introduced to the services of the University Library and Language Centre as well as to the Finnish social and political practices.
– All in all, we received 152 new exchange students, which is a little more than in previous years. In addition, 116 exchange students, who began their studies in the autumn term, will continue this spring, says International Officer Annukka Väre.
As previously, the largest number of exchange students will study Business Administration and Economics. The second largest group will attend the Faculty of Humanities.
– By far, the largest number of exchange students comes from Germany and France. In addition, each year, many also come from Russia and Spain, continues Väre.
Expecting Quality Education and New Friends
For Malaysian Azlan Abu Bakar and Swiss Raphael Steiger, who attended the orientation, it is the first time in Finland.
Steiger has come to the University of Turku to study Business Administration and Economics and Bakar will be carrying out a training project for his logistics studies.
– What I expect most from my time as an exchange student is to familiarise myself with Finnish expertise. I also want to get to know the Finnish culture and people, says Bakar.
Bakar and Steiger came to the University of Turku because they wanted to attend a Nordic university in a small city.
– Mostly, I’m looking forward to meeting new people from all over the world and experiencing new teaching methods, says Steiger.
Vice Rector Riitta Pyykkö, who delivered the opening address at the orientation, also emphasised that new learning methods and friendships are the most important parts of the exchange studies.
Text: Matilda Herjanto
Translation: Mari Ratia